Uganda has made history by becoming one of the first African nations to formally honour the late Dr. Jane Goodall, recognising her global legacy in wildlife conservation and environmental advocacy.
The Special Posthumous Recognition Award was presented during the grand finale of the Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Festival in Kampala.
The three-day festival, hosted at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel, brought together conservation leaders, tourism innovators, policymakers, creatives, development partners and youth change-makers to shape a new era of responsible and impactful tourism in Uganda.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
The celebration culminated in the Ekkula Awards Night, where Dr. Goodall–founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and one of the world’s most influential conservationists–was honoured for her extraordinary contribution to wildlife protection and community-centred environmental work.
The award was received on her behalf by James Byamukama, Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda, in an emotional moment that underlined Uganda’s growing leadership in conservation recognition across the continent.
ATEI Executive Director and festival founder Bismac Moses Amumpaire described the Ekkula initiative as a movement redefining tourism through purpose, community empowerment and environmental responsibility. He noted that Dr. Goodall’s recognition reflects a broader commitment to celebrating global icons whose work continues to shape Africa’s conservation future.
Supported significantly by ENABEL Uganda, the festival also amplified the importance of collaborative action and sustainable tourism models. ENABEL reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening tourism’s role in local empowerment, green innovation and inclusive national development.
The festival introduced several national firsts, including the unveiling of the Official Seven Wonders of Kampala, celebrating iconic landmarks that define the city’s cultural, historical and spiritual character.
It also featured the launch of Uganda’s first tourism anthem, “Uganda Ekkula,” a unifying artistic tribute to the country’s natural and cultural beauty. Exhibitions, cultural showcases, creative performances, tourism quizzes and presentations by Miss Climate, Miss Tourism Queens and the Men of Tourism added vibrancy to the event.
A wide range of institutions and individuals were celebrated for their role in building Uganda’s sustainable tourism ecosystem. Acacia Wilderness Mweya was named Sustainable New Hotel/Eco Lodge of the Year, while Igongo Country Hotel received Sustainable Hotel of the Year.
Tabebuia Spa & Safari Resort was awarded Sustainable Eco Lodge of the Year, and Emburara Farm Lodge was recognised for Agro-Tourism excellence. Kaara Mountain Gorilla Lodge earned the Rising Sustainable Eco Lodge Award.
In aviation, Brussels Airlines was named Best Sustainable Airline (Business Class) for 2025, with Ethiopian Airlines recognised in the Economy Class category.
Individual excellence also took centre stage. Ibrahim Kayondo received the Sustainable Tourism Youth Champion Award, Evelyn Habasa of Ride for a Woman Bwindi was named Woman Champion of Sustainable Tourism 2025, and Jackline Nanteza of Wild Celebrations Africa was awarded Rising Woman of Sustainable Tourism. Ambassaodr
Paul Makubuya was honoured as Tourism Ambassador of the Year, while Twinematsiko Dickson was named Sustainable Travel Photographer of the Year and Trevor Lutalo of the Daily Monitor recognised as Sustainable Tourism Journalist of the Year.
A particularly emotional moment came with the recognition of John Hunwick of Rwenzori Trekking Services, honoured for decades of pioneering adventure tourism and conservation–an accolade presented on his 77th birthday.
Additional honours went to Nkuringo Safaris (Sustainable Tour Operator of the Year), Nature-Based Solutions & Rwenzori Coffee House Experience (Nature-Based Tourism), Raft Uganda Adventures (Adventure Tourism Star), and Chefs Union Uganda / East African Culinary Fusion (Culinary Tourism Excellence). The Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon was named Sustainable Tourism Event of the Year.
The National Arts & Cultural Crafts Association of Uganda was recognised as Cultural Heritage Champion, Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH) as Conservation Champion, and Skia Café-Jinja as Inclusive Tourism Champion. Kampala Sheraton Hotel received the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award, while ENABEL Uganda was honoured as Transformational Partner in Sustainable Tourism Development.
The event drew key national leaders including Private Sector Foundation Uganda Vice Chair Sarah Kagingo, Uganda Tourism Association President Yogi Birigwa, and representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities, the Uganda Tourism Board and the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Echoing the festival’s central message, organisers stressed that sustainable tourism is not merely an alternative–it is Uganda’s path to economic resilience, environmental protection and shared community prosperity.
