Lango urged to own approaching international tourism conference

The first Lango cultural and tourism conference scheduled for next week [21 -23 October] should be embraced by all Lango community, at home and afar, organizers have urged.

On the theme ‘Sustainable Tourism for Development in the Lango Sub-region’, the conference will be used as a gateway to identify and market tourism hubs in the sub-region.

Speaking to TND News Uganda on Sunday in an interview, Emily Akullu one of the conveners says Lango have welcomed the conference.

**Positive about the event’s success: Emily Akullu – one of the conference conveners and a consultant with CRIID Uganda.**

On funding, Emily who is Head of Policy and Research at CRIID Consults Uganda says the contribution is still too low, calling on the populace to own and contribute kindly for the conference.

“I can say that we are at 50 percent in terms of preparation. The venue as been secured at Lira University,” she said.

“I’m happy we have also secured hotels for visitors at a reduced rate per night. I thank Margarita Palace Hotel and 291 Suites in Odokomit for giving us their rooms at just shs50, 000 per night,” Emily added.

By Sunday, according to Professor Opio Okaka Dokotum, the chief convener and Vice Chancellor Lira University, people’s contribution was still very low.

“Lira University has paid for the Keynote Speaker’s air ticket; $1200 and has provided fuel for mobilization and accommodation and meals for Keynote Speaker,” Dr Okaka added.

Dr Philipp Wassler, a lecturer at Bournemouth University – Department of Tourism & Hospitality is the Keynote Speaker.

United States Dollars 40,000, about [Uganda shillings 151,402,000.00] has been budgeted for the conference, official says.

Asked on Sunday if the eight districts in Lango sub-region had made any estimable contribution towards the conference, Emily says they have had promises from local governments.

This tourism conference is being hosted and co-hosted by Lira district and Lira University where they venue has been preferred.

However, local and international tourists will move to Apac [Got Ibuje, visit home of the former Ugandan President, Dr Apollo Milton Obote in Akokoro], Dokolo and Got Ngetta in Lira district, among other marked tourist sites in the sub-region.

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Speaking to TND News Uganda on Tuesday afternoon, Federcik Odongo Kungfu Master, the Dokolo district LC5 Chairperson says his district is ready to support the conference.

Mr Odongo expressed his happiness that the conference will help market Dokolo to local, national and international tourists.

“I’m personally ready and the district. We were to have a meeting with my team and see how to put a hand in this conference,” he said.

“It’s a big program and opportunity for us. We have been yearning to see a body coming out to do this,” he added.

According to Kungfu Master, they are brainstorming on how and how much the district will have to contribute next week for the important event.

“It’s an opportunity for us to sell the districts’ tourism potentials outside and see how we can attract those who may be interested in developing the sector,” the Dokolo district chairperson empathized.

To support the conference, contact the following people directly.