.. Volunteers Reach Out
		Previous Newsletters By Prof. Wolfgang H. Thome, MBA Ph.D - NEW KIDEPO NATIONAL PARK LODGE TO OPEN The renovated and re-built Apoka Lodge in Kidepo National Park is reportedly opening soon. This northernmost of Uganda's national parks is tucked away in a remote corner of the country in the border triangle of Uganda, Kenya and Sudan and can be reached by aircraft. More information on this and other Ugandan national parks and game reserves at www.uwa.or.ug   UWA REPORTS 'FULL HOUSE' OVER THE HOLIDAYS Reports from Uganda Wildlife Authority indicate that the main national parks were all filled to capacity with visitors, staying in lodges, nearby hotels, public campsites and the rest camps. The initiative to offer locals a 50 percent discount on the already low rates apparently attracted new business to the parks with a large number of families reportedly visiting the natural attractions Uganda has to offer. It was further reported that no incidents or accidents took place in the protected areas over the holidays due to increased monitoring by park wardens and other preventive measures put into place to ensure the safety of all visitors. Well done UWA! UGANDA AT ITB AGAIN Final preparations are now being put into place to have a large delegation of Ugandan safari operators, hotels and lodge representatives as well as Tourist Board and Wildlife Authority representatives in Berlin during the 2006 ITB. As usual Uganda coffee and tea will be freely shared with trade visitors to the stand. Early contacts can be made through utb@starcom.co.ug or via uta@imul.com from where requests for appointments will be coordinated with participating companies. UGANDAN AMBASSADORS AND HIGH COMMISSIONERS GET BRIEFED ON TOURISM As has become customary in recent years, the tourism industry now once again had the opportunity to interact with Ugandan diplomats accredited across the world during their working visit to Kampala. Tourism apex body UTA and its constituent member associations (www.uta.or.ug or uta@imul.com), the Uganda Tourist Board (www.visituganda.com), the Uganda Wildlife Authority (www.uwa.or.ug) and the national Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (www.htti.ac.ug) were all represented and met over 50 envoys and discussed improved communications, updated them on information on tourism policy, tourism marketing and new exciting facilities and attractions across the country. KENYA REVENUE NIXES GOVERNMENT AGREEMENT Following the signing of an MoU between the governments of Uganda and Kenya about the delivery of fuel supplies it seems the KRA continues to be intent to wreak havoc on the supply situation, as by now a month worth of fuel is held up in Kenya, according to Shell Uganda sources. They attribute it mainly to the new regulations introduces in late 2005 by KRA, which paid no attention to the export situation and demanded excessive bonds and prepayments from oil firms. Sources in Uganda, which is presently in an election campaign, are now alleging that KRA is playing into the hands of the Ugandan opposition, to deliberately shorten supplies to make the government look bad. NEW PHONE NUMBERING SYSTEM DUE FOR FEBRUARY Commencing in February this year the prefixes for mobile phone numbers across Uganda will fall in line with international number practice, moving up to 7 digits from the present 6. This will be achieved by adding a '2' behind the present prefix and before the present number. UTL numbers will now read 071-2- while Celtel will now read 075-2- and MTN will have 077-2- or 078-2- to which then the respective number will be added. More details nearer to the time of switching to the new system at the end of January.  BWINDI SUSPECT CONVICTED One of the main suspects behind the infamous targeted Bwindi killings in 1999, when Interahamwe militia crossed into Uganda from Congo to capture and kill American and British tourists, was now found guilty after a lengthy trial in Kampala. Sentencing will be on Friday, January 13th and the sentence will be published in the column next week.  CAA HOLDS LICENSING HEARING The January 12th meeting of the CAA Licensing Committee dealt with a number of new applications for both domestic as well as international flight applications. While domestic applications received support from the Uganda Air Operators Association for using locally registered aircraft and creating jobs for Ugandans, some of the foreign applications ran into objections from the Uganda Tourism Association and their airline member associations for failing to meet the required standards of local shareholding, introduction of outdated aircraft and other regulatory issues, where benchmarks set for applicants were not met. A former SAA CEO was amongst the applicants for Victoria International Airline, against which objections were raised and found himself guided to address these issues first before expecting a licence to be issued. SOFTPOWER OPENS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE SoftPower, a UK and locally registered NGO, will early next week formally open a health centre for the local community near Bujagali Falls, which is part of a greater community centre, they have are developing in the area. Many tourists visiting Bujagali and taking part in adventure activities like rafting and kayaking, have contributed funds and many have in fact worked on the site to get it ready. SoftPower ordinarily supports local schools, where they improve facilities, i.e. renovating or rebuilding classrooms, building toilet facilities and providing water tanks for the local primary schools and the community centre will be a first to benefit local communities around touristic areas in the country entirely financed by tourist contributions, both in cash and kind. Well done! More information at www.softpowereducation.com CHOGM OPENING CEREMONY AT THE NEW KAMPALA SERENA The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sam Kutesa, has now announced that the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Summit will be held at the new Serena Hotel, which is presently in the final stages of re-construction. The building site is becoming a beehive of visitors who regularly check on progress of the buildings and to admire the remarkable transformation from the former rather dour Nile Hotel into a site of exceptional architecture and landscaping. Other venues too were announced, prompting industry analysts to speculate over the task of those hotels to improve their human resource capacity and management approach ahead of the summit. EAGLE AIR STARTS JUBA FLIGHTS Eagle Aviation, hitherto a predominantly domestic carrier, has now commenced coach services from Entebbe to Juba twice a week, using their workhorse