Aisha Nabwanika

My name is Aisha Nabwanika, and I am the founder of Ewaffe Cultural Village, a multiple award-winning social enterprise dedicated to preserving Buganda’s cultural heritage while empowering local communities through tourism.With over six years of experience as an administrator at the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), I have contributed to the development and promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism in Uganda. Currently, I serve as the General Secretary of the Association of Ugandan Women in Tourism Trade (AUWOTT), am a fellow of the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC), a member of the Uganda Association of Women Entrepreneurs Limited (UWEAL) and also an alumna of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) under the United States Mission in Uganda.Under my leadership, Ewaffe Cultural Village has developed into a distinctive community-based cultural tourism destination located in Naggalama, Mukono District. The destination is committed to preserving and promoting Uganda’s rich cultural heritage through immersive experiences that connect visitors with local traditions, indigenous knowledge, food systems, storytelling, traditional practices, and community life.Ewaffe has grown into a unique cultural tourism product attracting both domestic and international visitors seeking authentic and meaningful experiences. Through cultural tourism activities, the Ewaffe creates livelihood opportunities for local farmers, artisans, women, youth, and cultural practitioners, enabling communities to participate in and benefit from tourism while contributing to the preservation of Uganda’s cultural heritage.As well, Ewaffe actively contributes to the promotion of Destination Uganda by showcasing the country’s diverse traditions, indigenous knowledge, cuisine, crafts, and community experiences. Through its growing partnerships and tourism engagements, Ewaffe continues to demonstrate how cultural tourism can serve as a platform for heritage preservation, community empowerment, inclusive participation, and sustainable livelihood development.

Central Region, Naggalama Mukono along Gayaza-Kayunga Road

Ewaffe Cultural Village, located in Naggalama, Mukono District, has successfully promoted Uganda’s diverse cultural heritage, strengthened community participation in tourism, and created sustainable livelihood opportunities. Through immersive cultural experiences such as traditional storytelling, indigenous food and cooking experiences, Luwombo preparation, bark-cloth experiences, traditional attire, farm tours, fruit experiences, and indigenous knowledge interpretation, Ewaffe continues to provide visitors with meaningful opportunities to discover and appreciate Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.Ewaffe’s contribution to cultural preservation, inclusive tourism, and community development has received recognition through several awards, including the Cultural Heritage Champion Award in 2023 by the Ekkula Pearl of Africa Sustainable Awards, the Face of Mukono Award in 2023, the Ewaffe Cultural Experience Award in 2024 by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and the Excellence in Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism Award in 2026 under the Ukarimu-WE4D Scale-Up Project. These recognitions reflect the continued efforts of Ewaffe to develop authentic cultural tourism experiences while creating opportunities for local farmers, artisans, women, youth, and cultural practitioners to participate in and benefit from tourism.As well, through partnerships with tourism stakeholders, engagement with tour operators and travel agencies, digital marketing, and participation in tourism exhibitions and industry events, Ewaffe has also contributed to promoting Destination Uganda.