From Buganda Royal Heritage and Kasubi Tombs to Cultural Lectures and Marriott Training, the Queens Discover That Tourism Is More Than a Crown
By Brian Mugenyi
KAMPALA, UGANDA — Leaving behind their rehearsal rooms at the Kampala Marriott Hotel, the Miss Tourism East Africa contestants embarked on an immersive journey into the heart of Uganda’s cultural heritage.
Led by Miss Tourism East Africa Chief Executive Officer Allan Kanyike, the delegation first visited Buganda Cultural Heritage. There, the queens were introduced to the traditions, history, and material culture of the Buganda Kingdom, transforming the visit into an interactive classroom where guides detailed the significance of traditional drums, cultural ornaments, royal regalia, and historical artifacts.
For young women preparing to serve as regional ambassadors, the visit highlighted a core truth: effectively marketing a destination to the world requires a deep understanding of its foundational story.
The delegation later proceeded to the Kasubi Tombs, where the contestants attended lectures on Buganda’s cultural institutions, norms, and traditions. Rather than making a brief stop for photographs, the delegates engaged directly with heritage custodians, asking questions and documenting the living history preserved at the site. For an initiative designed to showcase East Africa globally, this educational foundation equips the delegates to articulate the region’s cultural depth with authority.
The itinerary also included visits to historical sites associated with the turbulent era of Idi Amin’s rule. Guides walked the delegation through caves and historical sites bearing artwork and physical markers from that period. The experience presented a stark contrast to the vibrant cultural displays seen earlier, serving as a reminder that heritage tourism preserves sobering history alongside celebrated traditions. Sites of historic memory educate visitors on how societies navigate complex pasts while building toward the future.
Throughout the heritage tour, delegate Okoobah Shakirah Kadama actively engaged the cultural guides on historical practices and local traditions. Hailing from Busoga and holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Makerere University, Kadama has centered her tourism platform on culture, peace, and social unity. Reflecting on the tour, she noted the importance of Uganda’s stable democratic environment under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, while acknowledging the central role played by Buganda’s cultural institutions and Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II in preserving indigenous identity.
Her observations demonstrated how tourism platforms can foster broader conversations around history, governance, and national identity.
The cultural program brought the contestants to the royal palace premises, where officials and security detailed cultural protocols and guided the delegation through the grounds during an ongoing administrative session involving Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
Following the heritage sites, the delegates experienced local culinary traditions through hospitality arrangements supported by Hajjat Harima Namakula, including engagements at Supremacy Lounge. The gathering showcased Ugandan cuisine and music, reinforcing the role of local hospitality as an essential component of the visitor economy.
Away from the cultural sites, intensive preparations continue at the Kampala Marriott Hotel ahead of the grand finale scheduled for September 12, 2026. The contestants are undergoing media communications training, stage etiquette drills, and platform development sessions. Organizers have finalized event arrangements, setting general participation fees alongside VIP ticketing at Shs200,000 to welcome stakeholders, diplomats, and cultural enthusiasts to the showcase.
The engagements across Buganda’s heritage sites demonstrate that pageant ambassadorship extends far beyond aesthetic appeal. While a title commands initial attention, cultural knowledge provides the narrative, historical context offers depth, and rigorous training ensures effective communication. As the September 12 finale approaches, the delegates are acquiring an integrated view of East Africa’s tourism landscape—one rooted in historical truth, living traditions, and authentic community engagement.
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