NEW ERA AS UGANDA OPENS A HIGH TECH ICONIC CABLE BRIDGE

In the modern world today, technology has taken lead in modernizing countries but to most African states, modernity still features as a big challenge despite this fact. Majority of people still think that modernization is only for the developed countries perhaps a reason most of lag behind. But this time round, it is great news worth embracing in East Africa as a new iconic cable stay bridge is finally opened up over the mighty River Nile. This long awaited landmark was officially opened by H.E. Yoweri Museveni and Mr. Masahisa Sato-the State Foreign Affairs Minister of Japan. The iconic cable stay bridge is expected to last for about 120 years and this new development features as the second entry point to Kampala capital city especially as you come from the east hence creating a reliable link to the south, northern, western parts of this magical country via its vibrant capital.

DAY VIEW OF CABLE BRIDGE IN UGANDA

Its construction work was entirely bankrolled by Japan government at Shs313 of the overpass that offers a safer crossing to substitute the old Owen Falls Dam Bridge approximately 500 meters north. Jinja alone through this bridge features as one of Uganda’s busiest commercial towns and ideal import-export route for the country via Kenya and due to this, it offers the economic lifeline the fact that this is a landlocked country. Out of about 800 employees, approximately 9 of every 10 were Ugandans and they had ever constructed the infrastructure for more than 4 years. About 50 engineering students equally attained hands on skills as industrial trainees in this project which employed engineers, crushers, laborers, expatriates from different parts of the country. Quality assurance and control was rigorously conducted and construction materials fully tested with state of art equipment within and abroad in Singapore and Japan hence making it an incredible piece of engineering.

NIGHT VIEW

 The bridge was erected by Zenitaka Corporation in Japan and Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company from South Korea. This bridge is now called The Source of the Nile Bridge and it is suspended over the River Nile and this doesn’t affect its flow out of Lake Victoria. The splendid beauty of the concrete and steel structure is 72 harp like white cables connecting the bridge deck to two 69 meter tall inverted Y pylon towers. Besides, there are also about 202 light emitting (LED) bulbs at the base of the cables and they feature a meridian of the deck which light up the 72 stay cables. The stay cable hold and hang the girder and offer support for humans and vehicle traffic weight. It is highly protected from lightning with lightning arrestors that run form the deck to every tip of the inverted Y pylon towers.

Generally, this new development is one of a kind and adds on the list of unique tourism products at the Source of the Nile. This area alone boasts of many breathtaking adventure experiences and if you are looking for that most thrilling experience then Jinja should be a must to include in your bucket list. Jinja is a renowned adrenaline adventure capital of East Africa and while on Uganda safari in this area, you get opportunity to engage in adventures like bungee jumping, kayaking, boat cruise, white water rafting, birding, canoeing, sunset cruise, visit the source of the Nile itself, mountain biking, quad biking, horseback riding around the nearby local communities to experience the real African setting in different communities. Jinja is approximately 1-2 hours’ drive or more from Kampala city center but this depends on the jump and stopovers.

In conclusion, the newly constructed cable bridge at the source of the mighty Nile is a unique tourism product of its own given its strategic location and unique piece of art.

JINJA TO HOST THE WORLD TOURISM DAY

Each year, Uganda joins the rest of the world on 27^th September to commemorate World Tourism Day. This year’s event will be hosted in Jinja where key players will reflect on the significances and benefits of tourism sector. It is promoted each year by World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Worldwide, the tourism sector features the third biggest export after the chemicals and fuels. In Uganda alone, it generated about $1.4 billion in 2016/2017 and also features as one of the major areas with many job opportunities and accounts for about a million people that are employed in tourism related enterprises. 

This year’s celebrations in Uganda will be conducted based on the theme ‘Tourism and the Digital Transformation’. This also comes with a line-up of activities that stated from 6^th till 27^th September. This is aimed at creating awareness, promote tourism and build capacity among stakeholders. The event commenced with Uganda Hotels and Restaurant Expo from sixth to eighth at Hotel Africana and the other events that followed include tourism forums and workshops, Sport gala and diner, smart youth conference, Tulambule Busoga region-an initiative that is aimed at promoting domestic tourism, cultural and trade exhibition, tourism night and others. This event is organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Civil Aviation Authority, Uganda Wildlife Education Center, private sector apex body, Hotel and Tourism Training Institute and Uganda Tourism Association.

Jinja itself features a number of tourist attractions and it is a popular adrenaline adventure capital in East Africa. It is famous for its breathtaking adventure experiences such as bungee jumping one of a few adventures that offer you opportunity to kiss the waters of the mighty source of the Nile, white water rafting, jet boat adventures up the River Nile rapids, kayaking, horseback riding, boat rides/cruise, quad bike tours, sunset cruise, houseboat safaris on Lake Victoria and many others. Along the way, you will be amazed by the stunning landscape, extensive sugarcane plantations and remarkably, pay a visit to Mabira forest and explore most of its primates, birds and plant life and then continue for your lifetime adventure experiences at the Source of the Nile in Jinja. 

 In conclusion, World Tourism Day is a global event and it is one of great significance for particular tourism destinations to discuss and recognize the importance of the tourism sector. Jinja in particular is one of Uganda’s most endowed tourism destination of its own. If you are adventure or nature lover, it is a right place for you to visit.

POLITICAL VIOLENCE THREATENS GAINS MADE IN THE TOURISM SECTOR

Unlike other industries, tourism sector is the most fragile and all stakeholder need to be keen on it at all times the fact that anything can tarnish the destination’s image. Looking at the recent protests in Arua and Kampala, they pose high threat on the nation’s tourism sector and yet this is a major foreign exchange earner. Uganda’s tourism sector is dependent on nature whereby thousands of tourists confine into this country to see its beautiful wildlife species in the national parks (Kidepo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Semuliki National Park), reserves, zoo and many more. While endeavors are put to ensure that these natural treasures are well protected, there is need to also blend good image about the destination to the world market. This can be done especially by minimizing violent protest that sell negative image about destination that at end makes most travelers cancel their trips something that impacts hugely on the tourism sector.

On 27^th September, Uganda will join the rest of the world to celebrate World Tourism Day which will take place in Jinja and the chief guest will be H.E. President Yoweri Museveni. During lay out of the plans for this year’s celebrations, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities plus several officials in this sector noted a spike in visitor arrivals especially on the American market and this was attributed to political violence and negative image. Tourism is one of the prime Forex earners in Uganda’s national economy and in 2015, over $1.35 billion. It contributes approximately 10 percent of Uganda’s GDP representing over 7.3 billion shillings in 2015 alone and created about 8 percent employment opportunities due to ideal political climate in the country. However, when political violence starts higher chances are that some tourists will be forced to cancel their trips. Last year, Uganda was ranked among the 5 top African safari destinations. But many other global travel guides especially Rough guides and InterNations have accorded Uganda good publicity that makes it one of the most sought after tourist destination.

In conclusion, Uganda is one of the most endowed countries when it comes to natural attractions. With a lot more to enjoy in this country, there is need to improve on destination’s image so as to attract most tourists.