Kenneth Kazibwe
The Uganda Tourism Board(UTB) a government body mandated to promote and popularize Uganda as a tourist destination has allayed tourists' fears following the Friday night attack on Lhubirira Secondary School in Mpondwe by ADF rebels.
In a statement on Tuesday, UTB described the attack as an
isolated incident.
"Such incidents are very isolated. The Ministry of
Defense has indicated that Kasese district and the entire Rwenzori sub- region
is secure, calm and peaceful. The tourists to Uganda are safe," UTB said.
They asked travelers to Uganda not to be deterred by the
incident which happened many kilometres away from the nearby tourist
attractions.
"Uganda has stunning landscapes, rich cultural
heritage and diverse wildlife. By continuing to support
Uganda's tourism industry, visitors can contribute to the nation's economic
growth and demonstrate solidarity with Ugandan people," UTB said.
"By choosing to visit Uganda, travelers can showcase
their unwavering spirit, experience the country's natural beauty and celebrate
its remarkable attributes."
UTB said Uganda's renowned national parks, such as Bwindi
Impenetrable Forest, Kidepo National Park, Queen Elizabeth, offer extraordinary
opportunities to encounter endangered mountain gorillas, lions, birds and
countless other species in their natural habitats.
The Friday night attack happened at Lhubirira Secondary
School in Mpondwe which is over 40 kilometres away from the nearest tourist
attractions.
President Museveni on Sunday said government is in control
of the situation noting that the UPDF is to send more troops into DRC to pursue
the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels who are responsible for the attack.
Museveni said with the latest attack, there is no reason why
Uganda's army should not finish off the ADF for good.
The State Minister for ICT and information, Godfrey
Kabbyanga on Monday said business has returned to normal, especially at the
border between Uganda and DRC following the attack.
He reiterated that security is in control of the situation.