Hon.Bahinduka Mugarra Martin

Member of the 9th Parliament ( Ntoroko County) Minister of State for Tourism,Wildlife and Antiquities.

[UGANDA HIGH COMMISSION OTTAWA-CANADA @UHCOttawa]

UGANDA HIGH COMMISSION UNVEILS DESTINATION UGANDA BRANDED BUS IN OTTAWA CANADA, JUNE 1, 2026
The branded bus has been launched to hit Ottawa roads today June 1, 2026. The event that happened at Infinity Convention Centre was graced by representatives of Global Affairs, tourism and media fraternity, Uganda diaspora and partners in the project.
The double-decker bus, wrapped in vibrant imagery of Uganda’s mountain gorillas, wildlife, landscapes, and the Rwenzori Marathon will circulate daily through Ottawa’s most visited corridors, including Parliament Hill, ByWard Market, the National Gallery, and major hotel districts in a campaign running from June-October 2026, expected to generate between 1–2 million impressions.

In his remarks, @kajik5566, Charge’ d’Affaires of Uganda High Commission in Ottawa appreciated the participants and said that the Bus is not just a medium of transport, but carries the story and experience of destination Uganda. He called upon everybody in the room to be an Ambassador of Uganda’s beauty. The event was spiced up by traditional dances and the famous Ugandan Rolex which was enjoyed by many.

The initiative aligns with Uganda’s tourism promotion strategy to increase awareness, attract long haul travelers, and strengthen Uganda’s presence in key international markets.
*UHC-Ottawa*
1/06/2026

[Government of Uganda @GovUganda]

In Northern Uganda, dance is more than entertainment , it is identity, culture, history and pride passed down through generations.
#ExploreUganda #POATE

[Frank K Tumwebaze,MP: Isaiah 41: 11 @FrankTumwebazek]

Thank you @TourismBoardUg for actively selling Uganda's gifts to the world. #POATE2026 was a huge success. #ExploreUganda

#Emburarafarmlodge #CulturalTourism

[Uganda Tourism Board @TourismBoardUg]

Congratulations to all the winners of the #POATE2026 Awards🥳

Your innovation, excellence, and commitment to sustainable tourism continue to shape Uganda’s tourism sector and strengthen her position on the global stage.

Thank you for raising the bar, creating meaningful experiences, and contributing to the growth of a more resilient and competitive tourism industry.

#ExploreUganda | #POATEAwards2026

[Uganda Tourism Board @TourismBoardUg]

POATE DAY 2: The spotlight has turned to the growing influence of film and the creative industry in shaping how the world discovers destinations.

The discussion highlighted how through powerful storytelling, cinema, music, and visual media, destinations have become global icons that inspire curiousity, connection and travel.

The panel discussion also explored how the government can play a stronger enabling role in supporting the creative economy in Uganda and create an environment where film and tourism can work together to drive destination visibility, investment, and cultural influence.

#POATE2026 | #ExploreUganda | #Wanderlust

[Hon.Bahinduka Mugarra Martin @mugarra]

@Ronkawamara Thank you, Ron. And you’re here now too, let’s push this industry.

[Uganda Media Centre @UgandaMediaCent]

Tourism Leadership: Through the lens

Frame 1: Hon. @mugarra – Minister of State for @MTWAUganda

Frame 2: Ms. Pearl Hoareau Kakooza – Board Chairperson, @TourismBoardUg

Frame 3: @JulzKagwa – Chief Executive Officer, @TourismBoardUg

#ExploreUganda | #Wanderlust | #POATE2026

[Ron Kazooba Kawamara @Ronkawamara]

Thank you, @mugarra, for championing and growing POATE over the years. We appreciate your leadership always :)

[Hon.Bahinduka Mugarra Martin @mugarra]

#POATE2026
I was honored to join the other esteemed stakeholders of Uganda’s tourism sector as H.E the President @KagutaMuseveni officially opened the 10th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo at the @spekeresort convention center.

This POATE edition marks a decade’s long run of a tourism expo that has over the years grown into a regional and continental event.

As we delve into each day’s activities under the theme Wanderlust - dedicated to showcasing Uganda’s rich tourism attractions, cultural heritage, hospitality, investment opportunities among others, it is my prayer that we make the 3 days count.
#Wanderlust

[Uganda Tourism Board @TourismBoardUg]

We are ready for #POATE2026, are you?

Tomorrow, all roads lead to Speke Resort Convention Centre, Munyonyo for Uganda’s biggest tourism expo.

Are you part of the gang? Don't be left out🥳

#ExploreUganda | #Wanderlust

[Uganda Tourism Board @TourismBoardUg]

Today, we joined the rest of the world in commemorating this year’s International Museum Day under the theme, "Museums as Bridges of Unity and Shared Heritage", recognising the important role museums play in connecting people, preserving heritage, and promoting cultural understanding across communities.

As cultural tourism continues to grow, museums remain an important part of the tourism experience by creating authentic connections between travellers and destination heritage while contributing to education, cultural exchange, and community pride.

