JEE RICK NEWS

Uganda's tourism industry is struggling to attract visitors compared to its neighbors, despite its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Many people are discussing ways to improve this situation and make Uganda a top destination for tourists. According to Amos Wekesa, Team Leader of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, tour operators in Uganda face significant challenges in convincing wholesalers about the country's potential, with less than 5% of their efforts being rewarded. "We spend 95% of our efforts convincing wholesalers about Uganda instead of selling our product," Wekesa said. "Our neighbors, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, have successfully marketed their countries, and it's time for Uganda to follow suit." Wekesa emphasized the need for a critical mass of individuals, including those in government, to push for marketing efforts with the right budgets on the right platforms. He cited the example of Kenya, which receives significantly more touri...

Kasese, Uganda - The Rwenzori Theluji Festival was on 23rd July 2025 launched in Kasese, Uganda, with the aim of promoting tourism, trade, and investment in the region. Speaking at the launch, Mbogha Johnson, Vice Chairperson of the Kasese Tourism Investors Forum (KTIF) Board and National Chairperson of the festival, emphasized that the event is designed to boost business opportunities through its Tourism, Trade, and Investment summit. The festival aims to enhance the livelihoods of people in the Rwenzori Region while showcasing and celebrating their rich cultural heritage. Johnson also highlighted the festival's provision for tree planting to conserve the environment. Mbogha Johnson, Vice Chairperson of the Kasese Tourism Investors Forum (KTIF) Board  Bwahana Vincent, a consultant at Rwenzori Auto Spa and Hospitality Business Solutions, urged locals to own Kasese's tourism industry and work together to promote and discover new attractions, including churches and schools. The R...

The State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga Kiime, has announced the passing of his daughter, Phiona Kobusingye Kabbyanga, who succumbed to cancer on Thursday at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Mulago.  The burial is scheduled for Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Rusese Village, Bukonzo County West, Kasese District. In a heartfelt statement, the minister expressed his grief: "With deep sorrows, I announce the death of my daughter. May her soul rest in peace." The community and nation join the family in mourning during this difficult time. Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi, the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, also posted on X about the same incident, expressing sadness. Ends  Story by Jonan Mumbere  Contact us at  Email : jeericknews3@gmail.com  Whatsapp : +256766684141

The Kasese district local government has held a training workshop for hoteliers in Kasese town ahead of the TuskerLite Rwenzori Marathon on August 23rd, 2025, and the Rwenzori Theluji Festival happening in September.  At the workshop meeting held at the Rwenzori International Hotel, Kikusa Mustafa, Principal Assistant in the CAO's office, urged hoteliers to maintain modernized services for quick visitor experiences. The Tourism Officer for Kasese district, Jovia Mbambu, appealed to hoteliers to make their facilities welcoming for both local and foreign visitors, noting that the tourism sector is bringing a lot of money into the area.  Tourism Officer for Kasese district, Jovia Mbambu Recently, Amos Wakesa, team leader for the TuskerLite Rwenzori Marathon, revealed that about 24 countries have registered runners who will participate in the marathon in Uganda. Jovia emphasized that maintaining good customer service when addressing visitors will lead them to spend a lot of money ...

The NRM primaries in Kasese have concluded, with several aspirants expressing discontent over the results. Kambale Ferigo was declared the NRM flag bearer for Kasese Municipality, while Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga emerged victorious in the Bukonzo West NRM MP primaries, winning with 65.2%. Notably, Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabyanga Kiima, who lost in the primaries, congratulated Dr. Kiyonga on his win. Kithulha Francis During Elections ( Picture - Gonzaga Stephen )  Dr. Monday Julius Rude also won the NRM party primaries in Bukonzo East, defeating two men and one woman. In Busongora South, Mulindwa David defeated incumbent MP Mujunju Thembo Gedion. However, Francis Mugisa Kithulha, who lost to Ferigo in Kasese Municipality, has issued a four-day ultimatum to the Electoral Commission to include a polling station inexplicably omitted from the declaration process.  Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga - NRM Flag Bearer Bukonzo West MP  Kithulha claims he was leading before the results were declared and...

A total of 21 primary schools in Kasese Municipality participated in the Primary School Football and Netball competitions held at Kilembe Quarters Playground.  According to Mr. Masereka Benon, Chairperson of Sports for Primary Schools in Central Division, Kasese Municipality, the event saw a notable increase in participation from private schools compared to previous years. Mr. Masereka Benon, Chairperson of Sports for Primary Schools in Central Division The Ministry of Education and Sports has been instrumental in promoting sports in schools, recognizing its importance in promoting physical fitness among learners. However, private schools face significant challenges in financing sports activities, which limits their participation. "We urge community members and relevant offices to support sports activities in schools," said Bayita Ricky, sports teacher at Bride for Peace International School, and Kambere Benon, games master at Infant Preparatory School. "Sports play a si...

Kabagambe has announced he will not run as an independent candidate as it has been allegeded by some people in the upcoming elections after losing in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party primaries in Kasese Municipality on July 9, 2025. Kabagambe reaffirmed his loyalty to the FDC, urging supporters to back the party’s chosen flag bearer. He also promised to fulfill campaign pledges, including funding education for pupils in the municipality.  To support the community, Kabagambe launched a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO), a group where members save and borrow money together to improve their livelihoods. He donated UGX 5 million to start the SACCO and committed to ensuring its official registration. Nzalha Christopher, chairperson of Kabagambe’s task force, said the SACCO will benefit all locals, not just his supporters, by providing financial support for businesses and farming.  Kule Bonex, an aspirant for Nyamwamba Division LC III chairperson, praise...

In a significant political gathering, NRM contestants Hon. Kabbyanga Godfrey Baluku and Mr. Wangalima Milton addressed the public at a joint rally held at Kithoma market in Kithoma, Kanyatsi Town Council. Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga was notably absent, with no identified reason for his absence despite directives from NRM top leaders. The event marked a crucial step in the lead-up to the general election, with both candidates outlining their visions for the constituency.  Hon. Kabbyanga Godfrey Baluku, Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga, and Mr. Wangalima Milton are competing in NRM party primaries where the winner will be the flag bearer in the upcoming general election for Bukonzo West - Kasese. During the rally, Hon. Kabbyanga is currently the state Minister of ICT and National Guidance pledged to enhance the healthcare sector in Bukonzo West, with plans to lobby for the upgrading of Bwera Hospital. He also urged fellow candidates to maintain peace during the election and encouraged voters to do the ...

In a grand ceremony held at Legacy Chill Out Kasese ( 4th July 2025) , Masika Rinah was crowned Miss Tourism Rwenzori 2025/2026. The proud Mukonzo from the foothills of the Rwenzori mountains will spearhead efforts to boost tourism and culture in the region, having promised to promote these key areas during her reign. The runners-up were also announced, with Natukunda Linda taking the position of 1st Runner-up and Karungi Asanat being crowned 2nd Runner-up. Natukunda Linda is known for her passionate advocacy for Rwenzori culture, community, tourism, and hospitality. During the event, several notable figures made significant announcements. Hon. Kambale Ferigo pledged to establish a History Museum in Kasese to preserve stories and honor contributors to the district's development. He offered free space at Rwenzori TV to support Miss Tourism pass information to the public. Queen Rinah Masika   Link Bus Company Limited also expressed its commitment to supporting tourism beyond its tran...