Czech Speaker Hailed for Championing Uganda's Tourism After Gorilla Trek

Uganda’s tourism sector received a significant endorsement from Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who lauded Tomio Okamura, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic. Okamura’s recent participation in a mountain gorilla trekking expedition in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has been seen as a powerful act of promoting Uganda as a tourist destination.

During a plenary session on August 11, 2026, with Okamura and a Czech delegation present in the visitors’ gallery, Tayebwa expressed his gratitude. He stated that Okamura has effectively appointed himself as an ambassador for Ugandan tourism, pledging to share the country’s beauty and encourage international visits.

Tayebwa emphasized the importance of Okamura’s visit, especially in light of recent travel advisories concerning the Ebola outbreak. He described the visit as a “strong message to the rest of the world that our country is safe and secure.”

However, Tayebwa also pointed out the need for enhanced marketing strategies for Uganda’s tourism. He noted that Okamura initially undertook a safari in another country before coming to Uganda for gorilla trekking, indicating that Uganda’s diverse tourism offerings beyond gorilla trekking are not yet widely known. “We need to do a lot to market and package our country so that we are known beyond gorilla trekking,” Tayebwa remarked.

Further calls were made to the Ministry of Works and Transport to prioritize the improvement of road networks leading to tourist sites, as poor road conditions significantly impact the travel experience for visitors. The Deputy Speaker urged for the swift implementation of planned road upgrades.

Legislators also pledged to support tourism promotion, with Hon. Boniface Okot encouraging MPs to act as tourism ambassadors and attract high-profile visitors. A proposed Parliamentary Tourism Week in February 2027 aims to further engage lawmakers in this vital sector. The Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Susan Nakawuki, encouraged Ugandans to take advantage of upcoming free entry days to national parks and suggested participation in gorilla and rhino naming initiatives to boost revenue and awareness.

Source: Parliament of Uganda