#IMD2026| #ExploreUganda

[Ministry of Tourism-Uganda @MTWAUganda]

Ongoing, colorful International Museums Day #IMD2026 celebrations @jinjacity Rugby Grounds! @ugandamuseums @uhttijinja @UTAUganda @TourismBoardUg @BasilAjer @JulzKagwa @KatusiimeDor @ExploreUganda @ugwildlife

[Uganda Tourism Board @TourismBoardUg]

We have welcomed hosted buyers from several countries ahead of the 10th Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo, which kicks off next Thursday.

The visitors will explore some of Uganda’s iconic tourism experiences, including Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kazinga Channel, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, alongside curated cultural experiences in Kampala.

Tomorrow marks the start of their familiarization trips, with participants split into different groups for immersive destination experiences.

Welcome to the Pearl of Africa.

#POATE2026 | #ExploreUganda | #Wanderlust

[Hon.Bahinduka Mugarra Martin @mugarra]

congratulations to His Excellency Gen, @KagutaMuseveni upon your swearing-in ceremony. This occasion marks another important chapter in your leadership and service to the nation of Uganda.
May your new term be filled with wisdom, peace, unity, and continued progress for all Ugandans. Wishing you strength, good health, and success as you continue to guide the country towards greater development and prosperity.
Congratulations once again, Your Excellency.

[NBS Television @nbstv]

The government has officially handed over the management of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve to the Uganda Wildlife Authority as part of a broader plan aimed at strengthening conservation efforts.

@LNduwumwami

#NBSLiveAt9 #NBSUpdates

[Hon.Bahinduka Mugarra Martin @mugarra]

📌 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally 2026

As I represented H.E the President @KagutaMuseveni at the flagging off ceremony of the 2026 edition of the #ShellVPower Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally in Mbarara the other day, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far motorsport has come for Uganda and the international event it has morphed into.

The #PearlofAfricaRally is among Uganda’s premier international sporting and tourism events attracting over 100,000 fans at the event and many following online.

Over the years, the rally has consistently positioned Uganda among Africa’s leading motorsport destinations with this year’s competition attracting 19 foreign crews from Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Burundi and India.

This demonstrates growing international confidence in Uganda’s ability to host world-class sporting events. I commend the relentless efforts for the organisers, @MotorsportUG, partnering entities - @ShellVPowerRT @AskKCBUganda, @TourismBoardUg, @LakeViewHotelUG among others, crews and the loyal fans that flock Mbarara year in year out for the races.

[Uganda Tourism Board @TourismBoardUg]

Following an unforgettable rhino tracking experience in Uganda, .@spiceofficial had the honour of naming one of the baby rhinos through a conservation contribution of USD 10,000.

She chose the name “Nankula Spice,” inspired by the Ugandan name- ‘Nankula’ given to her yesterday by the Buganda kingdom Kattikiro .@cpmayiga

This moment was an indication that when adventure, conservation, and culture came together, it is for a good cause.

#NameARhino | #ExploreUganda | #SpiceLive

[Uganda Tourism Board @TourismBoardUg]

Today, at Bulange Mengo, together with the Buganda Kingdom, we hosted Jamaican artist @spiceofficial as part of a week-long cultural immersion ahead of her concert on Saturday.

She was welcomed by the Katikkiro, Owek @cpmayiga, and inducted into the 'Enkula' (Rhino) clan under the name Nankula.

Our CEO, @JulzKagwa announced that every international artist performing in Uganda will first be invited to experience the country meaningfully before taking the stage because an immersion is an endorsement that travels further than press releases ever will.

#ExploreUganda | #CulturalTourism | #SpiceLive

[Hon.Bahinduka Mugarra Martin @mugarra]

📌 National Cultural Heritage Conference

As part of the activities leading up to the International Museum Day celebrations, @MTWAUganda today conducted the 3rd National Cultural Heritage Conference at @FairwayHotelKla themed “Urbanisation without Eraser: Architectural Heritage in Uganda’s Changing Urban Centres.”

As we discuss the complexities of achieving the ideals of the theme, we are reminded and challenged to rethink urban development paradigms.

Among the key perspectives we should consider is that urban growth must not be synonymous with demolition as this usually marks the beginning of losing touch with the history, identity and heritage particular structures or communities once embodied.

Urban development should rather explore;
📌 Heritage-sensitive planning, where conservation is embedded in urban policy and infrastructure development;
📌 Adaptive reuse, where historic buildings are revitalized for contemporary functions;
📌 Community-centred governance, ensuring that local voices shape the future of their environments among others.

We must also explore whether Uganda can adopt a “Heritage First” principle in urban redevelopment, one that prioritizes preservation alongside progress. We should also consider innovative incentives, including linking heritage conservation to property valuation and investment frameworks if cultural heritage is to co-exist in the ever-so-dynamic, contemporary urban environments.
#NCHC2026 #NationalCulturalHeritage
#AFutureRootedInHeritage