Roosevelt Trail links Uganda to US tourism, business opportunities
Ambassador Dan Negrea, the US Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), expressed optimism that the Roosevelt Africa Trail has the potential to demonstrate how the emerging “Trade Over Aid” approach can translate into practical commerce.
From left: Adrian Braka, Roosevelt Africa Trail Director, US Events and Partnerships; Minister Counsellor Celia Nabeta (Uganda); Chargé d’Affaires Amb. Godfrey Kwoba (Uganda); Amb. Cecilia Adeng, Permanent Representative of South Sudan to the United Nations; Amb. Yabesh Monari, Deputy Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations; Amb. Duncan Laki Muhumuza, Deputy Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations; Joshua Sentongo, Director of Business Development and Strategy, Roosevelt Africa Trail; and Frederick Kiggundu, Director of Finance, Roosevelt Africa Trail. (Courtesy)
__________________
A historic connection between Uganda and the United States (US) is being transformed into a new platform for tourism, trade, investment and job creation.
In a new initiative, the Roosevelt Africa Trail now moves from celebrating the past to creating economic opportunities for Ugandans.
The project took centre stage during a hybrid engagement at Uganda House in New York recently, where stakeholders from the US, Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan explored how the shared heritage surrounding Theodore Roosevelt's 1909–1910 expedition through East Africa can be turned into a modern commercial relationship.
Held under the theme "Shared Heritage, Shared Opportunity," the engagement on September 10th was co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations and the Roosevelt Africa Trail.
Ambassador Dan Negrea, the US Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), expressed optimism that the Roosevelt Africa Trail has the potential to demonstrate how the emerging “Trade Over Aid” approach can translate into practical commerce.
"For Uganda, the proposition is broader than commemorating Theodore Roosevelt's journey. It is about using a story that began more than a century ago to bring visitors to Uganda, open markets for Ugandan products, attract investment and technology, and create opportunities for businesses and workers," Negrea observed.
From expedition to modern Tourism
Upon leaving the White House in 1909, Roosevelt travelled from New York with his son, Kermit Roosevelt, and a Smithsonian scientific team. The journey took them through East Africa, including Kenya and Uganda, before continuing north along the Nile. The expedition produced thousands of scientific specimens, photographs and field records that became part of American national collections.
In Uganda, Roosevelt encountered the country's people, landscapes and institutions, including the Kingdom of Buganda and Kabaka Daudi Chwa II. More than a century later, the Roosevelt Africa Trail is seeking to reconnect that history with Uganda's modern tourism and economic ambitions. The objective is not simply to retrace Roosevelt's footsteps, but to turn the historical connection into opportunities in tourism, commerce, conservation, technology, investment and employment.
Potential areas identified through the initiative include aviation, artificial intelligence, digital connectivity, hospitality, tourism infrastructure, agriculture, finance and technology. "The expansion of Uganda Airlines through Boeing aircraft connects Uganda's growing aviation and tourism industry with American aerospace manufacturing, technology and professional services," observed Yogi Biriggwa, the president of Uganda Tourism Association.
Added weight
During the New York stakeholders' meeting, Pastor Robert Kayanja, chairman of the Roosevelt Africa Trail Uganda advisory board, delivered a telecast message reflecting the positive interest of President Museveni in the initiative and its socioeconomic potential. That president's interest adds weight to efforts of transforming Uganda's historical, cultural and natural assets into platforms for tourism, investment, technology and enterprise.
"For a young graduate, it could create opportunities in tourism, technology, hospitality, aviation, conservation and the creative economy. For tour guides, drivers, hotel workers, restaurant operators, craft makers and small businesses, increased international visitation could translate into more customers and greater local spending. For a coffee farmer, this could mean stronger markets and greater value," he highlighted.
North Dakota
Meanwhile, North Dakota is emerging as an American anchor because of its connection to Theodore Roosevelt and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora. Matt Briney, the Chief Communications Officer of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, said North Dakota is a gateway linking the Roosevelt Africa Trail with American policymakers, businesses, investors, media, travellers and markets.
"The same Roosevelt story connects the Badlands of North Dakota with the landscapes of East Africa. The opportunity now is to connect those stories economically through tourism, trade, investment, conservation and enterprise," he remarked.
The latest development comes at a time when the Roosevelt Africa Trail just launched a rhino campaign in Uganda last year. The campaign identified a three-year-old rhino cub, which will officially be named "Roosevelt," at a glamorous ceremony in October this year (2026).
From diplomatic meetings to projects
Continued meetings with Ambassador Dan Negrea are expected to form part of the immediate follow-up, alongside congressional engagement in Washington, D.C., and targeted discussions with U.S. financial, technology, investment and private-sector stakeholders. The U.S. media and market campaign led by North Dakota media leader and strategic Midwest connector Scott Hennen is intended to take the Roosevelt Africa Trail story to American businesses, investors, travellers and consumers.