Uganda Tourism Minister witnesses change of officers

Overseen by the Uganda Tourism Minister, Professor Ephraim Kamuntu, Mrs. Doreen Katusiime took over office from Ambassador Patrick Mugoya, who has been transferred back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he originally was based.

This is following the recent shakeup of Permanent Secretaries in various Ministries by President Yoweri Museveni. The Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities witnessed this formal change of guard at the Ministry headquarters located on Rwenzori Towers in Kampala on November 22, 2016. This was confirmed by the Tourism Ministry Public Relations Officer, Emma Nahayo Muguzi.

The incoming Permanent Secretary urged the public and private sector players in the tourism industry to show integrity in their words and actions.

“I have found a good foundation set by Ambassador Mugoya. I already feel at home and I expect us to cooperate as a team with respect for each other,” said Katusiime.

In his remarks the Honorable Minister had this to say: “I have known both [Mugoya] and [Katusiime] for a long time, and this is a bittersweet moment for me. I was happy to work with Mugoya, and I will be delighted to work with Katusiime.”

The handover meeting was attended by the heads of tourism agencies, and departments and the Uganda Tourism Association, who all commended Ambassador Mugoya on the achievements he has realized for the sector during his tenure.

Mugoya was appointed to the Ministry as Permanent Secretary in July 2011 while still based in New York city. He took up the appointment in September 2011 and within five years, the tourism industry gained recognition and set up policies, plans, and laws to segment itself as a major driver for the economic transformation of Uganda.