Morocco Omari
You would recognise Morocco Omari from his role in the blockbuster TV series, Empire, where he acts as Tariq. His curiosity about Africa led him to Uganda in 2017 and he has returned seven times.
How would you describe yourself to a stranger?
Real and one who also likes a good joke. A traveller, a thinker, a dreamer, and man with a good moral compass.
How did you first hear about Uganda?
In school. I had a fascination with world maps, especially the continent of Africa.
When did you decide to visit Uganda?
I first visited Uganda in April 2017. It was a birthday trip and I decided to travel to four countries in Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
What motivated you to visit Uganda?
I was in a quest to see all the countries in Africa and fell in love with Uganda and Rwanda so I have been back almost every year since 2017.
How did you prepare for your journey to Uganda?
I kept an open mind, researched points of interest in Uganda and conferred with a friend (Alan Scoop), who is from Uganda. He made suggestions and gave me a list of good people to reach out to once I arrived.
What was your initial reason for visiting Uganda?
Tourism, and like I said, I wanted to see all the countries on the continent.
From where did you start your journey to Uganda, and how long did the journey take?
I started my journey from New York, flew into Nairobi; it was probably a 15-hours flight. I stayed in Nairobi for a week, and flew to Uganda for a week.
What was your first impression of Uganda?
Beautiful. I made the driver stop so that I could stand near Lake Victoria (Nalubaale). The red dirt is beautiful. The jam is impressive. The boda boda riders are part dare-devil, stunt men and ninjas.
What did you learn about the country when you stayed here?
How creatively brilliant Ugandans are. Humble and beautiful people who made me feel welcome. Also, no one can drink with Ugandans or party like Ugandans.
How long were you here?
My first trip was a week long.
Where did you go and what did you discover about those places?
Lake Victoria, The Source of The Nile in Jinja, a museum, The National Theatre, and Club Guvnor.
Who did you meet and how helpful were they in letting you know about Uganda?
I met Hannington (comedian and actor), Maro(singer), Sharpe, Ssweli (filmmaker), Maurice Kirya(singer), JB Kazoora(businessman), Malaika (actress, host, radio personality), Nana Kagga (actress and filmmaker) ... all good people whom I still communicate with to this day.
Why do you think Uganda is referred to as the Pearl of Africa?
My guess is that it is a rare jewel that is hidden, beautiful to the eyes, and lovely to the behold.
What tourism and arts potential does Uganda have?
The potential is limitless. The construction at Murchinson Falls scared away the animals. It was great seeing the falls but the safari itself was lacklustre, unfortunately. I went on safari to Fort Portal a couple years ago and that was incredible.
The arts are intact, musicians are plentiful, filmmakers and actors are putting in lovely work. I have actually produced a few projects and conducted a few acting workshops in Kampala.
What are your two cents on how we can improve as a destination?
This question is tricky because I live in American and I do not want to come off as arrogant. Since the question was posed...improve the jam. It would be lovely if the Luganda names for the lakes and locations were returned instead of keeping the English names.
