There was a time when almost everyone was at the beach, at the longest River in the world, doing white water rafting, enjoying the water swirls and vigorous falls. People got lost in the wild, in game drives, Boat cruises, Chimpanze tracking , not mention Gorilla trekking. I assure you all these have to resume be it tomorrow, or what furthest future that you may think of, there has to be a time when the mighty Uganda Safaris will resume, People will again travel the Pearl of Africa.
Whats Uganda’s Position and stature on the Pandemic out break?
This is how it went downand how it is, the phones stopped ringing, no more WhatsApp messages, no more complaints from First class travelers on not receiving their flight shortest route schedules. At this moment hotel reservation were being cancelled, flights being cancelled, emirates started flying in once a week. It was Uganda’s first Deadly Corona Virus case, this was confirmed on the 22nd March 2020, which shoved in an impromptu presidential address, that put the whole country in a lockdown of 14 days, cases Rose to about 54, this was towards the end of the 14 days Quarantine, Giving the president a firmer reason to extend the quarantine, which he did for more 21 days. As I write we have 9 days to go. The dire Situation brought in all control guidelines previously mentioned to remain place i.e. Closure of Borders, Including the Entebbe International airport, passenger travels, Boda Boda Men to stop at 2 :00 p.m Moving, a ban on private and public transport.
Uganda has had about 45 patients cure from corona virus, a happening that put a smile on each and everyones face in Uganda.
As of today, the situation that was a bit calming, has become a bit complicated as truck drivers from Kenya, Tanzania and some other neighboring countries came in and tested positive for the CORONA Virus rising Uganda’s corona cases to 75. The worrisome event put the ministry of health in a rather disturbing position to curb and control the spread of the pandemic at the Ugandan Borders. Measures like Relay truck driving have been devised but not enough and effective as the #StayAtHome Campaign.
Uganda has so far carried about 14,700 tests and hasn’t had any deaths due to the corona Virus. This is promising and relays hope to Uganda’s travel industry. We shall travel soon. Heath officials have been disinfecting open air market places. shall we ever travel/visit Uganda again after the pandemic (Corona Virus) covid-19? Yes, we shall.
Uganda’s Tourism After the Pandemic
Tourism in Uganda is or has been the leading foreign exchange earner, yielding about 1.6bn per year, contributing an approximate of about 7.7% of the GDP, therefore the sectors growth after the pandemic is very crucial. This break has given Uganda’s hospitality sector a break to look at their proprietary and come up with better plans. This will advance the tourism and hospitality facilities, changes, modifications and upgrades will have been made.
UWA working closely with the government has also taken this time to better all the catchment places in the National Parks, putting them on an international standard.
Following the Pandemic, Movement to and from the parks has been restricted a bit. People are not allowed to get close to the animals especially the primates let alone the Gorillas, these animals are being cared for so that after the pandemic you find enriching wildlife after the Pandemic.
Countries Like Rwanda together with Rwanda Development Board have come up with Virtual Gorilla Trekking Tourism. This was done in Relationship with The Ellen Fund, AND Habitant XR announced that they were to bring Gorilla trekking experience to people’s living rooms through Virtual Reality. How Terrific!
With the International Travels still in question as to when they will resume, we believe local borders will open sooner than the international Boarders, UTB emphasizes and calls upon all chartered tourism/travel companies to promote local tourism. In this call it has also involved the Government, they requested the government to pay attention to the tourism industry and atleast avail it with the money (loans) they need to operate and make the Local industry better.
No worries We shall travel soon, and fly the pearl to wherever your destination maybe. Your travel Agents of Choice, Gracious Tours and Travel.