LET 410 equipment. Up to 19 passengers can travel on the aircraft as well as a limited amount of loose cargo be taken onboard. This is the first Ugandan carrier commencing operations on what is considered to be one of the most lucrative routes in coming years across East Africa. EXIT FOR EAST AFRICAN? News have just broken that Shell has begun court proceedings to impound East African Airways single plane, a B737-200, over unpaid aviation fuel bills which have accumulated over several months. Should Shell prevail in court this may well spell the end of the upstart carrier, which found the skies over East Africa too competitive to stay in the air. RAILWAY CONCESSION SIGNATURE DATE OFF Due to the present lack of a cabinet and a responsible Minister overseeing the railways in Kenya, the formal signature of the railways concession to a South African led consortium had to be put off until a new cabinet has been appointed in Nairobi. Both Kenya and Uganda have jointly concessioned their railway system to one firm which in coming years will rehabilitate the rail tracks and the rolling stock. DUTE 2005 A SUCCESS The Destination Uganda Tourism Expo in Jinja over the last weekend was a success, as the large number of exhibitors and visitors demonstrated. The show, held in the extensive gardens at the Source of the Nile, also attracted visitors from the diplomatic corps, notably the Kenyan High Commissioner H.E. Japhet Getugi, while staff from the Embassy of the Russian Federation, the Chinese Embassy and other missions also turned up on opening day. China recently signed a MoU with Uganda and work is underway to establish a Chinese language webpage for the Uganda Tourist Board to attract the growing numbers of Chinese visitors to East Africa also visit Uganda. The 2006 edition dates are already set for the last weekend in September, coinciding with World Tourism Day, and the preceding week to this event will see a range of sporting and other related activities take place in Jinja, organized by the rafting and adventure tourism companies located along the upper Nile valley. More information about the 2006 exhibition can be obtained at info@destinationugandaexpo.com or info@wellspringadventureclub.com ELECTION FEVER BEGINS TO TAKE HOLD The clock is now ticking down towards general elections in the country, with a speculative date being given for 28th February 2006. Candidates for the parliamentary seats were nominated under a multiparty system of elections for the first time in 25 years on December 07th, while presidential candidates will be nominated on December 14th. Taking a leaf from the recent referendum in Kenya on their draft constitution, the process &endash; in particular election day &endash; are expected to be largely peaceful and should not in any way restrict visits to the country's fabulous national parks and other sites of interest. The short period now left for legislative work under the present parliament may however also mean, that the new tourism draft bill may not now come to the house in a timely manner before the elections, which would substantially delay subsequent measures like new tourism regulations and a further roll out of the tourism policy. This is viewed with some serious concern by the tourism fraternity, especially with the CHOGM Summit 2007 only 23 months away, as every month now counts in establishing standards in the hotel industry which can ensure quality hospitality. Some hotel projects presently underway have also reported difficulties in regard of the granted tax and duty exemptions for capital goods, which may delay hotel projects completion dates in coming months. The new Kampala Serena Hotel completion date reportedly had to be pushed back over such issues by some months already and these concerns will be addressed in coming days through the Uganda Tourism Association, when they meet the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development with their colleagues from the Private Sector Foundation to discuss the budget preparations for 2006/7 next Monday. Keep up with Ugandan news through www.newvision.co.ug which is Uganda's leading national newspaper's website containing all the latest information. LAKE TANGANYIKA EARTHQUAKE FELT IN KAMPALA The quake, reportedly between 6.8 &endash; 7.5 in magnitude, was felt several hundred kilometers away in Kampala, where building evacuation procedures kicked in, bringing confused workers out to the streets. It took a while before everyone was allowed back to their offices, but within the hour information came through on the epicenter of the quake being under Lake Tanganyika. Quakes in the region are relatively rare and when they occur remain low in intensity. MOEVENPICK TO ENTER UGANDA MARKET This correspondent has now established that a new hotel and conference facility, promoted by Malaysian investors, will indeed go ahead on a peninsula at Lake Victoria near Entebbe, en route to Kampala. This new facility will comprise some 60 upmarket villas, conference facilities and a main hotel area. The selected management company appears to be Moevenpick, which also operates one of the leading hotels in Dar es Salaam and has connections to Fairmont Hotels, which took over the Lonrho Hotel group in Kenya (reported in this column). The arrival of another quality hotel management group in Uganda, after Sheraton and Serena, spells well for the country's hospitality and tourism sector, which was hitherto dominated by often less than desirable standards in the absence of national regulations and enabling legislation, as international groups will measure up to global standards in order to please their clientele. SWANAIR TRAVEL BECOMES CARLSON-WAGONLIT UGANDA Leading travel agency Swanair will in 2006 re-brand and trade only under the name Carlson-Wagonlit, having affiliated with them some 2 years ago as agency for Uganda. With tourism now growing at double digit rates this will further put Uganda on the global map. American Express Travel too has a partner in Uganda already but not as a franchise, GLOBAL RAMSAR MEETING DUE FOR KAMPALA The '9th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties', in other words the signatories of the Ramsar Convention's 9th general meeting, is due to be held in the Ugandan capital city of Kampala from 08 &endash; 15 November 2005. Over 800 delegates from around the world are expected in Uganda to discuss a range of pressing issues over wetlands and their protection. Uganda is home to one Ramsar site at Lake Nabugabo, which was designated a while ago (and reported in this column) and large tracts of the country are wetlands protected by law from encroachment and degradation. More information at www.ramsar.org or www.ugandawetlands.org RAILWAYS