Clara Ningome Chonga, the tourism minister for Kilifi County, recently shared her unforgettable experience riding a boda-boda in Uganda, describing it as simply amazing. Ningome was part of a Kenyan delegation of travel enthusiasts who completed an eight-day familiarization trip to Uganda.

This trip was organized as part of the Kenya-Uganda Coastal Tourism Conference held at the Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa in Kenya. Notably, tourism stakeholders from Uganda had previously participated in a similar familiarization tour of Kenya.

Despite having many friends in Uganda and being its neighbor, Ningome admitted that she had never considered visiting until this trip. She was pleasantly surprised by her discoveries during the visit, particularly her first experience on a boda-boda, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She even encouraged her rider to take their time so she could savor the experience. “I’ve had many firsts, and today I experienced riding a boda-boda after the bus left me behind. I told the driver I wasn’t in a hurry,” she recounted.

In addition to the excitement of riding the boda-boda, Ningome noted that Uganda excels in eco-tourism. “Your eco-tourism is at a high level that we Kenyans need to emulate,” she remarked. She described Uganda as a peaceful destination where visitors can connect with nature and enjoy tranquility.

She also mentioned how the rain in Uganda was a unique experience, contrasting with the common practice in Kenya where people often seek shelter during downpours. Another memorable first for her was seeing the famous long-horned Ankole cattle up close, which she proudly shared on social media.

Ningome praised the hospitality and well-maintained accommodations during her stay, making the visit truly worthwhile. However, she also pointed out areas for improvement to maximize Uganda’s tourism potential. She emphasized the need for family-friendly accommodations, as parents often travel with children, and a lack of suitable facilities could limit tourism growth.

The minister stressed the importance of sharing Uganda’s tourism story, as there is still much to learn about the country. Her positive experience followed a recent comment from Irish Ambassador to Uganda, Kevin Colgan, who encouraged tourists to explore Kampala, humorously referencing the city’s potholes as “breathtaking crater sceneries.”

The Kenyan delegation included government officials, private sector representatives, and tour operators. Lilian Thom, one of the tour operators, noted that Uganda was not typically on their itinerary due to a lack of awareness about its tourism offerings. She was impressed by the high standards of accommodation, which she found comparable to those in other markets she has visited over her 15 years in the industry. She also highlighted the unique presence of female tour guides in Uganda, which she found exceptional and in high demand.

Following the trip, Thom committed to including Uganda as a destination in her travel packages, recognizing its accessible attractions. However, she expressed concerns about the domestic flight system, suggesting it requires improvement for the tourism sector’s benefit.

Chirema Kombo, the deputy governor of Kwale County, also shared his thoughts, praising the chimpanzee viewing experience at Ngamba Island and expressing his love for the local cuisine in Mbarara, particularly the traditional matooke served with groundnut sauce.