Uganda Sets Benchmark in Conservation by Honouring Dr. Jane Goodall at Ekkula Festival
Uganda has made a bold statement on the global stage, emerging as one of the first African countries to formally honour the late Dr. Jane Goodall for her unparalleled contributions to wildlife conservation and environmental advocacy. The historic recognition took place at the grand finale of the Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Festival in Kampala, an event that not only celebrated Dr. Goodall’s legacy but also showcased Uganda’s growing reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism and conservation recognition in Africa.
The three-day festival, held at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel, served as a vibrant gathering point for conservationists, tourism innovators, policymakers, creative minds, development partners and youth leaders. Their collective mission: to chart a new course for responsible and impactful tourism in Uganda. The mood was electric, and the sense of purpose palpable, as the country’s tourism industry came together to embrace sustainability as the foundation for future growth and community empowerment.
The highlight of the festival was the Ekkula Awards Night, where Dr. Goodall—founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and a towering figure in the world of conservation—was posthumously acknowledged for her extraordinary influence on wildlife protection and community-driven environmental initiatives. The Special Posthumous Recognition Award was received on her behalf by James Byamukama, Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda, marking an emotional milestone and reinforcing Uganda’s commitment to celebrating those whose work shapes Africa’s conservation story.
Bismac Moses Amumpaire, Executive Director of the Africa Tourism Excellence Initiative and founder of the festival, described Ekkula as a transformative movement. He emphasised that the initiative is redefining tourism by placing purpose, community empowerment and environmental stewardship at its core. Dr. Goodall’s recognition, he noted, is a symbol of Uganda’s determination to highlight and honour international icons whose achievements continue to inspire Africa’s conservation future.
The festival enjoyed significant support from ENABEL Uganda, which used the platform to highlight the critical importance of collaborative action and forward-thinking tourism models. ENABEL reiterated its dedication to positioning tourism as a catalyst for local empowerment, green innovation and inclusive national development. This strategic backing represents a blueprint for other African nations seeking to harness international partnerships for sustainable tourism growth.
Several national firsts were introduced during the festival, further elevating Uganda’s tourism narrative. Among them was the unveiling of the Official Seven Wonders of Kampala, a celebration of landmarks that encapsulate the city's rich cultural, historical and spiritual tapestry. This initiative not only elevates Kampala’s profile as a destination but also invites the African tourism sector to reimagine city tourism through the lens of cultural heritage and local storytelling.
Another innovative milestone was the launch of Uganda’s first tourism anthem, “Uganda Ekkula.” This artistic creation serves as an uplifting tribute to the nation’s natural and cultural splendour, aiming to foster unity and pride among citizens and visitors alike. The event was also enlivened by exhibitions, cultural performances, tourism quizzes, and presentations by Miss Climate, Miss Tourism Queens and the Men of Tourism, all of which showcased the dynamism and diversity of Uganda’s tourism ecosystem.
Recognition of excellence took centre stage as institutions and individuals were celebrated for their efforts in building a resilient and sustainable tourism sector. Acacia Wilderness Mweya was named Sustainable New Hotel/Eco Lodge of the Year, Igongo Country Hotel earned the Sustainable Hotel of the Year accolade, and Tabebuia Spa & Safari Resort took home Sustainable Eco Lodge of the Year. Emburara Farm Lodge was lauded for its agro-tourism initiatives, while Kaara Mountain Gorilla Lodge was identified as a rising star in the sustainable eco lodge category.
In aviation, Brussels Airlines received the Best Sustainable Airline Award (Business Class) for 2025, while Ethiopian Airlines was recognised for excellence in the Economy Class segment. These recognitions point to a growing demand for eco-friendly air travel across Africa, with airlines playing a pivotal role in greening the continent’s tourism value chain.
The festival also celebrated individual trailblazers. Ibrahim Kayondo was named Sustainable Tourism Youth Champion, Evelyn Habasa of Ride for a Woman Bwindi was honoured as Woman Champion of Sustainable Tourism 2025, and Jackline Nanteza of Wild Celebrations Africa was awarded Rising Woman of Sustainable Tourism. Ambassador Paul Makubuya emerged as Tourism Ambassador of the Year, while Twinematsiko Dickson and Trevor Lutalo were celebrated for their achievements in sustainable travel photography and tourism journalism, respectively.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the night came with the recognition of John Hunwick of Rwenzori Trekking Services. Honoured for his decades of pioneering adventure tourism and conservation work, Hunwick received his accolade on his 77th birthday, underscoring the deep personal commitment that drives Africa’s tourism leaders.
Further honours went to Nkuringo Safaris for Sustainable Tour Operator of the Year, Nature-Based Solutions & Rwenzori Coffee House Experience for excellence in nature-based tourism, Raft Uganda Adventures as Adventure Tourism Star, and Chefs Union Uganda / East African Culinary Fusion for culinary tourism excellence. The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon was singled out as Sustainable Tourism Event of the Year, highlighting the growing role of sports and events in driving responsible tourism.
In addition, the National Arts & Cultural Crafts Association of Uganda was recognised as Cultural Heritage Champion, while Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH) was named Conservation Champion and Skia Café-Jinja claimed the title of Inclusive Tourism Champion. The Kampala Sheraton Hotel received the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award, and ENABEL Uganda was honoured as Transformational Partner in Sustainable Tourism Development.
The presence of leading figures—including the Private Sector Foundation Uganda Vice Chair Sarah Kagingo, Uganda Tourism Association President Yogi Birigwa and representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities, Uganda Tourism Board and Uganda Wildlife Authority—underscored the event’s national significance and the unified vision for Uganda’s tourism future.
Organisers reiterated that sustainable tourism is more than an alternative for Uganda; it is a strategic pathway to economic resilience, robust environmental protection and shared prosperity for communities. As Uganda raises the bar for conservation recognition and sector innovation, the rest of Africa is being called to embrace a similar ethos—one that champions purpose-driven tourism, celebrates homegrown excellence and honours those who shape the continent’s environmental legacy.
