Uganda: Eddy Kenzo volunteers for tourism ambassadorship

Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Godfrey Kiwanda announced that the singer had offered to take on the ambassadorial role and promised to leverage his celebrity status to encourage local tourism and forge a strategic partnership between the ministry and international tourism agencies.

Kiwanda said the initiative would go a long way in reviving Uganda's tourism sector, which came to a halt due to the cancellation of international travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Kenzo will join the sector in pushing forward majorly four campaigns: Tulambule, where he will promote domestic tourism, and the Twende Uganda campaign, whose purpose is to increase Ugandan tourism awareness among the East African Community.

"He will also front the Destination Uganda campaign, which targets the rest of Africa, and the Pearl of Africa Tourism Campaign, whose target is the international scene. We believe tourism will be the answer to reviving our economy, as this partnership will build the visibility of Uganda both locally and internationally," Kiwanda said.

In a statement accepting his new role, Kenzo said: "Today I was unveiled as the new brand ambassador for tourism in Uganda. A position I take on with profound honour and great joy. Honours for me is an opportunity to continue using my music to promote Uganda. As you have heard, it's entirely voluntary, and I am glad to be doing this for my country. I appeal for your support and ideas on how to majorly encourage local and regional tourism, especially in these callous times."

Prior to the announcement, Kenzo was named tourism ambassador in Kenya and Uganda in 2017 and 2018 respectively. The 'Sitya Loss' hitmaker is one of the best-selling Ugandan musicians of all time. He has won numerous awards, including BET and Nickelodeon Kids' Choice awards in 2015 and 2018 respectively.

He recently became the first Ugandan musician to receive a Gold Play Button from YouTube and has collaborated with artists from Ivory Coast, Tanzania and South Africa.