CONCESSION GOES TO SOUTH AFRICA The long search for a concessionaire to run the railway systems in Uganda and Kenya is now over, with a South African led consortium beating India Railways, Magadi Soda and Maersk into second place. The concession will earn the two governments 1 Million Dollars per annum in fixed fees and an 11.1 percent revenue component over the next 25 years. It is understood that this is nearly twice as good an offer as their remaining competitor had put into the bid papers. Take over date is set for 01st April 2006. The two countries expect substantial investment in coming years into a rail track upgrade, rehabilitation of rolling stock and operational improvements to make railway traffic once again a feasible alternative to road transport. The new operator name will be 'Rift Valley Railways' EGYPTIAN BELLIGERENCE Reports have emerged, that Egyptian Minister for Water, Mr. Mahmoud Abu-Zeid threatened Kenya with war over her intention to withdraw from the - what many East African term illegal &endash; Nile Water Treaty of 1929, which was entered into by the British colonialists and subsequently forced upon the East African nations upon attaining independence. The Minister, probably short of diplomatic experience, used rather coarse language further inflaming the sentiment in East Africa, where the waters of Lake Victoria, its tributaries and of the River Nile are understood to be national resources and not subject to dictates from Egypt. Egypt has in recent years persistently refused to offer meaningful compensation for the Nile waters to the source countries, mainly Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania and talks over a new treaty have therefore somewhat stalled over this refusal. The message from here, negotiate you can but not threaten our sovereign rights. AMBOSELI CONTROVERSY RAGES ON A standoff is now reported at Amboseli, where Kenya Wildlife Services staff continue to man their posts and carry out their duties, citing lack of capacity by the county council, which in a suspect political move, thought to garner pro-constitution votes, was handed over to the county council for management, after illegally downgrading it from national park status to reserve status. KWS insists that a due process of handover be observed, while the council insists on immediate handover of all park facilities and functions. Not the best way to go about a full recovery of Kenya's tourism sector. UWA RESPONDS TO BIRD FLU THREAT The Uganda Wildlife Authority in conjunction with the tourism private sector and the Veterinary Department has alerted district administrations countrywide of the potential of the dreaded bird flu being brought to East Africa by migratory birds, now that the main body of the migration is well en route to the African continent. The Association of Uganda Tour Operators and the Uganda Safari Guide Association are closely involved in the sensitization exercise. Tour drivers and driver guides were asked to monitor and report any dead birds to UWA headquarters or the nearest UWA outpost. UWA had responded well in the past to the outbreak of anthrax amongst the hippo populations of Queen Elizabeth National Park and swiftly contained the disease, and a high state of vigilance is being instituted country wide to deal with the threat of bird flu, should this become necessary. MORE POWER PLANTS ON THE WAY Several applicants have now been advertised for public hearings on their plans to build and operate new additional power stations around the country. At least two applicants propose to erect smaller hydro electric plants in upcountry locations, feeding into the national grid as well as a location grid, while others propose to install heavy oil thermal plants. Uganda is presently experiencing a production shortfall, leading to partial load shedding and has recorded consumption growth of 15 percent per annum due to growth in industrialization and domestic consumption. The controversial Bujagali Falls hydroelectric plant may also have to undergo a fresh process of public hearings and environmental and economic impact assessment due to the proposed use of World Bank funds. This process effectively stalled the AES plans in the late 90's. A further hydroelectric plant is proposed for the Karuma Falls area further down river, which has received qualified support from environmental groups but not enjoyed the full-hearted support from the Ministry of Energy as yet.   PAMSU PROJECT MID TERM REVIEW The 'protected areas and sustainable use' project of the World Bank, which supports the wildlife conservation sector in Uganda, has just undergone a mid term review. Available indicators put the project into the satisfactory performance stage, with timelines met and objectives achieved. National lead agency Uganda Wildlife Authority as well as the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe are main recipients of the support. MALAYSIAN INTEREST IN HOSPITALITY SECTOR A group of Malaysian investors, led by the Ugandan Consul General Mrs. Noraihan Hj. Mohamad Adnan has recently visited Uganda to explore investment opportunities in the hotel industry and other sectors of the economy. Malaysia and Uganda enjoyed intensified relations since Uganda hosted the 'Smart Partnership Dialogue' in Kampala in 2001, which is a brainchild of the former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir.   MOMBASA PORT INTRODUCES NEW MASTERPLAN A high powered delegation led by the KPA chairman Gen. (rtd) Joe Kibwana and the KPA CEO Mr. Brown Ondego recently met the Uganda business community at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel to introduce the new master plan layout for the development of East Africa's most important sea harbour. The tourism sector in particular was keen to learn about the new passenger terminal facilities, KPA proposes to put up, in order to attract more cruise line calls. Cruise tourism is high value business and the establishment of an Indian Ocean / East and South Africa cruise circuit is now high on the agenda of the tourism sectors in East Africa. UGANDA RAILWAY TO EXTEND TO JUBA State Minister for Transport, Hon. Awuzu Andruale, made this announcement while addressing the Uganda business community and his Kenyan counterpart Hon. Andrew Ligale during the launch of the Kenya Ports Authority development master plan. He also announced that the road from Arua via Yei to Juba in South Sudan was earmarked for upgrading and tarmacking in due course to stimulate the traffic of people and goods between Uganda and the autonomous region of the South Sudan. Meanwhile, a decision on the award of the joint Kenya / Uganda railways concession is now imminent and news of the successful bidder can be expected