Amb. Paul Mukumbya, Uganda Consulate in Mombasa
Ambassador Paul Mukumbya of the Uganda Consulate in Mombasa emphasized a paradigm shift from traditional political diplomacy to economic and promotional diplomacy, with a strategic focus on tourism, trade, and investment. He underscored the growing importance of digital communication tools in driving this new approach.
A key initiative in this regard is the annual Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference, which was launched in 2022. The conference, he noted, has evolved into a vital platform for fostering cross-border collaboration, with themes centered on sustainability and inclusivity. Ambassador Mukumbya highlighted the mutual benefits of regional tourism cooperation, pointing to the complementarity between Kenya’s coastal attractions, such as its pristine beaches, and Uganda’s inland treasures, including mountain gorillas and national parks.
Looking ahead, the Ambassador noted that the fourth edition of the Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference is scheduled to take place in Kampala in 2025. The upcoming event will spotlight the role of youth and technology in tourism, aiming to harness innovation and empower the next generation of tourism leaders across the region.