Kikorongo Safari Lodge ED Hon. Nyombi Thembo Gifts Miss Tourism Rwenzori Queens Tuition Support, Launches Anti-Litter Campaign in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Frank Semata 
Hon. Nyombi Thembo, former Minister and Executive Director of Kikorongo Safari Lodge, gifted a cheque worth UGX 2.5 million to the reigning Miss Tourism Rwenzori 2024/25 and her runners-up.
The contribution was made to support their tuition and personal development as they embark on their one-year tourism ambassadorship across the Rwenzori region and beyond.
The beneficiaries of the generous gesture were: Queen Muhindo Fortunate – Miss Tourism Rwenzori 2024/25, Queen Muganda Shivon – 1st Runner-Up, Queen Masika Beatrice Byakutaga – 2nd Runner-Up
The cheque handover ceremony took place at the scenic Kikorongo Safari Lodge, a high-end eco-lodge located at the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, overlooking Lake Kikorongo.
The lodge, known for its luxurious eco-friendly setting, is a proud symbol of sustainable tourism in western Uganda.
This indeed awarded them the Sustainable Eco Lodge of the year in the 2024 Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Awards.
Speaking during the handover, Hon. Nyombi Thembo reiterated his unwavering support for tourism, education, and girl-child empowerment.
As the proprietor of both Kikorongo Safari Lodge and Tilenga Safari Lodge, he has been a long-time partner of the Miss Tourism Rwenzori initiative, consistently providing support, mentorship, and platforms for the youth.
“Empowering the girl child is empowering a great nation,” Hon. Thembo stated.
“I am proud to support these outstanding young women, who are not only representing the beauty of the Rwenzori region but also advocating for the environment, culture, and responsible tourism.”
He praised the Miss Tourism Rwenzori organizing committee for their resilience and pledged continued collaboration in future editions.
In recognition of their new roles, the three Miss Tourism Rwenzori Queens were also officially named ambassadors of both Kikorongo Safari Lodge and Tilenga Safari Lodge.
This partnership will see them promote the lodges as premium eco-tourism destinations and amplify messages around sustainable tourism, community engagement, and conservation.
“We are very grateful for this noble character of goodwill and look forward to future engagements together as we continue to rethink tourism,” said Queen Muhindo Fortunate.
According to Bismac Amumpaire Moses, Regional Coordinator of Miss Tourism Rwenzori and Executive Director of Africa Tourism and Environment Initiatives (ATEI), the ambassadorial roles will also enhance the Queens’ exposure to tourism entrepreneurship, conservation, and hospitality management.
In the same spirit of tourism sustainability, the day also marked the launch of an Anti-Litter Campaign in the Kikorongo area, aimed at preserving the pristine environment surrounding Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Together with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Africa Tourism and Environment Initiatives (ATEI), the Ekkula Tourism Awards team, and community volunteers, the Miss Tourism Queens and Hon. Nyombi joined hands to clean the Kikorongo Equator Monument and nearby road corridors.
This iconic monument is a high-traffic site for both domestic and international tourists, and the cleanup was symbolic of a larger call to action for environmental responsibility.
“We cannot promote tourism and ignore the garbage. Cleanliness is part of our image and experience,” noted Bismac Amumpaire.
“This campaign is a model for what community-led environmental tourism should look like.”
The event concluded with traditional Rwenzori dances, community appreciation messages, and a commitment to make the Kikorongo area a model for clean, responsible tourism in Uganda.
