I am Uganda - Gifted by Nature By Jerry W. Bird   I am a fertile land, painted in 1,001 shades of green, a friendly land whose balmy temperatures are matched only by the warmth and hospitality of its people. While I straddle the equator, thanks to an average altitude of 4,000 ft. above sea level, instead of blistering days and hot steamy nights, you'll enjoy an amazingly mild and pleasant climate all year round. In fact, I am one of only three countries in the world that is located on the equator and has similar geographic conditions with respect to altitude. One can enjoy my endless attractions and activities without wearing a jacket or sweater, even in the mid December. My borders are shared with Sudan on the north, Congo on the west, Tanzania and Rwanda on the south and Kenya on the east. Immediately south is Lake Victoria, world's second largest fresh water lake- and a phenomenal asset for tourism growth. It's waters teem with fish; its shoreline and islands are a paradise of wildlife, with an abundance of boating, water sports and cruise possibilities. This immense waterway is the major source of the Nile, world's longest river. From Uganda, the Nile flows north via Sudan and Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea. My history as a tourism destination goes back over a century, being one of the first popular destinations on the African continent. Speaking of my diverse people and varied cultures, who else could have performed such a miracle in the past decade. Through their faith, dedication and perseverance, I have become an example of progress, and a showcase for all of Africa. What do today's visitors' have to say about me? According to Muguette Goufrani, of Vancouver, who made a return visit after several decades,"So many highlights marked our month long stay in Uganda, one hardly knows where to begin. The Kampala portion had its own high spots, such as our flight by army helicopter to President Museveni's ranch followed by dinner at the State House. During the flight, the decisions was made to host two more ATA events in Uganda, including an International Congress. Some say that the President knows every one of his several hundred Ankole long-horned cows by name. I wouldn't doubt it for a minute. At the Skal 10th Anniversary gala, we shared a table with the newly formed ATA Uganda Chapter and met many of the country's active and growing travel-tourism fraternity. The event was held in a huge tent on the lush grounds of the Nile Hotel, soon to be the Serena Kampala, following a massive renovation. (see photo sequence). This hotel and adjacent conference center was headquarters for the ATA 8th Cultural and Ecotourism Symposium, which proved to be one of the most rewarding events hosted by ATA in recent years. We will report that landmark venue in another section, including a fabulous Host Country Day visit to Jinja, the falls, forest and source of the Nile. Many friends asked about the long haul from Western Canada's Pacific shores? Our flight via American Airlines and SN Brussels Airlines says a lot for their new alliance, which allows access to the heart of Africa from over 30 U.S. locations alone. We boarded at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Canada's Pacific Coast and had one of the most perfect, seamless trips ever, even though we touched down in Dallas and Chicago en route to Brussels. U.S. customs was cleared in Vancouver, and our luggage was checked through all the way to Entebbe, a further convenience, especially when we were carrying a precious supply of Africa Travel magazines just off the press." I am Uganda, home of Entebbe - a hub of commerce and activity in East and Central Africa thanks to its adjacency to strategic gateways on the Air Highway. Among the many airlines flying here via Entebbe International Airport near Kampala, are: Air France, Air Tanzania, Anova Air Cargo, British Airways, Challenge Air, Dair Air Service, Eagle Air Ltd, East African Airlines, Eqypt Air , Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Martin Air, Precision Air, Rwanda Air Express, SN Brussels, South African Airways, West Nile Air and United Airlines. According to the Civil Air Authority office at Entebbe, great things are about to happen soon, which will propel this attractive lakeside airport community to the forefront. Here's an item from Uganda Pearl News by Prof. Wolfgang Thome, regarding one of the major moves in term of airport accommodation, the new Imperial Resort, which fronts on Lake Victoria. "After the soft opening of the hotel in May this year the formal cutting of the tape was finally done by none other then President Museveni, who launched Uganda's latest addition to the hotel industry. The resort sits on a large property with over 1 km beach access to Lake Victoria and can be reached from Entebbe International Airport within a few minutes. Full-fledged conference facilities complement the 191 rooms and suites." For more information on Imperial Resort, contact gm@irbh.com Read Uganda's Pearl Newsletter: Africa Travel Magazine is proud to include the Pearl Newsletter, courtesy of Professor Wolfgang H. Thome, who played a key role in our ATA 8th Symposium, and in establishing ATA's Uganda Chapter. See a sample newsletter plus a photo of Professor Thome with Mira Berman, ATA executive and members from the newly formed Uganda Chapter, whose President Suzan Muhwezi. Progress Report on the new Uganda ATA Chapter to appear on this page soon. Uganda Opportunity Edition Debuts in 2005 Africa Travel Magazine's first Exclusive Destination Edition, features opportunities in Travel, Trade, Tourism and Investment in Uganda. This Annual Progress issue targets the vast North American market, and is an Africa Travel Association 30th Jubilee project. Readers will enjoy first person reports from our photo-editorial team's countrywide tours. Uganda fashions, newly created industries, air and ground transportation, hotel expansion and colorful highlights from ATA's 8th Cultural and Ecotourism Symposium are on the menu. The "Air Highways to Uganda" section on transportation will receive special attention. "Uganda, Land of Opportunity" makes its debut at major trade shows and expos in the USA, Canada, Europe and Africa. This comprehensive issue will be in demand, now and for years to come, and will be updated twice a year. This effort is possible thanks to Uganda's participation as an Africa Travel Association host country and the formation of a strong ATA Uganda led by Suzan Muhwezi of the President's AGOA office in Kampala. Each issue will receive the widest possible circulation to the travel tourism industry, airlines, governments, business contacts and consumers interested in African destinations. The magazine's editors, who just returned