By: Godwin Abedican

The Ministry of Tourism has called upon the public to enhance their knowledge and promote the market for the consumption of locally made art materials. During the opening of a two days Handicraft and Souvenir Development project expo exhibitions for West Nile region in Arua city at Desert breeze hotel, organized by The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the stake holders were encouraged to own the crafts industry.

The expo in which Handcraft Producers are invited to show case their products is a three years project funded by enhanced integrated frame work EIF based in Geneva, a project which was officially supposed to have ended in May 2022, but was extended to February 2023 due to the Covid19 outbreak.
Grace Mbabazi Aulo, the project coordinator handcrafts and souvenir development project, in the ministry of tourism, wildlife and antiquities says their regional tour and exhibition is to promote local talent in the crafts industry. “In this expo we wanted to link the crafts sector with the tourism sector and we want to grow together the hand craft producers to the tourism related establishments like hotels restaurants, event organizers so that these facilities utilize our own products,”Aulo said.
Wadanga Scissor, secretary Pakwach art and crafts association, who has been in the crafts industry for over ten years says the industry is

According to Ayiko Jobel, the commercial officer Arua city, the crafts industry locally has faced a lot of bottle necks to do with exposure which has gradually been limiting the market for the crafts products. “This industry has been working in an isolated way and a lot needs to be done. We have been working in an isolated way though we have had previous trade shows done which have given a fair return to the industry”

COVER PHOTO: WestNile Crafts Expo Photo By Godwin Abedican