He is a fun-loving and an extrovert. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of KadAfrica Estate and a happy social entrepreneur with a passion for promoting youth entry into Uganda’s agriculture sector. He previously worked in advertising.
What was your first contact with travel and tourism?
I have been traveling and doing tourist-type activities since I was a young child; I grew up in Nairobi, so I would say my first adventures were probably to Mombasa with the family. I was visiting Fort Jesus and playing at ‘White Sands Hotel’.
What makes you proud about being a Ugandan?
Everything, I wear UG on my sleeve everywhere I go. I have adopted the pride over the years. I initially grew up in Kenya, so I identified with that side of my bloodline more and then moved to South Africa after high school; I didn’t have too much of a Ugandan Identity other than my father was from UG. However, when I did move back, and as I lived and worked in Uganda for many years, my love for the people and the country got stronger.
What are your fond memories of Fort Portal?
My grandmother’s house drove up Bundibugyo road and visited the Amabira (spelling) caves when we were younger. I used to consider such a long hike when I was a kid. But when I do it now, I realize how short it is.
What is your favourite Ugandan destination, and why?
Queen Elizabeth National Park simply because I have been there so many times. I know my way around the park as I have driven that route so many times. I used to pride myself on the fact that I could always find the lions.
Which travel experiences play in your mind, and what makes them unique to you?
Chimp trekking with my mother and mother-in-law. I remember that I hadn’t eaten breakfast that morning before we left for the early morning trek. And the moment we arrived, the guide said, ‘I hope you have all eaten.’
I instantly knew that that was going to be a horrible experience. And let me tell you, it was… It was raining heavily, the chimps were on the move that entire trek, and we were just running through the forest following them.
Let’s not forget that I was starving! But as much as it was a challenging trek, and I was starving while I did it, I still remember it fondly as it was one of the last safari adventures I went on with my mother.
Where did your profession meet your passion?
When I started farming in Fort Portal, I learned about the layers of social injustice that plagued the women who work in agriculture and live-in rural Uganda.
I believe that was the meeting point of my profession meeting my passion. That was the birthplace of KadAfrica, the organization I founded with my wife over ten years ago.
Which places are on your bucket list?
Tokyo is one place I am longing to go; it’s been on my list for a very long time, and although I have been close several times, I have yet to visit. Australia would be second. My older brother has lived out there for over 19 years, and I am honestly embarrassed that I haven’t visited. But that is on the 2022 schedule.
What qualifies Tokyo and Australia on your list?
Just the fact that they have a rich history. Japan has so much I want to learn about, from the rich culture to the food. Australia is simply because of my brother. I mean, I would also like to check out a few landmarks and see the gold coast.
What makes or breaks your travel experience?
What makes it- When you have some spending money that allows you to do the adventurous things available at the destination.
What breaks it- A bad hotel or a bad flight.
What would you like to see done better in destination Uganda 🇺🇬?
Cheaper access to certain things. I think there are things like Gorilla trekking that could be cheaper for the visitors and that would make it more accessible. However, I also realize that these are huge draws and income-generating areas for the tourism industry. I just think lowering the prices would allow for more people to experience these magical things.
Now that you’re out of the country, what do you miss about Uganda?
Nsenene! That and the access to fresh fruit year-round.
Eric Kaduru
Founder & Executive Director
Plot 32, Block 69, Bwamba Road, Fort Portal, Uganda
USA | +1 408 348 1277 UG | +256 757 322 055
skype | kaduru2
website | http://www.kadafrica.org
