Jinja: A place offering you something extra

Uganda’s tourism potential is universally acknowledged, both nationally and internationally. After all, tourism is the leading foreign exchange earner, contributing 7.9 per cent of GDP in 2013 (about Shs5.5 trillion), according to Travel and Tourism Economic Impact report, 2014.

Hosting the 39th African Travel Association (ATA) World Congress is no doubt befitting of a country that boasts of rich biodiversity that has seen economic gains from its wildlife attractions, cultural heritage and historical legacy.

Indeed, it is the Pearl of Africa, boasting of some of the most stunning scenery on the continent from the shimmering lakes, loft Mountains, mysterious forests, national parks with a wide range of habitats and game parks teeming with game. Hospitality is another thing that Uganda brings on the table.

Jinja the tourist hub
Among the country’s tourist hubs is Jinja District, a place that houses not only the Source of River Nile, the longest river in the world, but also many other tourist attractions, ranging from rocky mountains to beautiful scenery. Jinja is also a historic landmark in the country’s marine tourism. It will feature high on the places that the delegates at the ATA world congress will visit during their five-day event.

Jinja Town in the eastern part of Uganda is blessed with plenty of marine tourism. The source of the Nile, beaches and a number of waterfalls are some of the treasures tourists enjoy seeing.

Lake Victoria, the world’s second largest fresh water lake, has a chain of Islands in this part of the country with amazing scenery, excellent fishing, numerous small fishing villages and clear water, which are very beautiful tourist attractions. These Islands make good sites for views and beautiful topography. Rwabitooke and Kisima, Samuka Island (known for bird watching), Namugiri, Lufu and Bwonda are just a few of the islands.

Passage route
Jinja also serves as a gate way to other islands like Kalangala, Buvuma and Mayuge.
The numerous fish landing sites around Jinja Town, for instance, Wanyange, Masese, Namugongo and Namugiri provide insightful picture about the fishing communities in Uganda. Most of these landing sites are amazingly attractive, with fishing villages, busy markets and very many people. Here, tourists are able to see fishing boats coming in with the day’s catch of fish.

A few kilometers along the Nile is Bujagali and Itanda water falls; the new hydroelectricity power plant and numerous small green Islands. Tourists who visit Jinja are able to enjoy a cocktail of attractions. In this area, there are plenty of bird watching opportunities, rafting, canoeing, bungee jumping and surfing currently being offered as tourist products among other activities.

Edward Baliddawa, the coordinator of Busoga Tourism Initiative, says in addition to the tourist attractions located in Jinja, eastern Uganda has many other tourist attractions, including Mpumudde Hill, where Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro-Kitara is said to have breathed his last, and Kagulu Rock Hill.

Baliddawa, who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Kigulu County North in Iganga District, says places such as Busoga are potential areas for tourism, only that they have not been fully exploited.

ABOUT AFRICAN TRAVEL ASOCIATION

African Travel Association (ATA’s) is an organisation in Africa that provides networking, learning and agenda-shaping for the most diverse group of tourism industry stakeholders on African continent. The event helps to forge ways of improving tourism through its training, educational and professional development opportunities. The event addresses issues baffling tourism industry. It also showcases the host destination’s newest products and services.
Among the participants and attendees are delegates and tourism ministers and experts from member states.
ATA’s 39th Annual World Congress has been taking place at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Uganda from November 11-16.

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