THE TALE OF ATA UGANDA CHAPTER

Once Upon a time in the late 90’s, a lady passionate about transforming tourism in Uganda visited America to attend the World Bank’s Africa Club Conference. During her visit, she met the ATA front runners. She was inspired and interested in the Association.

On return to Kampala, she wrote to Africa Travel Association(ATA) seeking to know more about the ‘league of extra ordinary tourism players’ and what benefits it would bring for the tourism stakeholders.

After a long while, Hellen C. Broadus, President of ATA and David J. Sanders the CEO responded to Maria Baryamujura on February 7, 1999. In the letter,  was the composition of the ATA membership in three categories; a) Active Membership; African Tourism Ministries, Airlines and Hoteliers, Tour operators and Travel Agencies, b) Allied Membership; representatives from the press and educational institutions and c) Associate Membership; Individuals engaged in the promotion of travel and tourism.

The letter highlighted the ATA benefits among which included; Participation in the ATA’s annual International Congress and trade shows at selected African and US locations. There was a guarantee for automatic membership in one’s local chapter and participation in all chapter fuctions. More to that, was subscription to the ATA’s quarterly newsletter and other informative material distributed by the ATA.

The email further pointed out benefits such as personal ATA membership card, use of the ATA’S membership list, opportunity to participate in educational FAM tours to Africa, use of the ATA’s logo on one’s company stationary and office documents ,use of the ATA’s name as reference for one’s professional activities and referrals from the ATA to one’s company of potential travellers to Africa .

The letter invited Maria Baryamujura to attend the ATA’s 24th Annual International Congress in Ghana in the same year. ATA thought it would be a great opportunity for her to represent the Ugandan tourism industry and network with many African and North American tour operators.

On 9th,December, 2003 at 3pm, an interim committee of ATA Uganda Chapter was formed under the Chairmanship of Ms. Maria Baryamujura at Kampala Casino . The committee comprised of Maria Baryamujura (ED COBATI), David Lukwago (Hotel Africana), Christine Mwinike (Crystal Safaris), Marinka Sanc-George( Let’s Go Travel),Yusuf Mubiru(Volcanoes), Lukia Otema(East African Airways), E.N Windt( Swan air travel), Yogi Birigwa(United Airlines), Amos Wekesa(Great Lakes Safaris) , Alex Mango and Kelley MacTavish( Pearl of Africa).All the above made a commitment to be founder members of the chapter.

A further meeting with Mrs. Susan Muhwezi was confirmed for December 10, at 10:00am in her Boardroom at AGOA. The responsibility was given to Ms. Baryamujura, E. Windt and Mrs. Birigwa to meet Susan Muhwezi, the current President, ATA Uganda and Chairperson of Uganda Hotel Owners Association(UHOA).

The ATA headquarters was thrilled to have Uganda as a chapter of ATA and on Friday, December 19,2003 the Associate Director ATA, Marilyn Eugene forwarded Maria the membership application . The chapter was to meet monthly and Bi-monthly, conduct chapter business, showcase African destinations, network for promotional opportunities and tour offerings and also disseminate information sent from Headquarter office congress information and symposium.

On 22, December,2003, David J. Saunders, the Membership Chairperson of ATA responded to Maria’s inquiries about the functions of a National Chapter. Saunders suggested that the Executive committee develops an annual marketing program and consider hosting or participating in several activities and events on a regular basis.

The activities included; new members orientation, monthly chapter meetings, networking receptions and events.

Education and training workshops, trade shows/exhibitions/marketing activities, educational and study tours to various tourist destinations in Uganda, annual international marketing conferences and symposiums, internet access to ATA website and discounts for advertising rates were the other activities.

ATA World Congress in Uganda

During November 11-16, 2014, Uganda played host to ATA’s 39th World Congress, a leading global trade association promoting travel and tourism to Africa under the leadership efforts of Susan Muhwezi.

40th ATA World Congress in Kenya

This year, all ATA members and affiliates will travel to Nairobi, Kenya to attend the 40th Annual ATA World Congress from 9-13 November . For Details: http://www.africatravelassociation.org/

CREDIT: Archives of Mary Baryamujura.