in next week's column. EAST AFRICAN SAFARI RALLY FOR DECEMBER The 'classic' version of this eye-catching event will be held between December 01 &endash; 10 this year and again bring the big names of yesteryear in rallying to their former stomping grounds. Bjorn Waldegaard will meet former rival Juha Kankkunen with many others joining them over the 4.200 KM long course across the most scenic parts of East Africa. AHHSA ASSEMBLY ON IN MALAWI The association of tourism, hotel and hospitality training institutes in sub Saharan Africa is holding its annual assembly in Lilongwe, Malawi to discuss its development agenda for the coming years in view of the sharp increase of arriving visitors to the continent. Uganda's HTTI at the Crested Crane Hotel in Jinja is represented by the Principal, Mr. Barnabas Kabalisa, who will be formally inviting members to attend the 2006 assembly in Uganda, with the national HTTI being the host for the annual gathering next year. Uganda's premier hospitality and tourism school is then also expected to be formally certified by the association, enabling them to have certificates, diplomas and degrees recognized across the continent and beyond. AFRICANA HOTEL OFFERS SPECIAL 'RAMADAN BREAKFAST' Guest of Hotel Africana in Kampala professing to the Islamic faith can now have an early breakfast during the month of Ramadan. A full buffet is laid out in the early hours, before the faithful go for prayers and begin the day's fast. A mosque adjoining to the lobby of the hotel makes the observance of the daily prayers also easier &endash; talk of a complete package for Muslim visitors. MOMBASA TO GET NEW FERRIES Bids for the construction of two new ferries for the Likoni harbour crossing from Mombasa to the mainland (South) have now been received from 7 interested companies. The new ferries are estimated to cost about 700 Million KShs. The two ferries are to replace the present ageing vessels, which have to cope with over a million vehicles and nearly 60 million passengers per year. The crossing is presently the only way to the famous South coast of Mombasa with its endless white beaches but also to the main coastal border crossing to Tanzania at Lunga-Lunga border post. All efforts to either construct a bridge across the harbour entrance or a road bypass from the airport to the South coast have so far come to nothing. KENYA BUREAUCRATS RUN RIOT &endash; AGAIN Reports in this column a while ago brought the impact of ill-considered and ill-conceived measures by Kenya Revenue Authority to light, which affected greatly the fuel supply situation, not only in Kenya but more so in Uganda and countries beyond. News are now received, that air operators at the busy Wilson Airport are also being hammered with new requirements vis-à-vis 'cargo' shipments. It appears, that even luggage carried by passengers, within the limits or in excess of baggage allowances on 'light aircraft' have been subjected to this unwarranted treatment by authorities, who in the words of a pilot regularly flying in and out of Wilson 'do not know hoot from toot'. A meeting of the Kenya Association of Air Operators in mid September also tried to discuss this issue with the management of Wilson Airport. Issues highlighted were checking and screening of baggage 'on arrival' from purely domestic flights, the involvement of customs department in domestic flight arrivals and a 'handling charge' of Kshs 4/- per KG of inspected 'cargo', which is over -/50 US Cents in additional payments per KG. Operators also took issue with new regulations on aerial photography, where the Director of Surveys now requires 7 days application time, which led to the cancellation of a BBC feature on the migration of the wildebeest in the Masai Mara. Operators also took issue with new security regulations over searches of passengers on private flights, which they termed 'excessive, harassment and totally unnecessary'. One wonders if these bureaucrats have any relationship with reality on the ground and the impact of their action on the vital tourism sector of this East African nation. MORE TROUBLE FOR KENYA CONSERVATION In a hotly disputed move the Kenyan Minister for Tourism last week terminated the status of Amboseli National Park and returned it to National Reserve status, as it was before 1974, under the ownership of Kajiado county council. Leading conservationists, like Prof. Dr. Imre Loeffler, Chairman of the globally respected East African Wildlife Society, termed the directive by the Minister 'reckless, clandestine, ill-conceived and illegal', while a former Executive Director of KWS, Dr. David Western called for due process to be observed and such moves to conform with legal standards &endash; implying that the Minister's action was considered outside legal bounds, mainly of the total absence of the legally required consultations with stakeholders. Amboseli has been one of the 'cash cow' parks for KWS and is presently also subject to a much heralded re-branding campaign KWS is undertaking for its parks. There is suspicion in conservation circles, that sections of government who are presently campaigning for a new constitution (other sections of government are actually campaigning against it) are using the measure to canvass political favours and a vote for their camp, nothing new for that matter for long term observers of the political scene in Kenya. This however needs to be seen in the context of other issues impacting on the re-vitalized tourism sector, such as regulatory issues in aviation (see previous article) and the ongoing campaign violence, which has already led to sharply dialed up travel advisories, putting clouds over an industry which has only just emerged from years of doldrums and downturns following bad political decisions and political violence in past years. The EU had over the past years spent millions of Euros in support for Kenya tourism marketing and observers are now keenly monitoring the present developments to establish, if all those efforts are now going down the drain. Latest reports now also indicate that the conservation fraternity has taken the matter to the High Court in Nairobi to stop what they term 'illegal' move by government. The court issued an order to have government respond to the suit within 8 days &endash; stand by for more updates in coming weeks as this saga unfolds across the border. 