Mr. Amos Wekesa

Amos Masaba Wekesa is a trailblazing force in East Africa’s tourism industry, whose over two decades of relentless promotion of Uganda has helped redefine the region as a premier global destination. As Founder and CEO of Great Lakes Safaris and The Great Lakes Collection, he has built one of Uganda’s largest indigenous tour operations and a network of boutique eco-lodges strategically located near iconic conservation areas such as Bwindi Impenetrable and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. His expansion into Tanzania, including Mwamba Lodge near Tarangire National Park, reflects a visionary drive to position East Africa as a unified eco-tourism hub. Through immersive safari experiences, from game drives to primate tracking, Wekesa has consistently elevated authentic African tourism on the global stage.

Beyond enterprise, Wekesa has been a leading advocate for sustainable tourism, community development, and youth empowerment. He has addressed the United Nations General Assembly on entrepreneurship for development, served on the Uganda Tourism Board, and chaired the Presidential Investment Round Table’s Tourism Technical Working Group. His influence extends globally through advisory roles in key hospitality and investment platforms, while his creation of the Rwenzori Marathon has pioneered sports tourism in Uganda, boosting conservation awareness and local economies. His contributions have earned him multiple continental and international recognitions in leisure and tourism, underscoring his impact in promoting domestic and international travel.

In recognition of his transformative leadership, commitment to sustainable tourism, and role in advancing cultural and eco-tourism across Africa, Amos Masaba Wekesa is honoured with AfriHeritage’s African Cultural & Eco-Tourism Award.