Celebrated British athletic, commentator Rob Walker back in Uganda

KAMPALA - Aboard A330-800neo Uganda Airlines Airbus UR111, the renowned British athlete and commentator Rob Walker, his wife Becky and son Arthur arrived at Entebbe airport ten minutes past Friday midnight.

Gasping the fresh breeze contrasted with the midnight dew from the adjacent biggest freshwater body in Africa- Lake Victoria, the Walkers knew they had entered Uganda.

Whereas just a few years have passed since his last visit, the Briton was mesmerised by the new developments at Entebbe international airport, with resurfaced runways, the new Karibuni Business lounge and the perfect lighting around the entire airport- enhancing all travellers' experience.

It remains evident that the upgrade of Entebbe airport is not merely about aesthetics but a reflection of Uganda’s readiness to meet the evolving needs of international travellers and position Entebbe as a competitive regional gateway.

The Walkers were in company of Patricia Kabuleeta, the minister counsellor, Uganda High Commission, London.

The reverberating sound of drums, among other traditional musical instruments played by the Crane Performers troupe, will leave an indelible memory for Walker's wife and son.

It was such a grand entry for the visiting team. Walker, whose heart has proved to beat for Uganda, arrived ahead of next week's Rwenzori marathon in which he'll take part.

He was welcomed by Amos Wekesa, the chief organiser of Rwenzori marathon and Herman Olimi, the marketing officer under Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).

Rob Walker trying out the drums at the UTB stall as he was being welcomed by Crane permormers troupe upon his arrival at Entebbe airport on Friday night. (Credit: Julius Luwemba)

"I am absolutely over the moon to be back here in the Pearl of Africa in such a special country. Whereas my wife has once been to Uganda, my son has never experienced the magic of Uganda before," Walker expressed. 

The British commentator also expressed optimism for Uganda's tourism courtesy of direct flights by Uganda Airlines connecting to the United Kingdom, India and Dubai.

"That is going to be crucial for your international tourism aspirations," Walker noted. "I can't wait to run the half-marathon and also sample some more magic of the Pearl of Africa," he remarked.

Wekesa, the Rwenzori marathon chief organiser, emphasised Walker's love for Uganda, saying he was the first British to participate in the Rwenzori marathon in 2023.

"We now have a world-certified marathon, which has been a very important component to spice up this year's event," he stated.

According to Wekesa, the accommodation facilities in Kasese are fully booked, whereas those in the adjacent Fort Portal city are booked up to 75% capacity courtesy of the Rwenzori marathon.

Olimi, on behalf of UTB said that, prior to the marathon, the British athlete will take a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (Zoo) in Entebbe, on Saturday morning, where his family will catch a snippet of what awaits them across different national parks.

Entebbe zoo hosts a sample of nearly all that is found in Uganda's landscapes. "Resting by Lake Victoria Serena hotel, Walker and family, will on Sunday visit over 50 orphaned chimpanzees at Ngamba island, where they roam in a semi-natural environment before having a stakeholders engagement and press conference at the UTB offices on Monday," Olimi laid out.

Dr. Simplicious Gessa, the UTB spokesperson, observed that Walker's return to Uganda for the third time underscores the country's immense potential in terms of tourism products and attractions.

"Coming to Uganda over and over again, plus carrying along his family, portrays not only the tourism attractions we have, but also the deep hospitality and safety that is always assured to both the nationals and visiting travellers," Gessa remarked.

According to the UTB spokesperson, Walker will also visit the Ziwa rhino sanctuary and Murchison Falls national park before heading out to Kases for the marathon.