Rwenzururu Kingdom’s Prime Minister Kule Benson has rallied the people of the Rwenzori region to embrace unity, peace and transformation warning that without these, true development cannot be achieved.

His message came during the close of the Rwenzori Theluji Festival, a major cultural and tourism event aimed at rebranding Kasese from a disaster-prone district to a top tourism destination.

Speaking at the close of the Rwenzori Theluji Festival, Kule Benson called for unity, peace, reconciliation, mindset change and transformation for all people of Kasese, regardless of tribe or religion.

He also praised the organizers for uniting the community through the event.

The annual tourism event at Rwenzori Square Grounds featured cultural and trade exhibitions focused on sustainable tourism, economic growth, and biodiversity.

Prime Minister Kule Benson praised the organizers, saying uniting diverse cultural groups promotes peace, harmony and a shared identity.

Kasese District LC5 Chairman, Mr. Muhindi Erifazi, urged everyone to support the event for future tourism benefits and pledged to mobilize greater participation for the next Rwenzori Theluji Festival.

He called on the community to unite in supporting cultural events, emphasizing that Kasese should be recognized not just for its challenges but as a vibrant region rich in culture and united by its resilient people.

Mr. Kiiza Alexander, CEO of Rwenzori Tourism Investors Forum, said the event aims to revive tourism in the Rwenzori Region while promoting sustainable tourism, cultural heritage and environmental conservation, including tree planting. He also thanked partner organizations for their ongoing support.

The chairman of the Rwenzori Theluji Festival explained that "Theluji" is a Kiswahili word meaning "snow."

Muhindo Samuel, Project Officer for the International Tree Foundation in the Western Region, said tree planting helps reduce the negative impacts of climate change. He urged restoration organizations and companies to join the effort, highlighting that tree planting also boosts economic development by linking local businesses to wider markets.

A range of activities including a cultural diversity expo, tree planting and Miss Tourism were organized to boost tourism in the Rwenzori region and position Kasese as a premier tourist destination.