This initiative aims to change the mindset of domestic tourists and promote Uganda’s rich agricultural and cultural heritage as viable tourist attractions.
At the heart of this movement is Nshenyi Cultural Village, a pastoral retreat near Kitwe Town in Ntungamo District.
The cultural village has become a leading example of how community-based tourism can thrive, offering visitors an immersive experience of the traditional Banyankore lifestyle.
Eunice Tworekirwe, the principal public relations officer at the Ministry of Tourism, says Ugandans have long perceived tourism as a preserve for foreigners, with limited scope beyond national parks and wildlife.
However, the ministry is determined to expand its focus and showcase Uganda’s diverse experiences.
"We want to boost diverse tourism products and put a focus on agro-tourism. Many Ugandans are farmers, and we believe farming can be a strong tourism product," she said.
Mary Mugyenyi, the founder of Nshenyi Cultural Village and Uganda’s representative in the East African Legislative Assembly, emphasized the importance of showcasing African culture and identity through tourism.
"Tourism in Africa is often defined by wildlife, but we have so much more to offer. We need to conserve our identity and culture, and tourism can play a big role in that," she said.
"We realize that our identity and culture have not come out clearly, and we are being replaced by Western culture. Here at Nshenyi, we tell people that we Africans also lived and survived for many generations with our food."
Nshenyi Cultural Village is a few minute's drive from Ntungamo Town or an hour’s drive from Mbarara. Traditionally a pastoralist area, Nshenyi is characterized by endless rolling hills, savanna grass, and acacia trees—an ideal environment for rearing cattle.
Agriculture is another key economic activity, with large banana plantations and a variety of subsistence and commercial crops cultivated in the area.
Visitors to Nshenyi experience firsthand the traditional Ankole way of life. Through various activities, tourists immerse themselves in the community by engaging in nature walks, visiting homesteads, and learning about traditional farming tools and techniques passed down through generations.
Guests can also visit local schools, experience cultural dances, explore bustling markets, and meet Batwa pottery makers.
For adventurous travelers, walking along the Kagera River offers a unique experience where they can cross into Tanzania and Rwanda.
The village receives a significant number of domestic tourists daily, many of whom are eager to experience Ankore’s traditional life and learn about the culture.
Visitors particularly enjoy morning milking sessions, seeing long-horned cattle, and bee-keeping activities around the farm. Hiking, bird watching, and exploring agro-tourism farms are also part of the itinerary.
"I stayed here and had the most amazing time! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves nature, clean air, beautiful people, and amazing hosts," said one visitor.
Despite Uganda being an agricultural powerhouse, the country has not fully leveraged its farming industry as a tourism product. Uganda thrives on agriculture, yet the potential for agro-tourism remains largely untapped.
Uganda’s agricultural practices and diverse farm produce often mesmerize visitors, especially international ones, who find the traditional and modern farming methods fascinating.
Nshenyi Cultural Village has over 30 employees, and over 300 hundred cows (exotic & Ankore). Exotic cows each produce an average of 12 liters of milk, while local breeds yield between two to seven liters a day.
This contrast in farming practices is an attraction in itself, providing insight into the country's agrarian economy.
Mugyenyi notes that it is unfortunate Uganda has diverse cultures and attractive traditions yet has not fully tapped into agro-tourism.
She is investing in expanding Nshenyi Cultural Village to accommodate the growing number of visitors, including school groups and international tourists.
Plans include increasing the number of cottages for overnight stays to cater to the resurgence in tourism following the impact of COVID-19.
The Ministry of Tourism’s push for agro-tourism through the media agro-tourism familiarization and study tour in western Uganda is part of a broader strategy to diversify Uganda’s tourism sector.
The ministry is highlighting and supporting various enterprises that promote cultural and agricultural tourism, including Lake Mburo National Park, Emburara Farm Lodge, Kyamuhunga Tea Estates, Nshenyi Cultural Village, Kabeihura Mixed Farm, and Kabagarame Market.
By highlighting the agricultural sector as a tourism attraction, Uganda stands to gain both economically and culturally.
Encouraging Ugandans to appreciate and explore their own country’s agricultural richness will not only boost domestic tourism but also create new opportunities for rural communities.
Nshenyi Cultural Village serves as a role model, demonstrating how traditional lifestyles and agricultural heritage can become compelling tourism products that attract both locals and foreigners alike.