How have you used dance to promote travel and tourism?
I have been traveling around the world before Covid-19, teaching and performing Ugandan Traditional Dances and sharing stories that market Uganda.
I also used to run weekly dance classes that team African traditional dances specializing in Ugandan, and using the traditional dance movement for fitness (Dance Fitness) at the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC)/National Theatre of Uganda.
These days, it’s done differently. Ever since I met Kempten Safaris, I have been traveling around Uganda with them, teaching dance as a part of the activities I teach travellers who book with them.
Which is the last tourist attraction you’ve visited?
The last one was called ‘Sounds of Sezibwa, 3rd Wave’. It was with Kempten Safaris, still at Sezibwa Falls.
What was your experience at this place?
It was an amazing experience. The activities make it fun all the time; the hiking experience through nature, Abeeka Band, and Kenneth Mugabi were awesome then photography and jump sessions/challenges.
Which are the places you’ve visited and would gladly return to, and why?
Kidepo Valley National Park, Sipi Falls, and Murchison Fall National Park left everlasting memories because of the sunrises and sunsets, game drives as we see diverse families of wildlife and bird species give any tourist joy and reason to celebrate life.
What makes you proud of being Ugandan?
The hospitality and diversity of cultures, beauty, and food, not forgetting the beautiful nature, fertile soils, waters, and the weather.
What would you like to see done better in the local tourism sector?
Make it affordable for everyone, allow schools to access and learn about the country. Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) need to support guides to study so they can do better.
They can also create more activities and build better roads to the tourism attractions for easy access and as part of the encouragement for tourists of all ages to access the beautiful places.
What places are on your travel list, and why?
In Uganda, I still have more to see; Pine Upe, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Bwindi, (Western Uganda), and Ngamba Island in order to see the chimps, and the other islands on Lake Victoria.
Outside Uganda, I would like to go back to Switzerland, to see the Alps again, Rome, Mallorca Island In Spain, Thailand (Bangkok, and the Islands), Maldives, Cambodia, Japan, the Caribbean, Seychelles Islands, Madagascar, Tanzania (Serengeti National Park) and the Philippines. I like these places for their beauty and rich history.
What makes or breaks your experience while on an excursion?
Good Vibe with the right organization, planning early, timekeeping, and comfort. What breaks the experience is bad planning, lies about activities, cars in poor mechanical condition, and silent travel with no music. I like going with the flow because I easily fit in and adapt.
Which aspects of your culture are you proud about?
The dance and music, instruments like Adungu, Rigirigi (Tube fiddle), and Agwara. The Food since we are Jonam which means water people/people of the lake or river. We have nice fish; my favourite Is Onang Nang (it is slightly bigger than Silver Fish).
If you met a tourist, how would you market Uganda to him or her?
Uganda is one of the most peaceful places in the world, with the best tropical climate; temperatures range between 20 and 29 degrees throughout the year. We have the youngest population in the world. Hospitality is key. We are warm and welcoming with beautiful nature to see, including the tree-climbing lions along with the other big four animals. Uganda is home to 60 percent of Africa’s bird species.
It is a country where it will rain and shine at the same time. My country has multi-cultures and religions with the most organic foods; it is also the home of the edible ‘rolex’, other street foods, and the boda boda to go with.
What is on your wish list?
Travelling Africa as I learn more traditional dances, countries’ history. I’d like to start with Botswana then go to the Caribbean, South America; Cuba, and Colombia.
