For six years, Rolex Initiative Uganda has organized the dynamic Rolex festival, a celebration of the street delicacy “Rolex” which has become a meal and a national identifier for Uganda.
During a press briefing, the organizers unveiled another food event aimed at promoting local food and beverage tourism dubbed 'Feast On Loco' will take place in the second week of November 2022 at the Sheraton Hotel, Kampala.
Jonathan Nalebo, the MD of Rolex Initiative Uganda, said the celebration aims to advance indigenous dining experiences in five-star hotels and restaurants.
“Most high-end dining spaces are selling to us an exotic culture and we desire our cultural identity through meals and beverages to be sold to the international visitors,” noted Nalebo.
Culinary tourism or food tourism or gastronomy tourism is the exploration of food with the purpose of tourism.
Dining out is common among tourists and “food is believed to rank alongside climate, accommodation, and scenery” in importance to tourists.
This unique sector contributes more than a billion dollars globally although it has remained untapped and underfunded by authorities and development partners.
Uganda is home to over 52 ethnic groups each with a unique meal and drink that identifies it; from malakwanga to eshabwe, emboli, Lubombo, etc.
The Rolex Festival will also happen on Sunday 21st of August at Cricket Oval, Lugogo starting from 9 am -8 pm. Charges are Shs 10k and Shs 30k for VIP.
