Uganda’s commitment to responsible tourism took centre stage at the Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Awards, an event dedicated to recognising individuals, organisations, and initiatives advancing sustainability, innovation, and community empowerment within the tourism sector.

The ceremony offered a valuable platform for travellers, operators, and industry stakeholders to celebrate Uganda’s rich cultural heritage and its growing promise in sustainable tourism.  Held ahead of a three-day festival, the awards brought together government leaders, private sector representatives, conservationists, creatives, youth advocates, and development partners to celebrate responsible and community-driven tourism.

Bismac Moses Amumpaire, Executive Director of the Africa Tourism and Environment Initiatives (ATEI) and the visionary behind the festival, emphasised that the future of Uganda’s tourism and hospitality industry relies on sustainability, conservation, and cultural preservation. “Ekkula has evolved into a platform steering the industry towards tourism driven by purpose, responsibility, and community value,” he noted.

Representing Enabel in Uganda, Joseph Byabazaire, Decent Work Expert under the Decent Work and Social Protection Project, highlighted the importance of continued collaboration across the sector. He reaffirmed Enabel’s commitment to capacity building, innovation, and strengthening community-based tourism enterprises.

Nominees across the 25 award categories underwent a rigorous evaluation process, consisting of a 70% technical jury assessment and 30% public and stakeholder voting. This balanced approach ensured fairness, credibility, and broad industry engagement.

Enabel in Uganda presented two special awards: Inclusive Tourism Champion Award, celebrating exceptional efforts to create accessible tourism experiences for all travellers and workers, including persons with disabilities and underserved communities.

Sustainable Tourism Journalist of the Year Award, honouring journalists whose compelling storytelling promotes responsible, environmentally conscious, and community-centred tourism.

Enabel was also recognised as a transformational partner in advancing sustainable tourism development. Other notable award recipients included: 

• Nature-Based Solutions and Rwenzori Coffee House Experience – Nature-Based Tourism Experience Award 

• Chefs Union Uganda/East African Culinary Fusion – Culinary Tourism Excellence Award 

• Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon – Sustainable Tourism Event of the Year 

• Brussels Airlines – Best Sustainable Airline, Economy Class 

• Tabebuia Spa and Safari Resort – Sustainable Eco Lodge of the Year 

• Emburara Farm Lodge – Agro-Tourism Eco Lodge of the Year 

The festival also unveiled several key national attractions, including the Official Seven Wonders of Kampala, an initiative celebrating iconic landmarks that embody the city’s cultural, historical, and spiritual identity. In addition, Uganda’s first tourism anthem, “Uganda Ekkula,” was launched as an artistic tribute to the nation’s natural beauty and cultural vibrancy.

Hosted at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, the Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Festival and Awards honoured excellence across hospitality, conservation, culture, adventure, tour operations, aviation, youth innovation, and community-based tourism, bringing together the champions shaping a more inclusive, responsible, and sustainable future for Uganda’s tourism industry. 

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