Kampala University Embraces Digital Innovation At World Tourism Day Celebrations In Mbale

Kampala University’s Tourism and Hospitality Management students and staff joined the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, industry stakeholders and the wider community in Mbale City to celebrate World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026, highlighting the growing importance of digital innovation in shaping the future of tourism.

Under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” the celebrations provided an opportunity to reflect on how technology can strengthen tourism promotion, improve visitor experiences and support sustainable development.

The Kampala University delegation was accompanied by Mr. James Naboth Ahimbisibwe, Mr. Muhumuza F. Kabagambe and Mr. Mbaju Landus, all lecturers in the University’s Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management. Their participation reinforced the University’s commitment to connecting academic training with industry experience.

For the students, the national celebration offered a valuable platform to interact with tourism professionals, build networks and deepen their appreciation of Uganda’s rich tourism potential. It also encouraged them to consider the skills required to succeed in an industry increasingly influenced by digital tools and changing visitor expectations.

The theme placed particular emphasis on the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and digital technologies. For aspiring tourism and hospitality professionals, these include new approaches to destination marketing, visitor communication, service delivery and tourism research. Understanding these developments is an essential part of preparing graduates to contribute effectively to the sector.

Kampala University values its collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and other tourism stakeholders. Such relationships strengthen practical learning, professional networking, research and innovation, while helping students understand the needs and opportunities of the industry they will enter.

Beyond celebrating Uganda’s attractions, the occasion emphasised the need to prepare a generation capable of promoting the country competitively while protecting the cultural and natural resources on which tourism depends.

Kampala University remains committed to equipping its students with practical skills, digital competencies and professional values. Its participation in the Mbale celebrations reaffirmed its determination to contribute to a sustainable and innovative tourism industry that advances Uganda’s standing as the Pearl of Africa.

By Ssekatawa Julius Abubakar
Public Relations Officer, Kampala University