SALM TEAM 
Uganda, aptly nicknamed the “Pearl of Africa,” stole the show at Meetings Africa 2024. Beyond the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife that captivated delegates, Uganda boasts a unique advantage: its exceptional guides. The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) CEO, Lilly Arajova, emphasized their rigorous training system. Guides undergo government-approved diploma or degree programs followed by a comprehensive UTB assessment. This ensures fluency in multiple languages, deep cultural knowledge, and wildlife expertise – all the ingredients for an unforgettable Ugandan adventure.
“I know that in the past, we have sent some of our guides to South Africa, to Kruger National Park, to have some training. This is especially with the National Park Ranger guides to learn from what South Africa has. And we also do a lot of exchange from within the region, especially within East Africa, because it’s easy to get the staff to move around. So that is definitely a good, we also looking at in terms of marketing the country, most of the arrivals into Uganda are from the continent of Africa,” Arajova shared.
But Uganda’s offerings extend far beyond the expertise of its guides. Catering to your specific interests, a variety of specialists await: wildlife guides navigate you through national parks, cultural guides unveil the rich history and traditions of specific sites, and general safari guides provide a well-rounded overview. Uganda’s innovative program also features specialized bird guides, a predominantly female group offering in-depth exploration of the country’s rich birdlife. This initiative empowers women in tourism and ensures you don’t miss a single chirp!
Uganda’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond gender. The UTB highlighted tiered gorilla permit pricing, making gorilla treks more accessible for African residents. Foodies will also rejoice – “We have over 60 different tribes and each tribe has their own delicacy. There is one special dish from each tribe. And it ranges from beans to fish to how they make their meats, you know different vegetables. So if you enjoy food, it’s a place to visit and really explore. The diversity, the variety of vegetables, breads, and all of this is organic. We are still so blessed to have the rich soils and to grow our food organically without fertilizers. We have very good weather, the sunshine, the rainfall is so balanced that our fruits are so sweet,” highlighted Arajova.
For a taste of Ugandan culture, explore traditional dance, storytelling, and contemporary music at cultural centers or regional festivals. The UTB is incorporating these vibrant experiences into the tourism itinerary, even offering a one-stop cultural center in the city featuring delicacies and entertainment from various regions.
Uganda’s tourism industry isn’t just about stunning landscapes; it also throbs with the creative energy of its youthful population. According to Ugandan tourism official Lilly Arajova, Uganda boasts a reputation for being home to some of the world’s most “entrepreneurial citizens,” fostering a vibrant artistic scene. “70% to 75% of the Ugandan population is below 30 years, so we have a very young population full of creativity,” shared Arajova. This youthful energy fuels innovation across various art forms. Visitors can immerse themselves in this rich tapestry at cultural centers, where they can experience traditional Ugandan cuisine, dances, and storytelling representing the country’s diverse tribes. But Uganda’s cultural offerings extend beyond static exhibits. As Arajova explains, the country is incorporating contemporary music and regional festivals into tourist itineraries. This not only entertains visitors but also empowers young Ugandans to showcase their talents and create economic opportunities.
