Uganda’s Tourism Benefit Locals

Tourism in Uganda has helped a lot in improving the lives of many Ugandans including in the rural areas. The number of tourist arrivals in Uganda has increased significantly over the years and this has translated into dollars for different people involved in the hospitality industry.

Tourism however remains a foreign concept to many Ugandans despite the benefits that it is providing to this Country. Very few Ugandans have visited the different national parks in Uganda. Although the size of the British Isle, Uganda has over 10 national parks in addition to other different game reserves and conservation areas.

About a million tourists visited Uganda national parks in 2018; however by 2009 the number of tourists had increased tremendously to 145,000 arrivals.

Uganda’s tourism despite its great initial potential after independence was greatly affected by the dictatorial reign of Idd Amin in the 1970s. A large number of Uganda’s wildlife was decimated due to poaching and poor management of the wildlife.

Rhinos for instance were hunted to extinction in Uganda. This was partly due to superstition by the soldiers who believed that wearing a rhino horn made one invincible.

However also during the 1990s there was war in northern by the Lord’s Resistance Army – LRA as well as south western Uganda by the Allied Democratic Forces – ADF and media reports about these incidents negatively affected the country’s image.

One of the worst of these incidents was the massacre of tourists in Bwindi national park who had gone on a gorilla safari in 1999 by the ADF rebels. Gorilla tourism is the leading foreign exchange earner for Uganda’s tourism. Almost all Uganda tour packages feature gorilla trekking in Bwindi as a must do activity included in the itinerary.

The other notable incident was the killing of students from the Jimmy Sekasi Institute of catering and hospital by the LRA in 2001 in an area of Uganda’s largest national park – Murchison falls national park in northern Uganda.

In order to realize the goal of conservation, conservations have poverty alleviation as one of the key objectives of conservation of wildlife. Uganda Wildlife Authority has for years now made it a point in its revenue sharing program to ensure that 20% of the annual revenue collected from any national park goes back to the communities surrounding the national park or tour attraction.

In total there has been over $2 million that the Uganda Wildlife Authority has given back to the local communities in the national parks through their local governments and the money is often used to provide services to the community as well as start projects for the locals in the area.

There are over 30 districts found around Uganda’s national parks and protected areas. All these districts under their local government have identified projects under the revenue sharing scheme that the Uganda Wildlife Authority can partly finance.

These locals have identified projects such as constructions of classrooms, teachers’ houses, clinics, roads, irrigation schemes, community halls and centers etc.

In addition to this locals benefit from tourism activities directly, for instance the locals around Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park as well as Mountain Rwenzori national park earn more in a month than most civil servants earn in a year from being porters to the tourists when doing gorilla trekking and Rwenzori mountain climbing.

Boosting Domestic Tourism Through Bird Watching

In a bid to promote local tourism in Uganda the National Forestry Authority – NFA as well as Uganda Wildlife Authority – UWA are planning to let locals enter the national park free of charge and help in identifying as many unknown bird species as possible. This is to enable boost local earnings from Uganda’s tourism.

According to statistics from the Uganda Wildlife Authority the number of tourists to Uganda national parks is mainly foreign non-resident tourists who average about 61,000. This is closely followed by students on field trips who make up approx. 42,000 while only a palty 30,000 are locals.

This project is expected to be conducted with the help of ornithologists as well as the many local bird guides who were recently trained as well as seasoned birders.

The acting director of tourism and business services of Uganda Wildlife Authority, Mr. Stephen Sanyi Masaba this initiative is aimed at helping to promote the bird watching in the Country as well provide information about Uganda ‘s bird species to the international community.

Uganda has over 1065 recorded bird species which is more than half of the bird species found in Africa as a continent. According to Mr. Masaba bird watching in Uganda alone has the potential to generate over Shs 126 billion approx. $45m each given year if only the Country could attract 10,000 foreign tourists to see birds only. At press conference at the Uganda Media Centre, he said that in 2008 compared to mountain gorilla tracking which brought in $3.3 million, Uganda birding watching brought in $6m.

During the event all the birds seen or heard in the wild will be recorded. The birding tours will be carried out in the following selected sites

• Semuliki National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Mount Elgon National Park and forest
• Kibale Forest National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Kidepo Valley National Park

National Geographic Names Uganda Among Top Destinations

Uganda is indeed Gifted by Nature! This small country has been named among the top destinations to visit in 2012 thanks to its incredible natural scenery and a rich mosaic of tribes and cultures. Traveling through Uganda you will be captivated by its beauty, overwhelmed by the friendliness of its people and intrigued by all that Uganda has to offer. Recently the Lonely Planet listed Uganda among the top 20 destinations to visit in 2012. This year, the National Geographic has also acclaimed Uganda as one of the top 20 destinations to visit in 2016!

