Book Review: Tourism history documented

The book Tourism in Uganda since colonial times has only recently been published. The author better known by his shortened name, Ben Otto, has worked in the tourism sector within and outside Uganda for over 50 years.

Those who know him will refer to him as ‘Mr The book is not a tour guide or a publicity booklet, but a scholarly historical account of the development of tourism in Uganda dating back to the period of slave trade and exploration of the country to the present.’ or ‘Face of Tourism’.

The book is not a tour guide or a publicity booklet, but a scholarly historical account of the development of tourism in Uganda dating back to the period of slave trade and exploration of the country to the present.

The book is a classic textbook on tourism whose contents include diverse topics ranging from the history of tourism during the various regimes since colonialism, highlighting the narrative with figures of growth and decline of tourism.

The author furthermore added items/sections usually left out of many books on tourism despite their absolute relevance.

 This includes cultural heritage tourism with subsections on multiple centres such as Ndere and Igongo cultural centres, traditional dances, foods, handicrafts, etc. Under religious tourism, he centres his discussion on martyrdom in Uganda detailing the history, location of the martyrdom, the religious affiliations inclusive of the martyrdom of St Janani Luwum. Included also are the Catholic and Church of Uganda cathedrals at Rubaga and Namirembe; the Bahai temple and National Mosque at Old Kampala as tourist attractions. Under medical tourism, the author emphasises spa tourism at Amuru Hot Springs, Buranga, Kitagata and Sempaya.

 The spas offer recreational and business attractions too since there are food vendors, crafts and other dealers who ply their trade and generate badly needed incomes. The author ends the book with the way forward where he proposes how the Government can improve the quality of tourism thus increasing the number of tourists and revenue from international and domestic tourism. He proposes increased investment in tourism promotion locally and internationally such as showcasing Uganda’s heritage and cultural tourism at international trade shows.

 In addition, he encourages districts to develop tourism master plans, improved access to the various tourist attractions throughout the country such as tarmacking roads and upgrading of selected conservation centres, financial support for Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) as well as the private sector and finally, improving security and disease control.

Tourism in Uganda since colonial times is well written and includes colour photographs which enhance the quality of the book and also included are appendices with a list of all former ministers of tourism and wildlife since independence and sample hotels and lodges distribution by city/town, district and region.

The book is principally for educating Ugandans and the international tourists to choose Uganda as their destination. This is a must-read book for all Ugandans who value tourism. The reviewer is an Associate Professor of Literary and Cultural Studies, Gulu University.