Yesterday marked an exciting milestone for tourism in Western Uganda as the #ExploreAnkole campaign was officially launched, unveiling the beauty, culture, and tourism potential of the Ankole sub-region.
The initiative forms part of the broader national tourism drive led by the Uganda Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities under the Explore Uganda Campaign, aimed at encouraging both locals and international visitors to discover the country’s diverse destinations.
For many years, Christian artists and media platforms were rarely involved in tourism promotion. However, this trend has begun to shift significantly.
One of the pioneers of this change has been Gugudde TV, a Christian media house that has consistently covered tourism and travel content. Through documentaries, features, and destination highlights, the platform has helped open new opportunities for Christian media to participate in national development conversations, including tourism.
The turning point came when travel journalist Kanyesigye Edwin was recognized as *Travel Journalist of the Year*, a moment that also acknowledged Gugudde TV’s contribution to promoting tourism through faith-based media platforms.
The collaboration has gradually expanded to include gospel artists who are now being used as ambassadors to promote Uganda’s destinations.
Last year, artists such as Gabby Ntate and Pastor Twina Herbert became some of the first gospel artists involved in promoting Uganda’s tourism industry. Their participation demonstrated the influence Christian artists have in reaching large audiences both locally and internationally
This year, renowned gospel minister Wilson Bugembe has joined Pastor Twina Herbert in promoting the Ankole region as part of the campaign.
As part of the ongoing tourism push, a major tour to Mbarara is scheduled to kick off on March 27. The trip will highlight the attractions, culture, and hospitality of the Ankole region.
To support the initiative, the Uganda Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has provided free transport and facilitated access to several tourism sites, enabling artists, media personalities, and content creators to explore and showcase the region.
The growing involvement of Christian media and gospel artists signals a new era where faith-based platforms are contributing to national promotion efforts. By blending storytelling, culture, and faith-driven audiences, the campaign is helping shine a brighter spotlight on Uganda’s tourism treasures—starting with the rich landscapes and heritage of Ankole.