About Uganda

Ecologically, Uganda is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle. Besides its where one can observe lions prowling the open plains in the morning and track chimpanzees through the rain forest undergrowth the same afternoon, then the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippos and crocodiles before setting off into the misty mountains to visit the majestic mountain gorillas? Uganda is the only safari destination whose range of forest primates is as impressive as its selection of plain antelopes. Uganda is also blessed with a vast bird population of more than 1000 species.

According to the National Geographic an international travel channel affiliated to the National Geographic Society, Uganda is among the top 20 global tourism destinations in the year 2013 unlike the lonely planet, which named Uganda as the best travel destination for 2012, National Geographic listed Uganda among the top “new year’s 20 must-see places.”

“The pride of Uganda’s tourism lies in the undisturbed green nature that welcomes you the moment you land in Uganda whether by air, water, land or any means of transportation,” stated the National Geographic.” Getting out of the city will be a rewarding experience with a variety of bird species, wildlife, and the rare mountain gorillas that have been ‘a hot cake’ to Uganda.”

Abiaz Rwamwiri, a tourism expert with Africa Wildlife Foundation said, “We have a lot of potential we are not tapping into and this is what the recommendation by the National Geographic is telling Ugandans.” He also a explained that Uganda has got a beautiful scenery, unique wildlife such as the Mountain gorillas and easy to visit or stay because of the hospitality of the people.” He added, “We have got much more because there is even Kidepo National Park, which is a unique destination, but is still undiscovered by tourists.” A lot is known about Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park, according to Rwamwiri, but Kidepo is unique and truly wild yet not many tourist visit northern Uganda. He said this was going to improve with the implementation a new programme funded by USAID and Africa Wildlife Foundation.

Also Lillian Nsubuga, the Public Relations Manager of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said Uganda’s tourism industry is gaining visibility, but aggressive marketing is needed.” As UWA there has been a big campaign to participate in the international world travel market. So, many people know about Uganda, but we need more aggressiveness,” said Nsubuga adding that marketing efforts undertaken by private sector should be harmonized with Government initiatives.

Uganda Listed Among 20 Best Destinations to Visit in 2016

It takes no minute to tell that Uganda is one of Africa’s friendliest country from its hospitality, culture and tradition. You can have several moments to celebrate while in the pearl of Africa starting with the warm welcome at Entebbe international Airport immediately after landing. The scenic drive to your hotel exposes you to great views but Zika forest & Entebbe Botanical gardens, Lake Victoria island shores plus the breath taking beaches are a must. It’s more than clear that Uganda is a great safari destination with all you need for a holiday in Africa having taken a glance at what it has to offer you.

Known as the land of lakes, water adventures & spots ,Boat cruise   are one of Uganda’s most done tourist activity which add value and fun to every guest to the country for a holiday vacation. Besides it’s something you can’t miss out while in Murchison falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National park, Jinja the source of the Nile and Entebbe on Lake Victoria. Other places of tourist interest are the colorful tropical birds, mountain Gorillas at Bwindi forest, Monkeys and chimpanzees in kibale forest, the might falls of Itanda & Murchison, tree climbing lions at Ishasha, wildlife in Uganda’s best game parks, Rwenzori & Elgon mountain, the Uganda culture & its people among others.

Above all its only here that the African Savannah meets the West African Jungle in Uganda a country where hundreds observe lions in open plains in the morning and evening, track chimpanzees through the rain forest on same schedule and also navigate the tropical channels with hippos and crocodiles before heading to the misty forest for the Mountain Gorilla Encounter at Bwindi forest. A wide range of impressive forest primates, plains Scattered with Kobs, giraffes, antelopes,Zebras are the other wildlife that you yet to spot in the pearl of Africa.There is a lot to see and discover more than wildlife and primates like the world ‘s most thrilling white water rafting ,the rewarding hikes and mountaineering mountains of Rwenzori and Elgon, the beautiful islands of lake bunyonyi & Ssese on lake Victoria, the different religious and cultural sites Namugongo shrines, Kasubi tombs, Budo coronation ground, Sezibwa falls among others.