'Uganda - Gifted by Nature UGANDA GETS NEW BRAND IMAGE AND TAGLINE Under the 'branding Uganda' initiative a new logo and tagline were developed in recent months and will be officially launched on October 22nd at a media and society event at the Speke Resort Munyonyo. Senior CNN staff, amongst them Femi Oke and Jeff Koinange, will also be in Uganda at the time to formally launch Uganda's sponsorship of the 'Inside Africa' programme, which will last for the next six months. High ranking Government of Uganda officials and key figures from the private sector were last Friday treated to a preview of the Sights And Sounds of Uganda, which will begin airing alongside the 'Inside Africa' programme as of this weekend. Camerapix of Kenya produced the first of a total of six one minute features, which will run on CNN's prime time Africa programme for the next half year. The gathering was also shown the new Uganda brand logo and tagline 'Uganda - Gifted by Nature' which is set to replace the age old 'Uganda, the Pearl of Africa', a phrase coined by the late Sir Winston Churchill at the turn of the last century. The CNN campaign is part of a greater effort to rebrand Uganda in the global market and highlight its potential for eco tourism, agriculture, horticulture and agroprocessing, general investment opportunities and of course Uganda's culture and people. Government, private sector and civil society worked closely together to move this project forward, estimated to cost an initial US$ 1 Million. RHINO SANCTUARY GETS FIRST VISITOS In a long awaited move the first visitors were admitted to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary this weekend. Tourists can now at last visit the rare animals on the way to Murchisons Falls National Park, since the sanctuary is located about 2/3rd of the way from Kampala. Fees charged reflect those of entries in other category one national parks. Regular radio contact between rangers and headquarters and an implanted radio beacon in the horns of the rhinos will allow to pinpoint their location on the nearly 18.000 acre private game sanctuary at all times. For more information contact the sanctuary at info@rhinofund.org or yverkaik@rhinofund.org The formal opening of the reserve is expected in the very near future and will highlight Uganda's efforts to protect its biodiversity, wildlife and promote conservation. KAYAKING 'FREESTYLE' FESTIVAL A HUGE SUCCESS This year's freestyle festival in Jinja along the upper River Nile valley, has drawn nearly 50 participants from Canada, the US, the UK, South Africa, Australia and Europe, including the current world number 1, 2 and 3 ranked kayakers. The Jinja festival, due to its location and climate, is fast becoming a global favourite in the calendar of events, to which the warm waters and exciting rapids and falls contribute much. Nile Breweries, a subsidiary of SAB Miller, is again the main sponsor of the week long races. The proceeds of the festival will go towards contributions to the Uganda team for the 2006 World Championship in Canada. 27 local Ugandans add to the international competitors including reigning champion Paulo Babi. More information can be accessed through www.kayakthenile.com or else via jamie@kayakthenile.com MINISTRY SEEKS 200 MILLION FOR CLASSIFICATION AND GRADING In order to implement the coming classification and grading of hotels and restaurants the Ministry of Tourism has been seeking an additional fund allocation of Ushs 200 Million. The agreement to harmonize the regulations East Africa wide had been taken three years ago and the common approach on regulations and rules was signed off earlier this year. US EMBASSY CROSSES THE LINE Reports from Nairobi indicate that the US Embassy has directly contacted an American cruiseline warning them off from calling on Mombasa with some 400 passengers. Sources in Kenya preferring anonymity expressed their outrage over this move, which goes well beyond the previously issued anti travel advisories by the State Department. Only recently 900 Japanese cruise passengers enjoyed safe excursions and safaris after their Singapore registered vessel docked in Mombasa for a port call and the unprecedented action of the US Embassy was therefore promptly termed 'unacceptable interference in business relations' Local agent Abercrombie and Kent staffer Harun Musyoki termed the embassy action 'most unusual'. The 'concern' stems from the present campaign over a new constitution on which the Kenya public will be voting shortly, but while there have been violent campaign incidents reported the projected danger for visitors to Kenya seems drastically over the top and ill motives are suggested towards US Embassy personnel suspected to be behind the action. Said one member of the tourism fraternity on condition of anonymity: 'if they (Embassy staff) find it so dangerous here let them go home to the US and find out what crime rates are there, Nairobi may not be the safest capital city but I rather be here than in D.C. In any case, we suspect them to have ulterior motives to pressure Kenya into their camp on many other international issues, but we are not for sale'. And tourists have been coming in the face of their advisories, because the also know that a lot is wrong with them!' KQ ORDERS NEW BOEINGS Kenya Airways has now released news of a deal with Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprises for the delivery of at least 3 B 737-800 aircraft due in late 2006. It is expected that the new 148 seat aircraft in C/Y configuration will replace the older B 737-200, which are less fuel efficient and carry only up to 101 passengers. The new aircraft will also be able to fly longer distances across the continent, where KQ has in recent years been building up a sizeable network, connecting Africa through their hub in Nairobi. Following the conclusion of the first fleet renewal programme a second phase is now going underway with this order. KQ was also recently honoured as the best African airline for its flat bed sleeperette seats in business class and 4th best in the world, a monumental achievement for the airline which completely turned its fortunes around over the past decade and is now under largely Kenyan senior management. KILIMANJARO HOTEL NOW A KEMPINSKI Following extensive rebuilding, renovations and refurbishment, Dar es Salaam's landmark hotel is this week being formally re-opened as the East Africa region's first Kempinski Hotel, offering 5 star standards in line with Kempinski's other global properties. Located near the oceanfront it overlooks the harbour of Dar es Salaam and offers swift access to the central business district and government offices in the commercial capital of Tanzania. TWO APPLICANTS REMAIN The joint railway concession for Kenya and Uganda Railways has now reached the decisive stage, with only two of six bidders remaining in the race. A consortium led by Indian Railways, partnering with Kenya's Magadi Soda and Maersk Sealand, will now face off with a South African led group. The privatisation was supported by the IFC and is one of the largest projects