American tourists impressed by Uganda’s beauty, culture, and hospitality
“Everywhere we went, we were welcomed with open arms. Ugandans are friendly and eager to share their culture. It was a heartwarming experience,” said Rivera .
Tourists from New Jersey pose for a photo during their tour in Uganda on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. (Photos by Juliet Anna Lukwago)
By Juliet Anna Lukwago
Journalists @New Vision
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Uganda is known for its hospitality, rich culture, and religious heritage. Recently, five American tourists from New Jersey, United States, visited the country for the priestly silver jubilee of Rev. Fr. Peter Ssekajjugo, a Ugandan priest serving in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The visitors - Ricardo Rivera (Ssentongo), Brenda Maldonado (Nansubuga), Iris Larios (Nantongo), Carlos Larios (Nsubuga), and Mary Chavez (Namiiro) - were warmly welcomed and given Kiganda names as part of their cultural immersion during their two-week visit. They began their journey in Kyotera before touring various parts of the country.
Speaking from Mpererwe in Kampala, Ricardo Rivera, who is also a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church, shared his impressions of Uganda.
“This is our first time in Uganda. We had imagined it as a dry, tropical place, but it is beautiful, peaceful, and green. We even saw trees here that also grow in Puerto Rico, our neighbouring state,” he said.
Tourists from New Jersey in Americans poses for photo with Fr Peter Ssekajjugo while at Bulange-Mengo on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Rivera praised the warmth of Ugandans and the strong cultural and religious values they uphold.
“Everywhere we went, we were welcomed with open arms. Ugandans are friendly and eager to share their culture. It was a heartwarming experience,” he said.
“We’ve visited places like the Uganda Parliament, Lake Bunyonyi, the Source of the Nile, Busowoko Falls, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Namugongo Martyrs Shrines for both Catholics and Anglicans, and Bethlehem Parish in Masaka—Fr. Ssekajjugo’s home parish.”
He added: “We learnt some luganda words like ‘olw’otya’, ‘weebale nnyo’, and ‘ndi bulungi’.”
They also toured three seminaries: St. Paul’s National Major Seminary in Kinyamasika, the Servants of Mary Seminary of the Franciscans in Jinja Diocese, and the Mantellate Sisters Convent in Jinja. In addition, they visited Kasubi Tombs and Bulange Mengo for an immersive Buganda cultural experience.
“We loved seeing the women in gomesi (kiganda traditional attire), though we missed the traditional dances,” Rivera added with a smile.
Rivera expressed admiration for the strong sense of community and faith in Uganda.
“Back in America, few people attend Mass regularly. But here in Uganda, the churches are full. It was inspiring,” he said.
“As a permanent deacon, it’s encouraging to see such devotion.”
He also noted cultural differences in family life. “I was surprised by how many children Ugandan families have. In the U.S.A, families are smaller. I have three children - two sons and a daughter. The boys are already married.”
Iris Larios (Nantongo) also shared her excitement: “Seeing all these places we only knew from maps and the internet was incredible. Ugandans are calm, tolerant, and very kind.”
Fr. Ssekajjugo, who invited the group, said: “I wanted them to experience Uganda for themselves. A visitor is a gift. If I’m given a mango, I want to share it. I believe in spreading joy, wisdom, and the gospel. When I serve abroad, I try to represent where I come from. It makes me happy to see my guests learning and sharing Uganda with others.”
About Fr. Peter Ssekajjugo
Fr. Ssekajjugo was born in 1966 to Bruno Matovu (RIP) and Josephine Nabatanzi (RIP) in Kibingekitto village, Lwengo district, Bethlehem Parish, Masaka Diocese. He is a Consolata missionary priest currently serving in North America and Mexico.