Also the Country city night life is worthy to spend more nights in Uganda since you will have a lot to explore and see from entertainments, shopping, bars and restaurant. If it’s your first time to take a safari to Uganda, the outstanding culture, nature beauty and weather which makes it the pearl of Africa will make you get the very best wonderful holiday throughout your stay.

East Africa to Invest in Museums

EAST African governments have resolved to invest in museums so as to preserve historical values of East Africa which will boost the tourism industry. The governments also agreed that member countries establish conference and convention centres in business cities like Kigali, Arusha, Jinja, Mombasa, Bujumbura and Dar-es-Salaam.

This was at the 3rd East African investment conference at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala recently. The conference was held under the theme “Invest in East Africa, where challenges are opportunities.”

Eriya Kategaya, the second deputy prime minister and minister for East African affairs, said countries should enact laws that promote investments, development of efficient infrastructures and the elimination of corruption and red tape.

The conference resolved to set up colleges for hotel and tourism management and to encourage the development of three to five star hotels to cater to business persons and tourists.

Uganda’s Oil Versus Wildlife

The discovery of oil in many African countries has been more of a curse than a blessing. With the discovery of oil in Western Uganda and the continued oil exploration in many other parts of the region, many Ugandans have mixed feelings about its promised benefits.

However, that is not the only problem being posed by the discovery of oil; the oil wells that have been discovered are in the wildlife rich regions of Western Uganda. The oil exploration is being extended into the conservation areas of Murchison Falls National Park.

Due to this Safari Lodge owners, Tour and Travel operators and Conservationists are greatly opposed to the latest plans by Heritage Oil to carry out seven tests within the northern sections of the Murchison Falls National Park. Earlier this year two wells were tested – Giraffe1 and Buffalo1, with the testing of each of these seven wells expected to take approximately three months. Of the seven wells to be tested four are to be situated on either side of the Pakwach – Paraa wildlife track, another called the Hartbeest is going to be situated just close to the Nile Delta whereas two others going to be located at the beginning of one for most popular wildlife tracks – Buligi which leads into the Nile Delta.

This region is teeming with hundreds of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and giraffes offering one of the most magnificent biodiverse areas in the world, which makes Murchison Falls National Park so popular among tourists visiting the country.

During a meeting on the 4^th of August, the stakeholders in the Tourism Industry wanted to know from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) – The body charged by Government to ensure the protection and conservation of wildlife in the country the fate of Buligi wildlife track. They wanted to know whether the track would be closed off to tourists during the testing for oil. This was because during the testing Giraffe1 and Baffaloe1 wells from the months of November 2008 – May 2009, the Buligi track was closed off to tourists.

However, the officials from Uganda Wildlife Authority were able to allay these fears, promising the Safari Lodge owners and Tour Operators that this time round, the wildlife circuit will remain open to tourists who don’t mind the exploration activities taking place in the region. During the exploration there will be stages when the activities could be disruptive to game drives and the effects of the oil spillage cannot be estimated at this moment.

Alternative Wildlife Circuits

However, this would leaves out tourists who want to do game drives and wildlife tracking in undisturbed and pristine environments. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officials are considering alternative circuits to this class of tourists.

UWA is considering using the second section of the Buligi track which is still free from oil exploration to run a bridge from Paraa Safari Lodge all along the Nile River to the Buligi circuit.

Another alternative that was being floated is a circuit that connects the Chobe-Pakuba road to Tangi gate

These alternatives would mean that the Uganda Wildlife Authority – UWA constructs about 3-4 bridges across the River which would require funds that the body does not have at the moment.

However, these suggested circuits are tracks that were used in the 1960’s and were closed due to the insecurity that was a part of the political instability that the country was facing. However, with the increased number of visitors to the National park and the improved security these circuits will be re-opened.

From 2003 the number of tourist’s visitors to Murchison Falls National Park was 3,000 compared to about 40,000 tourists last year. Mr. Moses Mapesa the Chairman of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said that the increased security and number of visitors to the park has created the possibility of opening up new tourist activities liking white water rafting and sport fishing as well as an increased number of circuits.

The Wildlife Body which was in a catch 22 situation said the oil exploration could be used as leverage to bargain for the fast-tracking of all these other proposed activities for the development of the park.

According to Mr. Moses Mapesa the Wildlife Body together with the oil companies would create a trust fund considering the Oil Companies would have a vested interest and an obligation to support the conservation of will in a transparent and sustainable way.