from a month in this rapidly emerging country, have recruited a team in Kampala to handle advertising and distribution. The new group will work closely with President Museveni's AGOA office, the Uganda Tourist Board, trade groups and ATA Uganda Chapter. AGOA and Uganda Foreign Investment Uganda and UN: Uganda's President Museveni, Chairman of the Common Market for East and Southern African States (COMESA) has emerged as one of the most significant leaders in the developing world. Under his helm, Uganda has distinguished itself as a model post-conflict reformer - leading the world in tackling HIV/AIDS, poverty, and illiteracy. Uganda, the fastest growing economy in Africa, has maintained an average growth rate of 6.5 percent over the past ten years; reduced poverty from 56 percent to under 27 percent; decreased the rate of HIV/AIDS infection from 30 percent to six percent in 10 years; increased primary-level education from 40 percent to 99 percent in twelve years and leads the developing world in empowering women. Tracking Safaris in Uganda, Emerald of Africa by Abigail Lubliner We left Kampala heading southwest through Masaka and Mbarara, and crossing the equator line. Three countries in the entire world have the equator and snow on the mountains at the same time, namely Uganda, Kenya and Equador in South America. On the way, the scenery was spectacular; banana plantations, tea plantations, long horned Ankole cows and bulls. Upon arrival, we stayed at Buhoma Homestead. This was the home of the elusive mountain gorilla at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The drive from Kampala to Bwindi took 10 hours through lush green landscape; therefore I call Uganda, the "Emerald of Africa." Bwindi impenetrable National Park is situated at the corner of three countries: Southwest Uganda, Northwest Rwanda and East of Democratic Republic of Congo, previously known as Zaire. This is also the home of the Batwa Pygmies. The purpose of this visit was to trek and observe the habituated mountain gorillas. To habituate a gorilla means getting it used to humans, for tourism or research purposes. a process that can take up to two years. A tracker explains, "A group of wild gorillas is assigned to us and we set out every day, rain or sunshine, to follow them. Continued President Museveni welcomes Africa Travel Assn. Uganda's President Museveni, Chairman of the Common Market for East and Southern African States (COMESA) has emerged as one of the most significant leaders in the developing world. Under his helm, Uganda has distinguished itself as a model post-conflict reformer - leading the world in tackling HIV/AIDS, poverty, and illiteracy. Uganda, the fastest growing economy in Africa, has maintained an average growth rate of 6.5 percent over the past ten years; reduced poverty from 56 percent to under 27 percent; decreased the rate of HIV/AIDS infection from 30 percent to six percent in 10 years; increased primary-level education from 40 percent to 99 percent in twelve years and leads the developing world in empowering women. MORE GORILLA ADVENTURES IN UGANDA! Winston Churchill called Uganda the Pearl of Africa. An exotic and fascinating destination with lush, green and tropical forests and home to half the world's population of mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Edsa African Safaris and Tours, a full service tour operator in Uganda provides adventurers the once in a lifetime experience to view these gentle giants up close with their 8 day Gorilla Tracking and Adventure safari for only USD$2,324 per person (based on double occupancy). Northern Tanzania via Uganda's Entebbe International Airport F L A S H B A C K The following article by Stephen Lungole is from the Business Pages of The New Vision, a leading newspaper in Kampala, Uganda, June 21, 2004. Tourism gets ATA boost The Tourism industry will have a chance to showcase its products when the African Travel Association (ATA) holds its eighth Cultural and Ecotourism Symposium and launch ATA Uganda Chapter in October. "We believe Africa's turn has come. It has everything to offer. There is no reason why it can't benefit from the booming global tourism," ATA's Jane Thompson said in an interview in Mweya Safari Lodge. Thompson is part of ATA delegation on site inspection of some of the tourism products and meet various stakeholders as part of the preparations for the highly rated October function. "We have had direct interest in Uganda, But the Whitaker Group specifically made our dream come true. We are so excited with everything we have so far seen," she said. "We are getting things go at our own pace which isn't the case with most African countries," she said. ATA is an international organization which promotes tourist attractions in Africa. It educates and trains interested travel agents, meeting and conference planning, group tour organizers and incentive companies about the products and services offered by the tourism industry in Africa. Thompson said the ecotourism symposium would help Uganda learn from other ATA partners, earn forex, network, showcase herself and products and get recognition as of the accessible tourism destinations. It will also be able to know one \-one-one basis what happens from other ATA partners. Delegates are expected from Africa, Europe and USA. She said, "ecotourism was a critical component because if you don't conserve, you will lose your products. She said the learning experience, would be important to travel agents. Delegates will take home experience of what they have learnt about Uganda's products. They will provide direct contacts between the local Chapter and the rest of the other Chapters, Thompson said. She, however, warned, "the success will depend on the tourism ministry. "We feel the timing is good because we haven't had the opportunity to showcase Uganda to other tourism partners. It coincides very well with the changing travel trends. It is a great time for Africa", Marlene Melton president of African Ventures Inc. USA said. She said Uganda had much to offer in tourism" but proactive promotion is required" Susan Muhwezi, the special presidential assistant said tourism was in line with President Yoweri Museveni's initiative to eradicate poverty. "The discovery Channel documentary showcased Uganda but more initiatives like ATA are required," she said. The presence of the Africa Travel Association is causing a wave of excitement in Uganda's business and travel tourism community. An enthusiastic contingent from government and private sector was on hand to meet and greet Jane Thompson and ATA's advance team. The event was held in Kampala, Uganda in October, 2004 in the presence of H.E. Yoweri K. Museveni, Uganda's President.

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