By Titus Kakembo
Uganda is fast becoming one of the most desired destinations by tourist across the world. Not sitting on their laurels, the Ministry of Tourism, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the catering industry are bracing to grab a lion’s share of the revenue.
Tourism is becoming one of the biggest foreign exchange earners to the country,” said Minister of Tourism Maria Mutagambwa.
“The challenge is upon service providers to offer a chain of tip top services, from when the aeroplane touches down at Entebbe International Airport, through one’s stay to the time they board to fly back home.”
Mutagambwa made the remarks at Media Center while being presented with details of the retraced Sir Samuel Bakers route from Sudan to Uganda.
"The more attractions we have in place, the longer they will stay and this means leaving behind more resources. Such attractions spice up the variety of attractions we have in store,” asserted Mutagambwa.
The ambitious Baker's footsteps retracing expedition, Julian Fisher, which was partially funded by UWA, National Geographic Society and Marasa Lodge says he has been to more than 30 countries but none measure to Uganda.
“I cannot wait to bring my son, wife to see this beauty, variety of cultures, birds and mountains,” said Fisher under a sigh. “The great grandchildren of Sir Samuel Baker were over the moon with joy when they rode a boat on River Nile, saw the Big Five in Murchison Falls
National Park and visited Fort Patiko were Baker fought slave trade.” Besides retracing Sir Samuel Baker’s route, Fisher is returning to go around Lake Victoria and retrace the foot steps of John Speke and slain Bishop Hanington in Busoga in October 1885.
“These will attract an exodus of travelers,” said Fisher. “The current explorer is more interested in such historical sites.”