undertaken so far in East Africa's process towards economic modernization. An initial 2.600 workers are expected to be retired upon completion of the deal. KENYA AIRWAYS REACTS TO RISING FUEL COSTS Information received from KQ indicates that due to sharply risen fuel cost flight consolidation and use of larger aircraft on certain routes will be used to counter the cost impact on the airline. Consult www.kenya-airways.com or your nearest travel agent for any changes on the schedule in coming weeks. Ticket cost on domestic routes such as Nairobi &endash; Mombasa were already raised to offset higher fuel charges. RISING FUEL PRICES ADD TO INFLATION The most recent figures from Bank of Uganda show a rise of inflationary pressures to now 7.7 percent, up from 6.5 percent the previous month. Much of this increase is attributed to the sharply risen cost of petrol and diesel in recent weeks. The Uganda Shilling also depreciated accordingly on the foreign exchange bourse and now trades in average at 1850 Shs to one dollar. Last Series KENYA AIRWAYS' NEW DESTINATIONS With the onset of the autumn/winter schedule KQ will be adding twice weekly flights from Nairobi via Harare to Mozambique's capital city of Maputo, where incidentally Serena's hospitality can be experienced at the Polana Hotel, the city's leading 5 star property. At the same time flights commence three times a week to the Chinese city of Guangzhou, tapping yet further into the Chinese business and leisure market for the East African carrier. All three countries in East Africa, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya are now on the approved list of the Chinese government for travellers to the region and expect a substantial upturn of traffic from China in coming years. NOMINATIONS FOR PRESIDENT IN MID DECEMBER The electoral commission of Uganda has now set December 14 and 15 for the parties registered to formally anoint their presidential candidates. Uganda will for the first time in 25 years hold multi party elections, having been successfully ruled and steered to economic success under the movement system of government since 1986. It is widely expected that incumbent President Yoweri Museveni will be standing again, following recent constitutional changes, although he has yet to formally announce his candidature. The turnaround of the economy, specially the tourism sector, is largely credited to President Museveni's regular intervention on behalf of the tourism industry over incentives for investments and he was personally involved in the Discovery Channel's 'Presidential Tour of Uganda' two years ago, in which he acts as 'guide' to the film team. Meanwhile, the National Resistance Movement will be holding party elections in October as part of the democratic process. UGANDA DONATES TO 'KATRINA' RELIEF FUND Following his appearance at the UN Summit in New York President Museveni proceeded on to Washington DC, where he met former President George Bush (Senior) who is coordinating fund raising efforts with former President Bill Clinton for the relief effort for the hurricane victims of 'Katrina' and handed over a cheque of US Dollars 200.000 from the Ugandan people. And while it may be a fraction of the money needed to restore New Orleans and neighbouring communities to its former glory, it is the thought and effort which counts here. WORLD TOURISM DAY IN UGANDA Ahead of the annual World Tourism Day the Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry has made a significant statement on tourism developments in Uganda, followed by a statement from the Uganda tourism private sector. The day itself will be celebrated with a tourism industry luncheon hosted by the Bank of Uganda and high level attendees from public and private sector to discuss the way forward for the fastest growing segment in the Ugandan economy. This correspondent in his capacity as President of the Uganda Tourism Association will deliver the private sector keynote address. TANZANIA RAISES FEES FOR KEY PARKS In spite of last minute appeals from tour operators TANAPA has now gone ahead an raised fees for the Serengeti and Mt. Kilimanjaro to exactly the level they had planned to do before the private sector objections were raised. 'In your face' seems to describe this move best, as after all the private sector 'only' supplies ALL the business for the park organization. REBRANDING UGANDA COMING INTO ITS OWN The joint efforts of private sectors, civil society and government to 'rebrand' Uganda are now nearing its conclusion with brand logo and tag line being decided in coming days by a group of eminent personalities. Meanwhile, the Camerapix filming for the 'Sights and Sounds of Uganda', which will be running from mid October alongside the 'Inside Africa' edition of CNN's global broadcast has also concluded its first schedule to prepare the 'Best of Uganda' version, before returning to the country in October to complete the other segments. Watch CNN's programmes from the second week in October onwards. Third edition, September 2005 By Prof. Wolfgang H. Thome MBA Ph.D. UGANDA CAA GRANTS MORE FLIGHTS Following application by Sudan Airways to increase services from the present once weekly flight between Khartoum via Juba to Entebbe the Ugandan regulators have promptly approved a second flight to cater for the rapidly increasing volume of passengers and cargo between Juba and Entebbe. The flight segments between Khartoum and Juba and v.v. are operated also as domestic flights inside Sudan. Meanwhile a freak windstorm ripped part of the roof off the passenger terminal building on Monday, leading to a partial evacuation of passengers from the affected areas, but operations resumed after about an hour, once the debris was cleared. Emergency repairs of the roof section are already underway. In further developments the Lira airfield has been temporarily closed by the CAA to allow for removal of runway obstructions along the approach path, where unauthorised building activity had endangered flight traffic. The re-opening of the field will be reported in this column. YEI &endash; JUBA ROAD NOW OPEN Following an extensive mine clearing exercise in recent months, this vital road link between Northern Uganda via the town of Yei to Juba is now finally open again. A convoy of over 20 trucks was enthusiastically welcomed in Juba, carrying much needed supplies from Uganda at affordable prices, as previously supplies needed to be flown in from Sudan's capital city Khartoum. Trade links with Uganda are expected to take an immediate turn to the better as the main road from Kampala through Masindi, Murchisons Falls National Park, Pakwach and Arua now connects directly to the South Sudan. The road link through Nimule is also expected to