KAMPALA – We are probably going to see the new Uganda Tourism ambassador, singer Eddy Kenzo busier now that the Covid-19 restrictions that were slapped on the tourism industry have been relaxed.
Just days after his tourism ambassadorial appointment, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced in a statement released, that it has fully reopened all national parks to both local and international tourists around the country.
Following the announcement of the lockdown by government earlier this year in March, all national parks, 12 wildlife reserves and 13 sanctuaries were closed to visitors in a bid to preserve the animals and control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The statement explains that all these have been fully reopened for visits but under strict guidelines to avoid the spread of the virus.
“The management of Uganda Wildlife Authority wishes to inform the public that after consultations with various stakeholders, and putting in place standard operating procedures for the containment of the possible spread of Covid-19, all parks are now open for tourism,” the statement read in part.
According to UWA, there will be mandatory temperature screening using non-contact infra-red thermometers at the key tourism gates of the different protected areas whereas there will be mandatory washing of hands, sanitizing , wearing of facemasks inside the protected areas and observation of social distance.
“All tourists going for primate tracking activities should carry at least two N95 masks or surgical masks or double-layered cloth masks with filters whereas government guidelines of carrying half capacity in order to observe social distancing shall apply to the use of vehicles and boats in the park.”
The statement also explains that saloon cars shall not be permitted to do game drive activities in the protected areas and their (UWA) staff have been trained and provided with appropriate wear to protect them and visitors from catching Coronavirus.
Addressing the media early this week, Godfrey Kiwanda, the State Minister for Tourism and antiquities said Kenzo has come at the time the tourism industry needs him the most in these hard times of Covid-19 and they believe that the singer will bring his music appeal to the tourism industry of Uganda world over.
Uganda’s tourism sector depends much on international markets, despite the reopening of the airport and borders, Uganda will continue depending much on domestic tourism, a venture Kenzo will be immensely promoting.
Tulambule, where he will concentrate on promoting domestic tourism, is one of the four tasks ahead of him in promoting Uganda’s tourism sector.
The multi-award winning artist who is set with a number of plans up his sleeves will use his fan base locally to sell Uganda’s endowments and show them (fans) how it is actually possible to be a tourist in your own country.
UWA recently released a host of incentives, including slashed fees aimed at reviving the tourism sector that has been greatly affected by the Coronavirus pandemic that hit the world.