NewVision File photo: Mary Baryamujura(

Maria is the Initiator of Uganda ATA Chapter and first secretary of AUTO. She is also the founder member and first secretary of SKAL Club of Kampala. She actively foresees the activities of Community Based Tourism Initiative(COBATI) http://cobatiuganda.org/.

OCTOBER 29 IS A MISSED OPPORTUNITY IN RELIGIOUS TOURISM!

Bishop John Hannington (1847-1885)

“Go, tell Mwanga i have purchased the road to Uganda with my blood“. These were the last words to the soldiers who persecuted 38 year old Bishop Hannington on 29 October 1885 after he spent eight days in captivity. Bishop Hannington was speared to death in Kyando, present day Mayuge District. Eight days he had been captured and imprisoned by Basoga chiefs on orders of Kabaka Mwanga II. Just like the biblical tale of King Herod who received prophecy that his downfall would come from the east, Kabaka Mwanga shared the same sentiments and no wonder when the white catechist entered Uganda through Busoga, he was bound to be victimized. Hannington was the first Anglican bishop of East Africa and also the first christian martyr in Uganda.

A feast day for Hannington is organised on October 29 annually and a dedication stone was erected in his memory along with the Bishop Hannington Memorial Church, Hove in 1938.

On 29 October 2014,a celebration was organised by Busoga Tourism Initiative (BTI) with support from the church and Uganda Tourism Board. The event attracted thousands of pilgrims and hundreds of catechists from all over Uganda. A promise was made to give the 2015 feast a boost, but rather it has faded like the ” silent night” hymn. Uganda has missed the opportunity of hosting millions of pilgrims in a buildup of Faith based tourism ahead of the Popes visit on November 27-29, 2015.

According to United Nations World Tourism Organization(UNWTO), 300-330 million tourists visit the world’s major religious sites every year, with approximately 600 million national and international religious travels in the world, 40% of which take place in Europe and the rest are spread in Africa, North and South America, Asia and Australia. Out of all tourists who visit Uganda, only 5 to 6% are religious tourists. This implies that there is need to tripple our efforts in promoting religious tourism. Uganda has key and unique religious sites and festivals that pull traffic and can boost socio-economic growth of an average Ugandan. The good security within and around the country makes the Pearl of Africa a hub for tolerance, respect and mutual understanding between cultures unlike countries on the continent that struggle with religious inferiority and cultural clashes.

Black Jews of Uganda (The Abayudaya)

The potential of religious tourism is immense and the receipts from faith based visitors would have been greater this year punched with arrival of the Pope if we would look beyond the June 3rd martyrs festival at Namugongo where Uganda received over 3 million pilgrims.

How about if we package and sell the martyrs trail; the journey and different points the Uganda martyrs moved before they were persecuted at Namugongo, Ghadaffi mosque, the second largest mosque in Africa. This religious gem standing on the oldest hill in Kampala  and was built with materials imported from every continent courtesy of  the Late Libyan President Muamar Gadhaffi.  Nebbi district harbours the tiniest church in the world; the house of prayer can contain two worshippers and a priest at ago, Uganda has the first and biggest Baháí House of Worship on the African continent built in 1961. It has strengthened the Bahai faith in the East African region.

Mbale plays host to the regional and continental Jewish festivals since the 1920’s. The Pearl of Africa is home of over 2500 black Jews. On your way to Budongo forest, the polish refugee church is a must visit! Between 1942 and 1952, close to 7200 refugees majority whom were Children and women were settled in Nyabyeya in the areas of Budongo and others were placed in Koja in Mukono. The church was built by polish exiles who had been rescued from WWII.

How about the 15,000 seat capacity Liberty worship centre which is perhaps the biggest church in East Africa or package the first secondary school in Namilyango built by the Mill Hill fathers in 1902?

Polish refugee church

It is high time the tourism industry embraces crusades as a contribution to the GDP of Uganda. Religion is pivotal in the growth of the tourism industry. Every year prominent churches like Kansanga Miracle centre and Rubaga miracle centre host thousands of worshippers from different parts of the country and within the region to more than 2 day conferences and crusades.

