The Uganda Tourism Board has confirmed that it will partner the Iteso Cultural Union on the Emaali Festival 2026. The Board’s letter, referenced MKT 424/662/01 and dated 17 June 2026, is signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Juliana Kagwa.
It answers a request the Union sent on 5 May 2026 under reference ICU_MOT26/005, which the Board’s registry stamped as received on 13 May. In that letter the Union asked the Board to partner and support the Festival, and set out four longer pieces of work it is pursuing with stakeholders in the region: a tourism destination management plan, a visitor-flow analysis tool, a cultural heritage asset inventory, and a feasibility study and needs assessment for a Teso cultural resource centre.
The board appreciates your work in conserving, preserving and promoting cultural tourism and the heritage of Teso Kingdom.
Uganda Tourism Board, 17 June 2026
Six commitments
The Board’s letter lists the support it will provide towards the Festival:
- Advertising and media support.
- Digital and creative support.
- Marketing and promotional materials support.
- Cluster support contribution of UGX 10 million.
- UTB participation through attendance and exhibition.
- Branding support and facilitation of the press launch.
The Board’s reply also describes the Festival in its own words — an event at which the kingdom plans to showcase its cultural heritage, its ecosystems and its tourism assets, “including lakes wetlands birdlife, traditional institutions and vibrant expression”.
Both letters are reproduced on the Partners & Approvals page, alongside the Kololo venue approval.
Update, 6 August 2026: the sixth commitment was honoured. The Festival was presented to journalists at the Board’s offices in Kampala.
