KAMPALA, Uganda – Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has held talks with American Hollywood star Tyrese Gibson during the actor and musician’s visit to Uganda, with discussions focusing on creative arts, tourism, investment and the shared heritage between Africa and African Americans.
Museveni welcomed Gibson to Uganda on Tuesday and said their meeting explored how the creative industry could contribute to the country’s socio-economic transformation.
“I welcome international artiste Tyrese Gibson to Uganda,” President Museveni said.
According to the President, the discussions covered opportunities in Uganda’s creative arts and tourism sectors, as well as the historical and cultural connections linking Africa with African Americans.
“We discussed the creative arts, tourism, and the shared history and heritage of Africa and African Americans,” he said.
Museveni highlights creative sector
During the meeting, Museveni introduced Gibson to Uganda’s four sectors of socio-economic transformation, highlighting the services sector and the role artistes can play in the country’s development.
The discussions also examined opportunities across different sectors and how international artistes could use their influence, networks and global platforms to support Uganda’s development.
The engagement reflects the government’s efforts to position the creative industry as part of the country’s broader economic transformation agenda.
Tyrese Gibson’s Uganda visit
Gibson arrived in Uganda on Tuesday following an invitation from the government and private-sector partners.
The Hollywood star is in the country for a three-day visit expected to combine entertainment, tourism, cultural exchange and investment promotion.
One of the key activities on his itinerary is the launch of Explore Uganda Coffee Tourism, a campaign designed to promote Uganda’s coffee culture alongside the country’s tourism experiences.
The initiative brings together the Uganda Tourism Board, Kampala Capital City Authority, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Africa Coffee Park.
Hollywood star to explore Uganda
During his visit, Gibson is also expected to travel to the Source of the Nile, one of Uganda’s most prominent tourism attractions.
He is scheduled to meet coffee farmers in Western Uganda as part of the coffee tourism campaign.
The programme seeks to showcase the connection between Uganda’s coffee industry, cultural heritage and tourism while exposing international visitors to experiences beyond traditional tourist attractions.
Focus on investment and cultural ties
Gibson’s engagement with Museveni also comes as Uganda seeks to attract greater international attention to its creative and tourism sectors.
The involvement of an internationally recognised Hollywood figure provides an opportunity to promote Uganda to global audiences while highlighting potential investment opportunities.
The discussions around the shared history and heritage of Africa and African Americans also add a cultural dimension to the visit, potentially strengthening connections between Uganda and the African diaspora.
Gibson’s three-day visit is therefore expected to generate interest not only in Uganda’s entertainment and cultural industries but also in its tourism, coffee and investment opportunities.
