Kampala — FOURTEEN German tourists have arrived to study opportunities in eco- tourism. The group will also provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Masaka district.

The tourists, who came from Rotenberg, Stuttgart on the southern coast of Germany, will camp at Lwaggulwe, a Catholic parish in Masaka district.

Peter Heisig, the group leader, said they had come to Uganda not only to tour, but also to support water projects in Masaka.

He added that they would also support the construction and renovation of a covent in the parish, which is under the Masaka Catholic Diocese.

"We have mobilised around 60,000 euros (about sh138m) for these projects. Our friends in Germany, who have not travelled with us, have been part of this contribution," indicated Heisig.

Heisig said 30,000 euros (sh91.5m) would cater for water projects, while the other 30,000 euros would be used to construct convents for priests and in the renovation of the existing ones.

James Bahinguza, the Uganda Tourism Board general manager, welcomed the group to Uganda at Entebbe Airport last week.