I want to start by expressing my deepest sympathies to the families of the two visiting tourists and their Ugandan guide who were killed by bandits in Queen Elizabeth National Park on October 17, 2023. It still hurts me that the newlywed couple had specifically chosen Uganda for their honeymoon only to be murdered as they returned from a game drive. I too condole with 13 Ugandans who were killed by the same Allied Devilish Forces aka ADF in Kamwenge districts in December 2023.
Rest in Peace our visitors, David Jim Barlow and Emmaretia Cecelia Geyer, and Rest in Peace our Tourism Ambassador Eric Alyai. Rest in peace our fellow Ugandans in Kamwenge district.
Bahororo have a saying “Omurungi tabur’akamogo” meaning that however beautiful you are, there will always be something that is not perfect about you. Uganda is a beautiful country, at least nobody doubts that, however, our location in the region that puts us next to chaotic South Sudan in the North and bandit-ridden DR Congo to the West has been our “Achilles’ Heel” aka Kamogo. Therefore, no matter how we organize ourselves internally, events in these two neighbouring countries always spill over into Uganda.
That is how Allied Devilish Forces (ADF) that were defeated over ten years ago crossed from their hideout in DR Congo and killed the two tourists and their Ugandan driver/guide along Queen Elizabeth National Park and later, innocent Ugandans in Kamwenge district.
The good news is that some of the killers have since been taken out of action and others arrested and are facing justice in courts of law. The security in the park has also been increased and periodic patrols along the tourism roads are now a constant feature. The president has also sanctioned the creation of Local Defense Units (LDUs) to help protect civilians from these murderous bandits.
Uganda Wildlife Authority ranges have also been equipped with modern gadgets like drones to carry out reconnaissance in the protected areas that ensure early detection of any threats and timely reaction. The manager of communications and public relations at UWA Mr Hangi Bashir assured Ugandans and international travellers of their safety while visiting Uganda’s national parks saying; “The collaboration between the UWA and UPDF in addressing security challenges has been exemplary, and we are confident that we will maintain a safe environment for our visitors to enjoy their time in our protected areas. Our dedicated rangers, in close collaboration with security agencies, diligently patrol the parks and reserves to safeguard our precious wildlife and those who come to witness their magnificence.”
Across the border in DR Congo, Operation Shujja which is being carried out by Uganda Peoples Defence Forces and the Congolese army has continued to register success against remnants of ADF, it is this pressure that has led to a few remnants among the terrorists to cross into Uganda to commit heinous crimes thinking that the army may withdraw from Operation Shujja. But President Museveni has assured the country of safety saying; “We will not. (Withdraw). Instead, we are reinforcing our strength there (In DR Congo) and also guarding the rear (Uganda).”
Another vital security measure is the involvement of local communities in early warning mechanisms so that an actual attack on tourists can be prevented. Sharing the proceeds emanating from tourism with surrounding communities makes them shareholders and earners of dividends. Being on the ground makes them a vital source of intelligence if infiltrators manage to sneak it. Uganda Wildlife Authority is a good example of how working with communities can yield positive results. It is ordinary people who report stray animals instead of killing them, they report poachers among themselves which has reduced incidences of armed confrontation between rangers and poachers, and of course, saved animal lives.
For a long time, DR Congo resisted any assistance from Uganda in pacifying the eastern region occupied by a myriad of armed bandits that have wreaked havoc among the Congolese and exported terror to Uganda. But today, under the leadership of President Tshekedi, an agreement that resulted in the formation of Operation Shujja was signed and soon, ADF will be routed out of DR Congo completely.
Despite these setbacks, Uganda won several international rankings as an outstanding tourist gem, her attractions remain a travellers’ dream waiting to be experienced. With over 50 ethnic groups, Uganda is rich in culture, unique heritage sites, music and dance. All these will continue to be leveraged to attract tourists and create jobs for Ugandans.
Another virgin area in the sector is marine tourism, Uganda is endowed with the largest lake and longest river in Africa. Uganda’s many lakes include Nalubaale, Kyoga, Bunyonyi, Mutanda, Mwitanzigye and smaller crater lakes that dot the Lift Valley basin in western Uganda. Investing in the aqua-tourism sector is lucrative but completely untapped.
Mountaineering is another popular activity that needs to be promoted globally, Uganda won a Golden Award for the documentary “Rwenzori- the Source of Life” which featured King Oyo Nyimba of Toro’s quest to accomplish his childhood dream to summit the Margherita, the highest peak of Rwenzori, which he eventually did in August 2022.
The mountaineering award was won at the New York Festivals that honour creative and storytelling excellence. The award proves that Uganda’s beauty is very attractive to international travellers, especially Mountain Rwenzori’s breathtaking glaciers and natural biodiversity.
So, yes, we are having a bad tourism day, especially in the western region due to ADF bandits but Uganda has proven many times that she is resilient and will bounce back sooner than later. Happy New Year 2024.
