New investors commit Shs228bn to build lodges in the country’s conservancies Kampala, Uganda | RONALD MUSOKE | The Ugandan government is expected to sign several concession agreements with new investors next month seeking to build top of the range lodging facilities in five national parks. The new development is a …
Read More »More than 2,500 people sign petition to stop planned power dam in Murchison falls
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | At least 2,533 people have signed a petition to stop the planned construction of a power dam near Murchison Falls, which could see the disappearance of the falls, a key attraction to the area. This overshoots the petitioner’s target of 2,500 people. The petition was …
Read More »Tourism ministry fastracks Uganda Martyrs shrines redevelopment plan
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | As Uganda Martyrs continue attracting thousands of Christians from all over the globe, the Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Ministry is also fast-tracking the plans of redeveloping the shrines and the neighboring areas. In 2015, the catholic and Anglican churches embarked on the process …
Read More »Equatorial Guinea struggles for place in world tourism
Sipopo, Equatorial Guinea | AFP | Gleaming but eerily empty, the luxurious Sipopo resort with its five-star hotel and exclusive facilities rises from a tropical beach, symbolising the dilemma of Equatorial Guinea — a notoriously closed country that has turned to tourism to help fill its coffers. The purpose-built town was …
Read More »Uganda’s tourism growth presents opportunities for hospitality market
Hilton Hotels & Resorts is committed to two hotels in Uganda – Hilton Garden Inn and Hilton Kampala – to serve different market segments. Samantha Muna, the director of development for the hotel brand in East Africa spoke to The Independent’s Isaac Khisa about their plans and opportunities in the …
Read More »‘Uganda still safe for tourists’
Kelley Mac Tavish is the Executive Director Pearl of Africa, Tours and travel Limited. She spoke to The Independent’s Patricia Akankwatsa about the state of Uganda’s tourism opportunities. First, can you briefly describe your company? I opened a tour company in Uganda in 1999 called Pearl of Africa, Tours and …
Read More »Ugandan police charge ‘mastermind’ behind tourist kidnapping
Kampala, Uganda | AFP | Ugandan police said Thursday they had charged the alleged “mastermind” behind the kidnapping of an American tourist and her safari guide, who were later released in exchange for a ransom. Byaruhanga Onesmus, a former convict, was charged in a court in the country’s west with …
Read More »Tourists raise safety queries on Uganda
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A number of international tourists have raised concern about their safety while in Ugandan national parks. This follows the kidnap of US tourist Kimberly Sue Endecott from Queen Elizabeth National Park recently. Kimberly was kidnapped by four gunmen alongside a Ugandan tour guide, Jean-Paul …
Read More »Two arrested as police hunt for kidnappers of US tourist Kimberly
Kanungu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Two men have been arrested and are in custody as Uganda’s security continues the hunt for the four kidnappers of US tourist Kimberly Sue Endicott at Queen Elizabeth Park last week. Police spokesperson Fred Enanga confirmed to URN that there were some arrests made in …
Read More »‘Security errors were made before kidnap of US tourist’
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Tourism Minister Professor Ephraim Kamuntu has admitted that the kidnap of an American tourist and a Ugandan tour guide was a result of a security lapse by officials of the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Kimberly Sue Endicott and her Ugandan tour guide Jean Paul Mirenge …
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