The Synagogue Church led by Prophet Samuel Kakande held a crusade at Nakivubo on October 28-29 where millions of people took part as a bait for business around the stadium and as faithhfuls. Many travelled from all parts of the country and beyond borders. This implies that the transporters, hoteliers, street side vendors were beneficiaries of this 2 day crusade. Every last saturday of the month, the Bukalango fellowship is another indicator of faith based socio-economic transformation.

The multitudes that throng New year’s overnight prayers at the different venues in Kampala is estimated to be more than the  average million persons in the city on a daily basis. There is usually a rural-urban movement on 31st December. Persons save for their transport and meals as early as November. This  annual religious celebration is an economic spring board and an indicator of domestic tourism.

Every one of us must spread the value and multiply efforts in promoting the cathedrals, pilgrimages, festivals because the average 3 million pilgrims of Namugongo are not enough!

Bishop John Hannington (1847-1885)

MISS TOURISM INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT 2015 POSTPONED

Miss Tourism Uganda Akurut Pauline(C)

The Miss Tourism International Pageant 2015, which was slated on 28 November in Vietnam has been postponed to next year due to unforeseen circumstances.

This implies that Miss Tourism Uganda Ambassador Akurut Pauline(19) will feature at the prestigious event in April or May 2016.

According to a letter from the organizers a few weeks ago, the 21^st Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2015 world final is confirmed 100%.

Dear National Directors and Friends,

 We regret to inform you at this very last minute that the 19^th Miss Tourism International 2015 world final, which was scheduled to be held in Vietnam, Ha Long Bay on 28 November 2015 is rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances. The new date is now scheduled for April or May 2016, which the actual dates will be announced later.

 As some of you are aware that, Ha Long Bay is UNESCO World Heritage. In end July, beginning August, Quang Ninh province where Ha Long City is situated was hit by the worst flood in the 40 years. The city is still in the recover stage. We wish the people speedy recovery and all the best.

Besides, the impressive brand new 5-star resort is too affected, the finishing and completion will be ready for the pageant and all contestants only at a later date.

 Therefore, with regret the world final is rescheduled. Be rest assured that we work very hard, together with the Vietnam organiser to make the world final one of the best for every contestant and participating country. Lots of hard work, effort and times were invested in preparing the event. We apology for the change of date and inconvenient. At the same time, we thank you for your great support and trust in us. We shall keep you posted on the development from time-to-time and as much as possible.

 On the other hand, we like to remind and reassure you that the 21^st Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2015 world final is confirmed 100% as follow:

 21^st Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2015/16

 Host Country: MALAYSIA

Host City: Kuala Lumpur / Putrajaya

Arrival Date: 12 Dec 2015

Departure Date: 2 Jan 2016

Airport: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

Coronation night: 31 Dec 2015

 This year, we are inviting 62 countries to the world final. Please prepare your delegate and submit the entry as soon as possible. We look forward to welcome the ladies in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

 Should you require further information and details, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 Thank you & Best regards

 Irene Liong

MPANGA FOREST,WHERE THE NIGHTS ARE ECO-FRIENDLY!

For my second time, i found Mpanga Forest “Pristine”, “welcoming” and ” eco-friendly”. An environment with longer nights and short days.

In the middle of the silent night, i called Ramah Kizito. ” Sheila—-Sheila… Ramah…Ramah…Are you awake?, ” i called in a hoarse voice. It was 4: 00 am and the night seemed longer than i expected. I was tired of the Dorm loft beds. I asked Ramah whether he found it strange that the nights appeared longer. He answered back in a sleep mode ” the nights… are longer because the forest is… eco-friendly”, which reduced us to rib–cracking laughs.

Last Saturday, we woke up in spirit to have a Getaway for a weekend. We needed a serene environment to enjoy the tranquility of Uganda’s natural gifts. Without a doubt! It was Mpanga Forest.

Mpanga Forest is next to Mpambire village and is located in Mpigi District, Central Region. It is less than an hour drive from Kampala to the forest reserve. The cheapest mode of transport is by taxi/matatu from New taxi park. Once one boards a Matatu destined for Mpigi town, one will part with Ush. 3500, thereafter jump on a Boda Boda to the forest reserve which costs Ush. 2000.

