Uganda’s creative industry has been challenged to take a leading role in promoting the country’s tourism potential through film, as leaders call for more storytelling that showcases Uganda’s natural beauty to the world.

The Nile River, widely regarded as the longest river in the world, stretches over 6,650 kilometres across 11 countries.

Its source begins in Lake Victoria in Uganda, flowing through countries including Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Sudan, among others.

Despite its global significance, many people both locally and internationally remain unaware of the beauty and uniqueness of the river’s source in Uganda.

This has inspired filmmakers to use visual storytelling to bridge that gap.

Led by Juju Nsababera and filmmaker Derrick Ssenyonyi, a new film titled Back to the Source – The Nile has been launched to highlight the river’s magnificence.

The film showcases the origin of the Nile, the surrounding communities, and the rich natural resources tied to it.

The producers say the project is aimed at elevating Uganda’s tourism profile globally, while encouraging citizens to rediscover their country.

Ssenyonyi noted that such productions play a critical role in marketing Uganda internationally and attracting more visitors.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello Oryem commended the initiative, saying it will strengthen Uganda’s tourism promotion efforts.

The United Nations Development Programme representative in Uganda, Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, urged Ugandans to embrace domestic tourism as a way of appreciating the country’s natural heritage.

Chief guest Salim Saleh applauded the filmmakers, noting that such initiatives have the potential to attract more tourists and boost the economy.

He further called on creatives to produce more content that showcases Uganda’s beauty and cultural richness to the world.