MASAKA – The Embassy of Ireland in Uganda in partnership with Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) have illuminated the Equator Monument along Masaka road greenin celebration of Ireland’s national day, St Patrick’s Day, which takes place annually on 17th March.
This marks the seventh year that Uganda has participated in the Global Greening initiative, an event that sees over 300 famous landmarks and iconic sites across the world go green for 17th March. In the past, these have included the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids in Egypt, Table Mountain in South Africa and the Equator Monument in Uganda, The Jinja Nile Bridge among others.
The Equator monument was chosen as a unique symbol of a meeting point of two nations committed to promoting collaboration and tourism. The greening event is a boost to both Uganda and Ireland’s tourism as images of the activity are shared across the world.
Second Secretary Cormac Shine shared “We are very excited to be partnering with UTB once again on the Global Greening and as well to green the Equator for the second time. The Equator is one of Uganda’s iconic monuments and tourism landmarks and it’s an honor and privilege to shed a light on this as our sign of continued commitment towards supporting tourism in Uganda.”
Lilly Ajarova, UTB Chief Executive Officer welcomed the partnership with the Embassy of Ireland, noting “Uganda’s participation in this Irish greening initiative is part of our long working relationship with the Embassy of Ireland. The greening initiative has supported us to showcase our unique tourism attractions to the whole world. We are delighted that the Equator will once again take center stage in this greening initiative,”she said.
She added, “We wish the Irish a great St. Patrick’s Day.”
The eagerness of cities and countries worldwide to take part in the ‘Global Greening’ initiative underlines the strength of the deep connection that people all over the world feel to Ireland.
More than 70 million people around the world claim links to the island of Ireland and St Patrick’s Day is a truly unique opportunity to connect these people, and others worldwide, with Irish culture and heritage.
About the Equator in Uganda
In Uganda the equator crosses on land and on water; crossing a total of 12 districts, cutting through Lake Victoria, Lake George, Swamps and wetlands, Katonga wildlife, the cattle corridor, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. The equator has been highlighted as one of key areas for tourism product development in the National Development Plan III.