Mpanga is beautifully positioned on 453 hectares, nested in Mpigi Valley. The forest has been conserved since 1932 and boasts of various attractions; 2 types of Monkeys; Red tailed and white Colobus Monkey,97 butterfly species,112moths, 300 bird species,500 trees and shrubs, nocturnals; bush babies, flying squirrels and owls.

The Forest is associated to the Ffumbe Clan(http://www.ffumbeclan.org/) Ffumbe is a Luganda word loosely translated as Civet cat. The Magunda people have their well in the forest. During cultural festivities, they fetch water from the water source. A legend is told about a special tree in the forest that was cut down by a power saw and it never fell, but rather regenerated.

Some of the activities on the Mpanga list are bird watching, Forest walks, Butterfly watching and camping. http://nfa-ecotourism.blogspot.ug/

According to Nanyombi Proscovia, the Mpanga tourism officer, power supply is one of the major challenges which by the next quota in 2016 will be sorted. There is a big plan for electricity rather than Solar. However, she is quick to highlight the tactical drum makers who sneak into the forest and cut trees down as the biggest challenge. The drums are the main source of livelihood in the area.

Forest Breakfast

On Saturday night, we embarked on a guided forest walk for nearly I km. We later enjoyed a sumptuous moonlight dinner besides the camp fire at the edge of the forest. The birds chirped and the monkeys swung on trees.

Rehema jumping over the log

Our accommodation unit was a dormitory large enough for 10 persons. It had Well laid beds, clean room and shower.

The following day, after a top notch breakfast prepared by Proscovia, we got ready for a test of Fitness. Biina Hill is one of those locations you’ll be glad to have on your adventure list. The hill offers a panoramic view of Entebbe International Airport, the dense canopy of Mpanga forest and ‘Mpambire’ commonly refered to as the drum makers village. No doubt! Photography is an activity one should not miss during a weekend away.

Would you like to have your retreat, bootcamp or getaway not far from Kampala City- Call PROSCOVIA NANYOMBI– +256 759 723 442

ABOUT PROSCOVIA

Prossy has vast knowledge about the forest and its attractions since her arrival in 2010. She is one of the best female bird guides in Uganda. Out of the 1068 bird species in Uganda, she has covered three quarters of them. The helpful Prossy made sure we had all that we needed and shared amazing stories and legends. Her flawless command of both English and the local dialect is exceptional and makes translations simpler. We also applaud her comparisons and contrasts of different destinations in Uganda which show how much she has travelled in the Pearl of Africa. It is important to note that she is certified by the Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA).

TIME TO MAKE YOUR NOMINATIONS FOR UGANDA TOURISM AWARDS 2015

Kenya Tourism Federation introduced Kenya Tourism Awards in 2011. The goal of the awards is to recognize and encourage excellence and good practice in responsible tourism. Over the years, Ghana Tourism Authority has organised National Tourism Awards in Accra. Our neighbours in Tanzania under the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) have over the years held the annual TTB Tourism awards.

It is now time to welcome the Pearl of Africa Tourism Excellence Awards– the tourism signature awards recognizing and promoting excellence in tourism. A sign of appreciation to individuals and companies that have brought glory to Uganda’s tourism.

OBJECTIVES

• To promote and reward excellence in the Ugandan tourism industry
• To ensure the preservation of standards in the Ugandan tourism industry
•   To create a platform for the key sector players in the tourism industry to meet and network with one another

CATEGROIES

BEST ACCOMMODATION SERVICE AWARD 

a) Best luxury hotel      b) Best mid-range hotel        c) Best budget hotel       d) Best camp site e) Best home stay

TOUR OPERATOR AND TRAVEL AGENCY AWARD

a) Best Tour Operator award – Local           b) Best Tour Operator award – International

c) Best Airline award

COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL TOURISM AWARD 

a) Best Cultural center or Community Tourism Initiative

TOURISM PERSONALITY AWARD

a) Male personality        b) Female personality

DONOR AGENCY/ PARTNER AWARD

The recipient of this award is a partner that has been successful in developing creative and effective alliances within the tourism industry that improve Uganda tourism’s ability to meet its vision and mission. This donor agency partner may be, but is not limited to, nontraditional organizations.

