Kampala — Ugandan tourism entrepreneur Amos Masaba Wekesa has been nominated for the African Cultural & Eco-Tourism Award at the 2026 African Heritage Awards, set to take place in Accra, Ghana, on April 11.
The nomination was made by Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, in recognition of Wekesa’s contribution to sustainable tourism and conservation efforts in Uganda and across the region, according to posts shared online.
Wekesa, the founder of Great Lakes Safaris, has spent more than two decades building one of East Africa’s leading indigenous tourism companies, offering safari experiences around iconic destinations such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, and expanding operations into Tanzania.
Reacting to the nomination, Wekesa described the recognition as deeply personal and unexpected.
“This is an award Hon. Kadaga nominated me for and I just got to know about it last week,” he said in a post on X. “Yes, I have gotten so many awards in my almost 53 years, but knowing someone can wake up and nominate you is special—it’s a blessing.”
He reflected on his humble beginnings, noting the journey from hardship to success.
“When you have a background like me—born in abject poverty, went to a children’s home, started out as a cleaner because you failed in school—you wake up daily and work like you have achieved nothing,” Wekesa said.
“Some days you succeed, some days you hardly make it. Some ventures thrive, others fail—which is normal.”
Beyond commercial tourism, Wekesa has also championed conservation and community development initiatives, including founding the Rwenzori Marathon, which promotes environmental awareness and tourism in the Rwenzori region.
He attributed his continued drive to faith and public support. “You keep asking God to help you keep your head up… but the Lord’s favour from many of you out there is actually humbling and keeps me asking questions like, why? How?” he added.
The nomination has sparked pride among many Ugandans online, who view it as recognition of local entrepreneurship and the country’s growing influence in eco-tourism on the global stage.
The African Heritage Awards celebrate individuals and organisations advancing cultural preservation and sustainable development across the continent.
