Uganda's tourism sector continues to recover steadily

TOURISM | DAY | MUGABI

KAMPALA - Even before President Yowerei Museveni assured the international community that Ebola should not limit them from visiting Uganda, the tourism fraternity was beaming with smiles about a steady recovery from the COVID-19 lockdown.

This was revealed during celebrations of the World Tourism Day at Sheraton Hotel, on September 27, 2022, by Uganda Tourism Board marketing manager, Claire Mugabi.

“Uganda hosting the biggest event on the African continent at Covid-19, phones are ringing off the hooks as lockdown fatigued merry makers and adventure seekers inquire about our ever-growing menu of attractions,” said Mugabi.

“The good news is that our annual event Pearl Of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) which was held virtually last year, is resuming in February next year. Expected are destination buyers and sellers while others identify existing investment opportunities in place.”

Determined to serve as a Destination Uganda starter, the Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) director Dorothy Kisaka says they are not seating on their proverbial laurels.

“Touring Uganda is incomplete minus feeling the pulse of Kampala City’s vibrant nightlife, sampling the traditional dishes topped by Rolex, shopping, museums, and the Buganda Kingdom,” said Kisaka.

KCCA has since made pedestrian walkways, rider lanes, and rest seats in part of the city.

“Tourism needs a collective effort by everybody to make our city appealing. As we battle to keep it clean, do not litter it or pollute the sound” suggested Kisaka. 

“City residents should make fat fortunes from tourists buying mementos and literature to take back home.”

Kisaka revealed how plans are underway to halt encroachers on swamps and constructors of illegal structures in prohibited areas, reconstructing connecting roads and pavements. 

She challenged residents to give their houses or premises a new coat of paint, and report those who plunder road furniture and street lights.

“We are focusing on three components namely: technology, infrastructure, and people,” stressed Kisaka. 

“We are soon having City to City tours to share experiences in the country and with those from abroad.” 

Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries Fran Tumwebaze in his presentations called on UTB to attract and inform more policymakers about the tourism industry.

“That is the only way they will photo in favor of you increase the budget, decreased taxes, and more incentives,” said Tumwebaze.

The chairman Uganda Tourism Board UTB) chairman board of directors Edward Migereko said the industry is challenged to chart a way forward as the industry is rebounding.

Omukama Oyo Nyimba did us proud scaling the Rwenzori Mountains putting the destination in the limelight across the world,” Migereko beamed with smiles of satisfaction. 

“BBC, VOA, and Aljazeera were there to keep Uganda in the eyes of the world of tourists.”

Migereko praised the athletes who are in the habit of winning gold medals in international competitions.

“They keep athletics lovers curious about Uganda. Some want to know the food they eat, the terrain of where they stay, and what gives them the magic stamina.”

MIgereko challenged politicians especially policymakers to invest in the tourism industry if they are to appreciate what the industry earns the country in terms of revenue, job creation, and visibility” Migereko added. “By the way, Uganda should be ready to reap from tourism.”

In a nutshell, the tourism industry is preparing for an avalanche of tourists for more than the next Nyege Nyege as inquiries are flooding the tour operators and UTB offices.

More Kenyans, Nigerians, Britons, Americans, and German are curious to know what makes it tick. 

They are already booking tickets. Some want to eat Rolex or Luwombo, others want to sample Uganda Waragi (gin) and many want to shake their limbs to the music.

Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA) ED Jean Byamugisha in the same tone said some high-end hotels are intending to open branches in Kidepo Valley National Park and Semuliki National Park.

The good news is that tourism has ceased to be a preserve of elderly foreigners shooting wildlife as trophy hunters. 

They have been replaced by social media influencers and those intending to boost several followers.