Mr. Stephen Asiimwe, the Chief Executive of Uganda Tourism Board, in an exclusive interview with Ehis Ayere of the African Leadership Magazine, gives insights into the colourful and unique offerings Uganda provides the rest of the world from the nature, culture, wildlife, accommodation, and hospitality of the country. He also discusses the improvement in infrastructures, health and security to enrich the lives of visitors in the country. Excerpts:
Uganda recorded over 1.3million tourist arrivals in 2014. Kindly tell us about the country’s unique tourism products and services.
Uganda is a country of diversity in its people, natural inheritance, lands, foods, weather—name it. It is pretty tough getting what is unique to Uganda because there are many products and services to fit that profile.
Uganda has 54% of all the mountain gorillas in the world. Considering that there are only 880 or so mountain gorillas, this is a significant contribution to world heritage. The mountain gorillas are found in the world heritage site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (50% of world mountain gorillas) and Mgahinga National Park.
In addition, about 11% of the world’s bird species are found here in Uganda—a country about the size of Oregon in North America; or UK in Europe. There are over 1060 bird species in Uganda and one can literary begin birding right after departure from the airport or a step through the border.
Africa’s largest and highest mountain range, the Mt. Rwenzoris (Mountains of the Moon as Greek philosopher Ptolemy called them) are found on the western rim of the Great Rift Valley that goes through Uganda. Mt. Rwenzori, the third highest in Africa, has permanent snow and glacier through the year. It has the unique three horned chameleon.
Uganda is the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river that flows from the Lake Victoria, the largest tropical fresh water lake, and the world’s second largest fresh water lake.
With over 45 languages and dialects, Uganda is a rich cultural mixing pot right in the heart of Africa. The rich cultural diversity means variety in foods, dressing, customs and beliefs.
And it is for beliefs that Uganda today is known for the Uganda Martyrs. These 45 young men died for their Christian faith rather than submit to the Kabaka of Buganda between 1885- 1887. Today, over 3 million people from all parts of Uganda, Africa and other parts of Africa travel to pay homage in memory of these Christian martyrs.
