THE fifth annual Buganda Tourism Expo officially opens Monday afternoon at the Kabaka's Palace in Lubiri, Mengo, Rubaga division.

Rubaga Dvision Mayor Joyce Sebugwawo is to preside over the opening ceremony. The event which is to run up to July 1, 2012 is organized by Buganda Kingdom Tourism Ministry.

The Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II is expected to close the event.

This year's event is to run under the theme "Celebrating Our Cultural Diversity". It is aimed at celebrating and promoting diverse culture across the country.

It has attracted various activities including live totem display, wild life education, herbal medicine, Buganda clan exhibition, art and crafts and international cultural exhibitions among others.

Buganda Kingdom's second deputy premier, also doubling as minister for tourism, Hajji Muhamood Ssemmambo Ssekimpi said it is aimed at promoting a spirit of the tourism enterprise and encouraging people to engage in tourism as an economic activity.

Ssekimpi said they also expect to have an exchange of ideas on the links between religion and culture to be chaired by the Archbishop of Kampala Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.

Others dignitaries expected include the Nnabagereka Slyvia Nagginda on June 29 and Vice President, Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi on June 30 among others.