The Movement of Wildlife

Conservationists on the other hand are worried that the movement of vehicles, lights in the night and noise from the drilling oils would cause a great disturbance to the animals leading to their migration into possibly unprotected areas in the villages around the conservation area. This would jeopardize their population and might incite the villagers into poaching and bush meat hunting.

According to the General Manager of Paraa Safari Lodge Mr. Kenneth Mugira, the earlier explorations of the Baffalo1 and Girraffe1 wells caused the animals to migrate.

They are however, not so sure as which directions the animals might take as there’s the Nile River in West and South. This leaves the East and North villages of Amuru districts where they might wreck havoc as they did earlier in the year. Earlier and late last year there were herds and rogue elephants that terrorized villages to the district, destroying gardens and people’s homes.

Environmental Degradation
The environmental degradation caused by the oil companies is another thing that is worrying conversationists.  Despite the Environment Impact Assessment that was carried out prior to the oil exploration by Heritage at Buffalo1, the area looks like huge abandoned construction site.

Heritage Oil had previously promised to restore the area however, the road that was graded and the clearings for the machinery and trucks parking is still like an open sore in the National park.

The testing of oil at the Buffalo1 site three months ago has left an area the size of about two soccer pitches almost barren although Heritage Oil tried in vain to plant some grass. According to Mr. Mapesa there are a number of issues that the company has to rectify such as soil degradation, toxic waste materials and all.

There is however still a number of unanswered questions such as the possibility of laying oil pipelines across the park should commercial drilling of oil or gas begin once viable amounts of oil have been found. The well at Buffalo1 and Giraffe1 were found to contain more gas than oil.

The is also the question of whether oil trucks or tankers that might be used to transport the oil through the park.
Balancing Tourism and Petroleum

The lure of petrol dollars is way too strong and the Uganda Wildlife Authority has definitely decided that exploration of the oil wells will go ahead. However, the stakeholders in the Tourism industry suggested that this should be done one at a time to mitigate the disturbance that would be caused to the conservation area. This is because each exploration site needs roads, camps and other support infrastructure.

Tourism is one of the country’s highest income earners and striking a balance between oil and tourism is definitely a worthwhile effort. Last year the number of tourists visiting the country shot up to 840,000 and considering that each tourist spends on average $750, Government would do well to enable enhance tourism while embarking on oil exploration.

Earlier in the year Mr. Mapesa was accused of blocking the exploration of oil in the Semliki wildlife reserve and Kabwoya game reserve. It was said he resisted efforts to de-gazette these reserves, however, the President later during a meeting defended him saying that oil is not renewal and would be gone in 30 – 50 years however, the animals if managed properly can be with us for years to come, ensuring that we continue to earn revenue for future generations

UWA starts New Tourist Activity in Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon is a major trekking mountain in East Africa. The famed Mount Elgon is a huge volcano with the largest crater peaks in Africa and famously known as one of the major trekking mountains in East Africa. It is less crowded with a few people on the slopes so there are great chances of spotting wildlife, waterfalls on the slopes, and hot springs to soak in inside the crater.

However, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has introduced mountain bike riding in Mountain Elgon National Park as a new tourist activity to enable tourists who visit the park to relax as they enjoy being part of the park activities. The assistant warden at the national park, Mr Stephen Nyadru, while speaking at the launch on Friday, said the move is aimed at attracting more tourists. He said activities will include traversing of rocks, washouts, and steep declines, on dirt trails, logging roads, and gravel roads that wind along lazy streams through forested valleys or trails that climb up steep mountainsides; and other unpaved environments.

“This is the first time we are introducing this form of tourism. We feel that after climbing the mountain, usually tourists remain dull during descending so this will be able to give them another exercise down the hills as a modern form of tourism in Uganda,” said Mr Nyadru.He also said that the new activity complements other old tourist’s attractions. They include scenic peaks, gorges, hot-springs, magnificent waterfalls, caves, and flora & fauna.

Others are the talking tree along in Kapkwai, and the caldera and crater lakes/pools. The Mt. Elgon area conservation manager, Mr Adonia Bintorwa, said on the first day of launching, the park earned Shs12 million from Ireland bikers – Concern Worldwide – who were on a tri-adventure of Mt Elgon. Mr James Mcmanas, the expedition leader of about 17 bikers from Concern worldwide Ireland, said mountain bike or mountain bicycle (MTB) created for off-road cycling, makes Mt Elgon now a place to go for all bikers.

Climbing the mountain is an experience not soon forgotten and when you combine it with biking it becomes more interesting. If you enjoy mountaineering, Elgon is a place to be.