TOURISM DESTINATION AWARD

It can be a national park, adventure attraction, entertainment center, night spot or any tourism destination in the country

TOURISM MEDIA AWARD

1) Electronic Media

a) Best Tourism Program – Radio        b) Best Tourism Program – Television

2) Print Media   

a) Best Tourism Print Media – Newspaper         b) Best Tourism Print Media – Magazine

3) Best Tourism Journalist

4) Digital Media 

a) Best Tourism Blog     b) Best website       c) Best Facebook or twitter account

CONSERVATION AWARD 

a) Best conservation institution/ agency/ organization       b) Best conservation personality

SAFARI GUIDES AWARD 

a) Best general safari guide        b) Best bird guide       c) Best ranger guide                              d) Best cultural tourism guide
NOMINATION CRITERIA

• Nominations must be submitted electronically to awards@utb.go.ug
• Please include your name and contact information before nominating
• Self-nominations are accepted
• All nominees will be contacted by The Technical Evaluation Committee – TEC to accept their nomination and to complete the nomination process
• The Awards Committee, comprised of tourism industry representatives, will select the winners
• All decisions rendered by the Awards Committee are final

TO NOMINATE IN ANY CATEGORY FOLLOW THIS LINK http://visituganda.com/awards/TEA/2015/nominations/

DEADLINE

Tuesday, 27th October 2015

UGANDA TOUR OPERATORS PUBLIC FORUM

Must attend!

AUTO@20 COMMITTEE INVITES YOU TO THE

TOUR OPERATORS PUBLIC FORUM

OCTOBER 27, 2015, 2:00pm

FAIRWAY HOTEL, KAMPALA

Please join the Tour Operators of Uganda on October 27th at 2:00pm for our  Public Forum.  This event is free and open to the general public, so we welcome you to share this invitation with your friends.

The Tour Operators Public Forum is an opportunity to discuss the World Tourism Day Theme : One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities.

For more details, please call 0414 542 599

Please RSVP by October 23rd to Gloria at admin@auto.or.ug

 Please note “Tour Operators Public Forum RSVP” in the subject line.

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday!

TOURISM EVENTS CALENDAR-UGANDA

Kampala is Uganda’s capital. It has been dubbed the city that ‘never goes to sleep’ on the African continent. In a recent survey by Tourism Gossipers at all bus terminals, majority of persons heading out of Kampala on Sunday nights and Monday are Rwandans, Kenyans, Tanzanians, Sudanese who arrive on Fridays to enjoy the entertainment Capital.

We hope to double the city’s daily population from the average 1 million on 30th October when Uganda’s no.1 premium lager flies in Shaffer Chimere Smith widely known by his stage name Ne-Yo, to headline a concert in Kampala.

Check out what’s happening in Uganda from Late October to Early December . Scroll through the calendar of tourism events for exciting festivals, Expos and major celebrations some endorsed by Uganda Tourism Board and the Association of Uganda Tour Operators.

1. AUTO TOURISM FORUM ( Oct. 27)

As the leading tourism trade association celebrates its 20 years anniversary. Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) has organised a Public Forum on 27th October from 2pm hosted at Fairway Hotel. The Forum will focus on the achievements, challenges and opportunities that exist. Everyone is invited.

2. WORLD TRAVEL MARKET ( Nov 2-5)

WTM 2015

World Travel Market is the leading global event for the travel industry to meet industry professionals and conduct business deals. Through its industry networks, unrivalled global reach, WTM creates personal and business opportunities, providing customers with quality contacts, content and communities.

Tour Operators have registered at AUTO Secretariat to participate in the event held in London annually.

3.  MAVUNO YETU ( Nov. 13)

Mavuno Yetu is a Swahili word that is loosely translated as a celebration of the gains and rewards of East Africa. This year’s Celebration of the East African Harvest with a Banquet, dance, culture, people will take place at The Lake Victoria Serena Resort & Spa. A yearly high end celebration uniting the east African region in fashion , food ,dance, entertainment, culture.

