Uganda People’s Defense Forces Spokesman Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye has rallied international tourists to visit Uganda due to its safety and beauty. Kulaigye revealed that there’s no need to pay attention to any travel advisories to the country and that the visitors or tourists are free to visit Uganda for any purpose whether its business or touring the beauty the country has in stock.
While appearing on the panel during the Uganda Thematic Conference organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities ahead of the World Tourism Day 2024 celebrations set for September 29, 2024 in Kasese, Kulaigye assured Ugandans and the international community to feel at ease and enjoy the peace and security Uganda has to offer.
“Travel Advisory for Uganda is not necessary because I assure you that the security situation is always under control in the country and I would like to acknowledge the tourism industry of Uganda which to me is very key to the development of this country’s economy. Security is a pillar to the pearl of Africa and we don’t take it for granted.”
Kulaigye told delegates that Uganda is the most beautiful destination in the world with almost everything attractive all-over the country.
“This is the most beautiful country in the world, you travel all the way from Kyanika to Kidepo and all you see is flora and fauna. Uganda also is habitable to over 3,000 bird species, some of which are not found anywhere else in the world.” Kulaigye urged Ugandans to promote Uganda as the safest destination in the world with the way they post on social media among other platforms.
“There are two major ways you can learn about good things in Uganda; do research/read and travel within Uganda and if possible compare it to the rest of the world.”
Kulaigye asked some public servants in key offices and positions to desist from the habit of ignoring important information in case presented by the whistle-blowers or Ugandans which said, some of which is very vital and might need urgent attention. “Some workers in public offices think they have arrived, they ignore pertinent information from the documents they receive most especially if they decide not to attend to the document or information received. You never know, information in there might be very crucial and can save a bad situation from happening.”
The former Member of Parliament for UPDF urged different organizations and citizens to invest in Tourism for notable results.
Following the December 28, 2023 Uganda Travel Advisory issued by the United States of America (USA), H.E. Jan Sadek, the European Union Ambassador to Uganda underscored the need for Uganda’s concerted efforts towards keeping and promoting a clean slate of its image and selling it to the rest of the world.
Sadek revealed that Uganda’s ever evolving issues related to the country’s bad image has always revolved around bad reporting by either the media or those who don’t wish the Country well. “There’s always negative reporting about Uganda’s image, with the media portraying it as a bad country and not just the media but those who don’t wish the country well.
And just so you know, the western World and beyond and mostly those with little knowledge about Uganda, take everything reported in the media as real and accurate hence, the rise of travel advisories for Uganda.” Sadek added, “Former President Idi Amin Dada’s attitude is still a thing in the European’s minds as most people in Europe can’t get off Amin’s actions in Uganda and it is one of the European’s reconsiderations to visit Uganda. Another big barrier for tourists to Uganda is the Anti-Homosexuality Act which is also among the major challenges affecting tourism in Uganda,” he said.
The December 28, 2024 Uganda Travel Advisory indicates that there remains a threat of terrorist attacks in Uganda and throughout the region. Numerous terrorist attacks have occurred in Uganda, to include religious venues, schools, and areas frequented by tourists, resulting in the deaths of Ugandans as well as foreign visitors. U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid large public gatherings. In October 2023, ISIS-Central Africa claimed responsibility for killing two international tourists and a Ugandan driver within Queen Elizabeth National Park.
“Violent crime, such as armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault, presents a serious threat to those visiting and residing in Uganda and can occur at any time, especially in larger cities, including Kampala, Jinja and Entebbe, in the Karamoja region, and along Uganda’s western and northern borders. Local police may lack appropriate resources to respond effectively to serious crime in most areas,” reads the advisory.
The advisory also indicates that, “The May 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act raises the risk that LGBTQI+ persons, and those perceived to be LGBTQI+, could be prosecuted and subjected to life imprisonment or death based on provisions in the law, and may be subject to mandatory reporting to the police if they are suspected of committing or intending to commit acts in violation of the law, and could face harassment or attacks by vigilantes.
Those perceived to support the dignity and human rights of LGBTQI+ persons (including those of youth under the age of 18) could be prosecuted and imprisoned for multi-year sentences. Even an unsubstantiated accusation of supporting the LGBTQI+ community can create risks from police and vigilantes. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Uganda.”
The Uganda Travel Advisory as issued by the US, cautions US citizens to; Remain alert and avoid large public gatherings, keep a low profile, be aware of the surroundings and avoid displaying any signs of wealth, including expensive watches or jewelry among others, if they are to travel to Uganda.
According to Ms. Doreen S. Katusiime Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities the tourism sector has effectively resulted in an increase in income. Katusiime highlighted the importance of the performance review conference as one that will showcase the sector’s achievements and success registered in the past year and will further trigger and encourage participation of not only the citizens of Uganda, stakeholders but the development partners as well.
“Industries such as hotels, travel, airlines activities of restaurants, leisure industries as well as the wider effects from investments, the entire supply chain has resulted in increased income. Additionally, the recovery of the tourism industry has been fueled by the undertakings of the government of Uganda, the exuberant private sector, our development partners, and civil society organizations who continue to collaborate and promote our tourism industry.
The performance review conference is a much needed exercise that will provide us an opportunity to showcase the performance of the programme in the past one year and really highlight to our stakeholders the progress we are making in recovering the industry.”
Katusiime added, “As a Ministry and our agencies, we fondly recognize the contribution of all the different players in achieving our goal which is increasing Uganda’s attractiveness as far-reaching as the investor.”
