Czech Speaker names gorilla 'Thomas', strengthening Uganda ties

During a visit to Uganda’s renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Speaker of the Czech Republic’s Chamber of Deputies, Tomio Okamura, participated in a poignant naming ceremony for a baby mountain gorilla. He bestowed the name ‘Thomas’ upon the infant, a decision deeply rooted in personal sentiment and a symbol of burgeoning friendship with Uganda.

Accompanying Okamura on the trek was Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa. Okamura explained that the name ‘Thomas’ resonated with his own heritage, being a variation of his mother’s Czech name for him, and also served as a direct tribute to his Ugandan counterpart. “It matches perfectly and should serve as a sign of our friendship,” Okamura stated.

The encounter with the Bitukura gorilla family within the UNESCO World Heritage Site offered Okamura a profound appreciation for nature’s delicate balance. He commended the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for their dedicated conservation efforts, highlighting the gorillas’ maternal care as a powerful lesson for humanity. “Every day, they give us a reason to protect nature. They are endangered, and if we don’t protect them, one day we might also lose protection,” he remarked.

Deputy Speaker Tayebwa seized the opportunity to champion domestic tourism, encouraging Ugandans to explore their nation’s natural wonders. He contrasted the affordable Shs300,000 cost of local gorilla trekking permits for citizens with the $800 fee for foreign visitors, emphasizing accessibility. Beyond conservation and tourism, discussions between the leaders also focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in sectors such as agriculture and trade. Uganda plans to utilize upcoming international events, including hosting the OACPS–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, to showcase its tourism appeal to a global audience.