Uganda is bracing up to welcome close to 800 international visitors that would witness the historic total solar eclipse, CEOAFRICA.com gathered.

The country’s Tourism Minister Maria Mutagamba disclosed that international visitors are expected to generate 568,400 dollars.

“The tourism sector has registered bookings from tourists coming to Uganda for this event and there is growing interest and pressure for accommodation services in areas where the solar sighting will happen”, Mutamba disclosed.

It was also discovered from sources that cabinet resolved to use the event to market Uganda globally and various ministries have been tasked to collaborate in rendering the necessary services.

The ministers agreed that there is need to prepare the communities within the solar eclipses sighting areas who would witness economic benefit from the influx of visitors.

According to Mutagamba’s paper, Uganda has been identified as the best location in the world to view the eclipse.

Although people in places like Soroti, Masindi, Arua and Gulu will be able to watch the eclipse, the best view will be possible in Pakwach around Owiny Primary School.

The private sector has written to the President also explaining to him about the need for the promotion of the event.

 The minister also pointed out that communities in Northern Uganda stand to benefit from the global event by selling souvenirs, food and accommodation services whereas the tour and transport operations will benefit by providing services to the tourists.

The tourism minister added that sh943, 321,743 would be needed for various preparations by the planning committee.

The total eclipse will take place in Uganda on November 3. The eclipse is caused when the moon passes in front of the sun and casts a shadow on the face of the Earth. The sky takes on an eerie twilight as the Sun’s bright face is replaced by the black disk of the Moon. Surrounding the Moon is a beautiful gossamer halo.