4. BIG BIRDING DAY ( Nov. 14)

Big Birding Day 2015

The Big Birding Day” (BBD) is a special day when every person in Uganda is encouraged to go out birding in any part of the country, with the main aim of increasing awareness on the potential of birds to promote tourism in Uganda. This event also aims to promote domestic tourism, by involving Ugandans in such an exciting exercise.
5. PEARL OF AFRICA TOURISM EXPO ( Nov.17-19)

Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo 2015

The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo is one of the annual events in the East African region organized by Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). Now in its second year, Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo aims at raising the profile of Destination Uganda both domestically and regionally. The Expo brings together tourism stakeholders and other service providers along the tourism value chain. It is a unique opportunity for the tourism business operators to meet new clients, network, promote and market their businesses.

The exhibition runs from 17-19 November 2015 – See more at: http://www.visituganda.com/news/details/pearl-of-africa-tourism-expo-2015-and-the-tourism-excellence-awards

Register and book your stall at the AUTO Secretariat
6. MILEGE WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL 2015 ( Nov. 20 -22)

Milege 2015

The festival is a 3-day celebration of exceptional African arts, presenting an outstanding line-up of the finest bands, DJs, dance groups and musicians as well as poetry, visual arts, fashion, food and crafts exhibitions from the four corners of East Africa, all in the stunningly beautiful setting of the Botanical Gardens Entebbe.

In addition to the arts programme, a variety of games, children’s activities, bonfire stories and dance, forest walks, boat rides, food & drinks, together with the possibility of camping on the grounds of the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, will create a unique experience.

Details : http://milege.org/festival-2015/
7. KIGEZI TOURISM FESTIVAL ( Nov. 22 / Dec. 23-24 )

Kigezi Festival 2015

Kigezi Tourism Festival in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board and Uganda’s tourism sector invites all players in the tourism industry both local and international; tour operators, travel agents, hotels, restaurants, lodges, guesthouses, airlines, financial institutions, craftsmen and craftswomen, and the general business community to register and participate in this year’s KIGEZI TOURISM FESTIVAL 2015scheduled to take place in November 22, 2015 at Uganda Museum and in Kisoro District from 23rd-24th December,2015.

For More details, Visit our website www.kigezifestivals.org ; Registration to exhibit at the ‪‎KigeziTourismFestival2015 is ongoing. Simply Call +256 702 874 427/+25678205567
8.  POPE’S VISIT TO UGANDA ( Nov. 27-29 )

Pope Francis has confirmed his visit to Uganda from 27-29 November 2015. The visit will make him the third Pope to visit Uganda, well known as the Pearl of Africa. Pope Francis’ visit comes after Pope Paul VI (1969) and that of Pope John Paul in 1993.Uganda becomes the only African nation to have three papal visits. “He also noted that the trip will come “after the 50th anniversary of the martyrs, though a little late.” Pope Francis had earlier been invited to the Uganda Martyrs Day, a national holiday, on 03 June. Over 3 million pilgrims attended this year’s Martyrs Day.

Read the Pope’s program http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/674595-pope-s-detailed-programme-released.htm

9. KAMPALA COLOUR RUN ( Dec. 6)

Kampala Color Fun Run

UWEC is partnering with Events 256 to help facilitate the raising of ugx 200 million for constructing a spacious big cat’s complex, which will accommodate a range of big cats for breeding, education and tourism purposes in Uganda.

The Color Fun Run is a thrilling and fun filled color experience that is less about talent and more about having the time of your life. It is a five kilometer un-timed race in which thousands of participants or ‘Color Runners’ are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer. There are only two rules in this event; First wear white at the starting line, and secondly, finish in plastered colors.

The event shall start at the Mayor’s Garden in Entebbe at 10 AM. and climax with the color celebration at UWEC beach, where corporate companies shall be able to brand, exhibit their products. There will be numerous entertainment from Uganda’s leading artists, comedians and live music performances at the longest beach line in Entebbe.

UGANDA’S TOP 10 TOURISM TOWNS SELECTED

NUMBER 4 IS SHOCKING!

The online survey done most especially on Facebook and Whatsapp was aimed to enhance Ugandans appeal to visit these tourism towns.