open in the near future. The South Sudan leader Salva Kiir last week also made his inaugural visit to Kampala and pledged that trade tariffs for Ugandan goods would be reduced to encourage imports of Ugandan goods. SHERATON KAMPALA OPENS NEW BREAKFAST AREA Following further completion of their new facilities a purpose built breakfast area with hot and cold buffet is now open. Located at the former Victoria Dining guest can now enjoy an indoor and outdoor setting on the first floor with views over the city centre. Breakfast being the most important meal of the day, Sheraton has now definitely put it into a new environment as this correspondent could ascertain during a tour by the hotel's F&B Director Mr. Kwashie. LAKE SHIP READY MV Kalangala will be formally commissioned on October 09th, which also marks Uganda's 43rd Independence Day. The new lake ship will cater for a total of 100 first and economy class passengers and also allow for cargo uplift to and from the Ssese Islands of 100 tons. Kalangala is the district's name for the island group on Lake Victoria and provides also the name for the new ship, which will be operating from Kampala's suburb of Port Bell. UNDP LAUNCHES HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT Uganda moved two places upwards in the global scale of indicators used to compile the statistics and measure performance. Participants in the event held at Kampala Sheraton Hotel however decried the extraordinary difficulties developing countries face to implement the Millennium Development Goals and the even greater difficulties of the developed world to dismantle their economic fortresses they have build to protect their industries, services and agricultural sectors. Participants heard that the developed world spends over 350 Billion Dollars per annum in agri-subsidies alone, which results in loss of market access for farmers in the developing world of over 70 Billion Dollars, almost exactly the sum of aid given to these countries. The Bretton Woods Institutions and WTO were also severely criticised over their own fortress mentality towards the developing world and Sub Saharan Africa in particular. The presenters jointly asked for fair trading practises in all sectors of the economy to boost the economic performance of the continent to complement aid packages, in order to reach the MDG's by 2015. EAST AFRICA TOURISM FIGURES UP AGAIN For the first six months of the year both Kenya and Uganda again recorded a substantial increase in visitor arrivals by about 20 percent over the 2004 figures. A trend study for the second half of the year indicates that both countries are to receive again record visitor numbers in 2005. Uganda has opted to concentrate on quality over quantity however and promotes sustainable ecotourism with low impact and high benefits and rising occupancies in the hotel and lodge sector have led to several new projects being developed in and near protected areas (national parks and game reserves) as well as in Kampala, Jinja and Entebbe. TV LICENCE FEE FOR 'COMMERCIAL' ONLY Following President Museveni's intervention on the introduction of a TV Licence Fee from September 01st, the Minister for Information and Broadcasting has now retracted his earlier 'from the hip' statement and also clarified, that the fee per TV in use is due by hotels, clubs, restaurants and other places where the public can view TV programmes, while private consumers remain exempt of the fee. The cost of an annual TV Licence is approximately US Dollars 11 per set. FUEL SUPPLY STILL SHAKY Following arbitrary changes by the Kenya Revenue Authority over the payment of taxes for fuel and treatment of export consignments the supply of diesel is still somewhat short of demand, prompting fuel companies and dealers to appeal to government to demand that the Kenyan authorities remove the obstacles leading to the present situation. As a result diesel supplies from the main storage tanks are now rationed for the time being, while leading fuel company executives in Uganda preferring anonymity blame the Kenya Revenue Authority for being 'incompetent and insensitive' to the impact of their actions. It was also learned today that AVGAS is again running low in Uganda and the air operators have again lodged complaints with Shell for poor stock keeping. Second edition, September 2005 By Prof. Wolfgang H. Thome MBA Ph.D. SN BRUSSELS GETS NEW UGANDA MANAGEMENT Geert Lemmen has at last said good by to his friends and clients in Uganda during an emotional farewell party, during which he also introduced Pierre Declerck as his successor. Under Geert's reign the old Sabena and then the new SN Brussels made great headways in customer affection and passenger and cargo numbers improved strongly, largely credited to Geert's effort in building a competent and determined team in Kampala and Entebbe. Pierre is no stranger to East Africa, transferring from his previous station in Kenya, while Geert now takes up his new appointment in Sierra Leone, where he hopes to make equal progress and get results for SN Brussels. Kwaheri Ya Kuonana from us all here, until we meet again. SOFTPOWER ADOPTS MORE SCHOOLS Softpower Education, an NGO with roots in the UK and associated with Nile River Explorers, a leading rafting and river activities company in Jinja, has of late recorded more support from visitors coming to Jinja for kayaking and rafting. Many of them give small donations or send funds after their return home, having seen the impact of the school support programme of Softpower, which engages in the rehabilitation of school buildings, classrooms and adds water tanks and hygiene facilities. Softpower works closely with local communities in the rural areas, who then take charge of the maintenance of such projects. Visitors also come to Jinja to support building projects by working on site for the duration of their holiday. Near Bujagali Falls a full community centre, clinic, pottery and education centre is presently under construction by Softpower. Find more details at www.softpowereducation.com AVIATION WORKSHOP DISCUSSES NEW REGULATIONS The Uganda CAA this week discussed the new draft regulations for Uganda with stakeholders in the presence of observers from their counterparts in Kenya and Tanzania, the panel for harmonization at the East African Community and members of the US FAA who supported the exercise. Over 220 submissions were made by stakeholders, namely the Uganda Association of Air Operators (UAAO) but also from Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), the police air wing, Uganda Air Force, air traffic controllers association and the meteorological department. While a good number of objections were taken care of during the meeting by