Explore Uganda app launched

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Drums thundered, vibrating the foundations of Mestil Hotel on Thursday, as the Crane Band energized the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) guests including tour operators, ambassadors, ministers, and tour guides at the launch of the Explore Uganda app.

The lively event was kicked off with a cocktail reception, while rain, lightning, and thunder punctuated the occasion, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The evening’s MC, Mich Egwang, started the conversation on tourism by encouraging guests to greet a stranger seated away from their table.

The lively event was kicked off with a cocktail reception, while rain, lightning, and thunder punctuated the occasion, adding to the festive atmosphere. (Courtesy photo)

“It’s a common practice among the Bantu, Luo, and Nilotic Hamites to say ‘Karibu’ (You’re welcome) even to strangers,” Egwang explained. “Even in times of drought and food shortages, if you arrive at a mealtime, you’re given a Karibu to wash your hands and join the meal.”

When the microphone was handed over to Lilly Ajarova, the CEO of Uganda Tourism Board, she proudly introduced the app as a tool to showcase what makes Uganda deserving of its title—The Pearl of Africa.

“I’m thrilled because this app was developed by an all-female team!” Ajarova said with excitement. “In our culture, hospitality, as highlighted by Egwang, is often associated with the mother of the home. Now, this app serves as a platform to inform potential visitors about what makes Uganda so special, whether they’re planning a trip from their living rooms, the park, or at the beach.”

She emphasized that tourism is moving into the digital space, and Uganda must keep up with global trends.

The Minister of State for Tourism, sporting a broad smile, watched as the Crane singers performed lively local tunes, their energy infectious.

The Crane Band energized the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) guests including tour operators, ambassadors, ministers, and tour guides at the launch of the Explore Uganda app. (Courtesy photo)

“Uganda offers tourists an incredible array of attractions to choose from,” said the Mugarra. “Whether it's bird watching, exploring butterflies and dragonflies that we often overlook, or immersing in the country’s rich culture - there’s no shortage of experiences. Add to that our ten national parks, mountains, and water bodies, and the app will help guide users on how to reach these destinations and what they can expect when they arrive.”

During a panel discussion, Richard Kawere, Principal of the Uganda School of Tourism and Hotels, said the app answers many of the common questions tourists ask before arriving in Uganda.

“They often inquire about air travel, accommodation, food, and health services,” Kawere explained. “This app will not only streamline the industry’s operations but also provide much-needed exposure for our tourism sector.”

Dennis Ntege, a rafting business owner, highlighted that the app will reveal more to tourists than just the Source of the Nile and white-water rafting in Jinja.

“Visitors need more than 30 days to fully explore Busoga’s attractions. The area is rich with experiences - from the annual Nyege Nyege festival celebrating Busoga’s culture to horse riding, quad biking, and tubing on the Nile,” Ntege shared. “There’s a range of accommodation options, from tents to three-star hotels.”

The Crane Band energized the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) guests including tour operators, ambassadors, ministers, and tour guides at the launch of the Explore Uganda app. (Courtesy photo)

Finally, when Charlotte Beuvoism was asked about her expectations for the app, she was initially hesitant but soon expressed her thoughts.

“Considering the key source markets for tourists, the app must be constantly updated with accurate, up-to-date information,” she said. “Tourists today do extensive research before visiting a destination. You can’t take them to track chimpanzees when what they want to see are mountain gorillas, because they know exactly what they’re after.”

With the launch of the Explore Uganda app, the country is stepping into a new era of digital tourism, ready to connect visitors with the rich diversity and beauty of Uganda.