The shortlisted towns were as a result of social media opinions from over 80% who are popular domestic travellers. The GOSSIPERS examined all aspects of each town’s appeal and have deliberated to decide which towns are Uganda’s TOP 10 in tourism .
# 10: MASAKA

There are a number of interesting, sites with high potentials of tourist attractions. They include; Nabugabo landing sites Ramsar sites of Lake Nabugabo and Nabajjuzi wetland, and various cultural sites in Buwunga, Kyesiiga and Kyanamukaka for the conservation of Eco-system. Facilities like beaches can further be explored on the shores of lake victoria.

The town popularly referred to as the ” HUSTLE TOWN” considering the fact that most successful entrepreneurs in Kampala migrated from Masaka across Lwera, a popular swamp along Masaka road.

The Local traditions say, “that there were big shrubs which were found in the area commonly known as a Masaka”. So from that they named the area as Masaka. The district has a rich cultural heritage. It has also a diversity of ethnicities of about 40 ethnic groups though the majority of the people are Baganda followed by the Banyankole, Banyarwanda and Banyoro. But most of the tribes practice Buganda culture. The main language spoken is Luganda and the staple food of the area is Matooke.

Masaka has Club Ambience, a the place to be when you are in the town. Different people no matter their age, color or sex meet and party there. The Gossipers highly recommend you spend a night at Hotel Brovad Masaka where you are guaranteed a uniquely pleasant experience.

# 9: GULU

When you mention Gulu, an image of a war-ravaged town will cross your mind if you have not travelled there in the lately. You will be shocked by the shocked by the construction work, booming business, bustling atmosphere and happening night life.

Gulu is located about 285 km north of Kampala . It is the Capital town of Northern Uganda and popularly referred to as the Northern Connection.

Popular tourist attractions in Gulu include the following; Sir Samuel Baker’s Fort at Patiko, Murchison Falls National Park, Karuma Falls, Guruguru caves and Amuru hotsprings.

# 8: KABALE

According to Lonely Planet, the home of the Engagi ( Local name for Mountain Gorillas) is a transport hub and gateway to both Lake Bunyonyi and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This beautiful area , 430Km by road from Kampala to South Western Uganda is wrapped up with cultivated terraces and rolling hills, forest and lakes, thus has a distinctive character. It is Popularly known as the Switzerland of Africa.

Kabale is one of the highest towns in Uganda at 2000m above sea level, with pretty cool temperatures at nights falling up to 10°C (50°F). Do not forget that the town is a gateway to Lake Bunyonyi ; Africa’s second deepest lake.

http://www.guide2uganda.com/information/11656/Kabale–Town

# 7: KAMPALA

Alas! It is known as the city that never goes to sleep on the African Continent because its nightlife is unrivalled. Kampala is the capital and largest city of Uganda. It is the central business district of the Pearl of Africa.

For details, visit http://visitkampala.net/

# 6: KALANGALA

This Island of the Sun is entirely made up of a total of 84 Islands widely scattered in Lake Victoria. The biggest Island is Buggala and covers an area of 296Km2. When it comes to tranquil white sandy beaches, water wonder and natural rain forests, there is non other than Kalangala with the best. is a heaven in its making that offer a wonderful get away destination from the shove and flurry of the main land with in Uganda.

Details: http://www.ugandatravelguide.com/kalangala-sseseisland.html

# 5: ENTEBBE

According to Lonely Planet, The Airport City Entebbe is an attractive, verdant town that served as the capital city during the early years of the British protectorate, though it’s the relaxed pace of life and natural attractions rather than any notable colonial relics that give the city its charm.

Unless you have reason to rush into Kampala, Entebbe makes a nice, chilled-out introduction to Uganda. It’s also the ideal place to end your trip if you’re stuck with one of the many early morning flights out of Uganda’s only international airport.

# 4: MBARARA

This land of milk and honey has become a popular getaway for corporates in Uganda. They travel to Mbarara to enjoy the nightlife, interact with the beautiful ladies and relieve themselves of the stress. However, there is more to Mbarara than the goodlife. It is the amazing tourism potentials and attractions such as Lake Mburo National Park (the nearest National Park from Kampala), Lake Ruizi, Igongo Cultural museum among others. http://www.ugandatouristsites.com/uganda-towns/attractions-in-mbarara.html

# 3: MBALE

Ever since the town hosted the World Tourism Day in 2014, it has gained popularity in travel reviews because of the greatness in tourism and its organised tourism Cluster called EETN. The EETN have mapped and popularized the tourism sites to suit the taste of many young and adventurous travellers.

