By Gad Masereka
Rabat: The Speaker of Parliament Rt.Hon.Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga has urged Uganda Government to increase efforts in promoting cultural tourism as a way of marketing Uganda to the diaspora. Kadaga said this during her visit to the Republic of Morocco on the invitation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Morocco, H.E. Habib El Maliki.
The Speaker who was accompanied by MPs toured the Mohammed V Mausoleum, a tomb where Morocco’s King Hassan II, and his sons were buried.
“We toured the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, where we found very many people who were also touring the place; Uganda too has various places rich with culture and history that government should explore,” she said.
Kadaga added that government should make it a national policy and list must see tourist attractions to which visitors are taken so as to sell Uganda as a tourist destination.
She also said that through Parliamentary diplomacy, the two countries could start working on improving bilateral relations which would enhance the development of both countries.
“This visit creates an understanding between the Parliament of Morocco and Uganda as a step for improved relations between the two countries to work together,” she said.
Kadaga also said that the two countries should explore avenues through which investments and cooperation should be done.
She called for direct flights from Morocco to Uganda following the revival of Uganda Airlines.
“Direct flights from Morocco to Uganda will increase tourism between the two countries since both countries have many cultural and historic tourist sites,” she said.
During the reading of the 2019-2020 budget, tourism was Uganda’s top foreign earner, therefore, the need to invest more in it as a source of income for the country.
The meeting highlighted the need to improve bilateral relations between the two countries by setting up embassies in Uganda and Morocco.
Speaker, H.E. Habib El Maliki, thanked the government of Uganda for its efforts in promoting peace in the African region.
Kadaga also met the Head of Government (Prime Minister) of Morocco, Mr. Saad Eddine El Othmani and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Nacer Bourita.