Every month, Mbale has a tourism festival that attracts people from all divides. A visit to the Semei Kakungulu tombs, a hike to the  Wanale ridge, Mountain Elgon, participation in the circumcision rites every even year, a night at Mbale resort hotel or Sukali for budget travellers, a cup of coffee at Eco-Shamba and a meet and greet with the African Jews is a tale worth sharing.

Find out more at http://theeye.co.ug/travel-review-mbale-2/ why Mbale has been dubbed  FANTASY TOWN

# 2: JINJA

Adventure, thrill, fun, and adrenaline rush are some of the things that come in mind with the mention of Jinja Tourism City in Uganda. The town that is home to the source of the mighty River Nile is a fun filled place and acts as one of the most important tourism spots not only in Uganda or Africa but to the world as a whole.

The Adventure Capital of East Africa  lies in southeastern Uganda, approximately 54 miles (87 km), by road, east of Kampala. The town is located on the shores of Lake Victoria, near to the source of the River Nile.

http://eastafricatourismguide.com/visit-jinja-the-adventure-capital-of-uganda/

# 1: FORT PORTAL

It is commonly referred to as the Tourism city of Uganda. It is paradise for people from different regions and owns of Uganda.

The fort may be gone, but this city is definitely a portal to places that offer sublime scenery, abundant nature and genuine adventure. Explore the beautiful Crater Lakes, track the chimps in Kibale National Park or drop into Semuliki National Park with its hot springs and central African wildlife.

Fort Portal is the heartland of a verdant tea-growing area and an important commercial centre. Its pleasant cool climate and central location make it a very convenient base from which to explore the area, so many people end up staying here for a few days.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/uganda/western-uganda/fort-portal#ixzz3nzi7gP4w

THE QUEEN OF IVORY ARRESTED IN TANZANIA

PRESS RELEASE

Breaking News

“The Queen of Ivory”, a Chinese national, arrested by a specialized Task Force in Tanzania. To date, she is the most important ivory trafficker ever arrested in the country.

A specialized wildlife trafficking unit under Tanzania’s National and Transnational Serious Crimes Investigation Unit (NTSCIU) arrested a number of high-level Chinese ivory traffickers led by a woman who is now thought to be the most notorious ivory trafficker brought to task so far in the war against elephant poaching. She is believed to be behind the trafficking of a huge quantity of ivory over the last several years.

The woman, now dubbed the “Queen of Ivory”, is a Chinese national named Yang Feng Glan, 66, and has been followed by the Task Force for over a year. She recently disappeared from Tanzania, moving to Uganda, but returned one week ago, when the Task Force swiftly moved and arrested her. After confessing to many of her crimes she has been taken to the high court of Dar es Salaam facing a maximum sentence of 20-30 years imprisonment.

Mrs. Yang Feng Glan is originally from Beijing and is a wealthy woman, owning at least several houses, a farm, a restaurant, and three cars. According to the first information collected by the Task Force, she first came to Tanzania in the 1980’s working as an interpreter and she has been trafficking ivory since at least 2006, working with the most high-ranking poachers in the country and in the region. She is connected to various companies abroad, all Chinese-owned, and circulates in the upper echelons of Chinese citizens living and working in Tanzania.

Tanzania has been the ground zero of elephant poaching in East Africa for the past several years, having lost 85,000 elephants between 2009 and 2014, according to a recent elephant census in the country. A slaughter of industrial proportion such as this cannot have happened without the involvement of high profile, corrupt individuals and government officials at the two ports of Dar-es-Salaam and Zanzibar, and elsewhere in civil society.

“It’s the news that we all have been waiting for, for years”, commented Mr. Andrea Crosta, co-founder of the Elephant Action League and WildLeaks. “Finally, a high profile Chinese trafficker is in jail. Hopefully she can lead us to other major traffickers and corrupt government officials. We must put an end to the time of the untouchables if we want to save the elephant”.

“Everyone she has been dealing with will now become a target for law enforcement,” concludes Crosta.

http://elephantleague.org/the-queen-of-ivory-arrested-in-Tanzania/