amendments, alterations or deletions from the presented text, other areas were deferred for further discussions with stakeholders. The President of the Uganda Tourism Association during the closing ceremony underlined the partnership between regulator and aviation fraternity but also called for an intensified institutional dialogue between the parties to address issues as an ongoing practise and asked the regulators to accept the private sector stakeholders as full partners and not only call upon them when convenient or impossible to ignore. He also asked for membership in the aviation bodies UAAO and BAR to be made mandatory by the regulator to bring all aviation companies under a private sector platform and then allow them a regular consultation with the CAA and other relevant government bodies. HOTEL OWNERS ALSO WAKE UP TO TV TAX With the TV tax being deliberated over for months before becoming reality on September 01st, the Uganda hotel owners have seemingly now also woken up belatedly to decry the annual cost per TV set of about 11 US Dollar, saying it is too expensive. Industry observers have promptly asked where the owners were during the process and how they participated in the consultations. In contrast, the Hotel and Catering Association of Uganda, itself a member of the umbrella body UTA unlike the owners who operate in isolation from the rest of the industry, had taken part in the consultative process and sensitized their membership months in advance to the TV fees coming into effect. OIL TESTS AWAITED Materials and data from the test drilling in various areas of Uganda are now being evaluated at special facilities in the UK to determine the viability of commercially viably finds of oil and natural gas. In the meantime, more exploration blocks have been awarded by the Uganda government in recent weeks, as the hope of finding the precious commodity have risen and attracted more prospectors. KENYA TOURISM DISCUSSES WAY FORWARD Stakeholders in the Kenyan tourism industry, including the Kenya Tourism Federation (Private Sector), the Kenya Tourist Board and the Kenya Wildlife Authority met this week to discuss the KWS Tourism Development Management Plan, which includes a re-branding of the parks, giving them an individual image and address the need for more accommodation to cater for the growing number of visitors. Last year's occupancies in Kenya rose by nearly 38 percent following a sustained marketing campaign in its key established markets and in new markets and the current year is expecting again record visitors and even higher occupancies, both at the Kenya coast and in the national parks.   NGAMBA ISLAND TO EXPAND Uganda's chimpanzee refuge island, located on an island near Entebbe, is set to expand capacity from the present 30 animals to about 60, to cater for additional animals found injured in the wild or confiscated from poachers and illegal traders. The island was recently featured on CNN's 'Inside Africa' programme and has become a regular stopover for visitors from abroad. FORT PORTAL ROAD NOW READY The long awaited direct road link between Kampala and Fort Portal is now ready for use and will cut the journey time to a mere 3 hours. Fort Portal is the seat of the Toro Kingdom, famous for its young 'child king' and allows some of Uganda's main attraction to be reached with ease. Located on the foot of the Mountains of the Moon (Rwenzori Mountains) it is also the springboard for visits to Semliki Game Reserve and the Kibale National Park, which is home to the highest number of primate species in the country. CNN PROGRAMME OBJECTORS TOLD TO SHUT UP When news emerged in Uganda, that government had signed a contract with CNN to sponsor the 'Inside Africa' programme and run some 600 minutes 'Sights and Sounds of Uganda' from mid October onwards, sections of the public and even of the tourism trade had little better to do than to bicker and criticise the effort as an attempt by government to improve its own standing in the international arena for political gains. Yet, those involved in the re-branding exercise for Uganda, of which the CNN campaign is but a component, have immediately refuted such suggestions and both leading newspapers this week published a nearly full page article of this correspondent to give facts and figures of tourism's performance in recent years and the expected impact of the campaign, which resulted in the critics falling silent instantly. The programme will feature from middle of October onwards and showcase Uganda's main attractions for visitors, besides highlighting people and culture, agricultural and other investment opportunities. NKURINGO CONCESSION ALL BUT AWARDED Following a process to pre-qualify bidders and obtain formal bids for the development of an upmarket lodge on the south-western side of Bwindi National Park, information has now reached this correspondent that Semliki Safaris / The Uganda Safari Company has emerged as the leading contender. They already operate the Emin Pasha Hotel in Kampala, the Semliki Safari Lodge and will soon open a new safari lodge in Kidepo National Park. Watch this space for news updates. DISNEY TO DONATE TWO RHINOS TO NEW SANCTUARY The Rhino Fund Uganda has now confirmed that an additional two rhinos (southern white species) will be sent by Disney from one of its theme park in the US to join the presently 4 rhinos in the new sanctuary, which from mid September will allow visitors into the reserve, located strategically on the way from Kampala to Murchisons Falls National Park. More information from the Rhino Fund at info@rhinofund.org or from their Executive Director at yverkaik@rhinofund.org. News were also received, that Yvonne Verkaik, long serving Executive Director of the Fund and fondly termed Uganda's 'Rhino Lady' has been engaged to the General Manager of the ranching company, on which land the sanctuary has been established. We wish Yvonne and Bruce all the best at this stage and will announce the wedding date when available. KENYA TO STUDY RAIL LINK FROM AIRPORT TO THE CITY Assistant Minister for Transport in Kenya, Andrew Ligale, had during a recent workshop of East African Airports Association announced that the Kenya Government was studying the possibility of a rail link between the airport and the city centre. The main rail line from Mombasa to Nairobi runs near the perimeter of the airport and a link could substantially speed up the transfer time from the city to the airport. KQ TO OFFER LONDON &endash; MOMBASA DIRECT FLIGHTS From December onwards Kenya Airways will ease travel from the UK to the Kenya Coast by introducing a weekly B 777 service ever Friday evening from Heathrow via Nairobi to Mombasa. This will make clearing customs and immigration of visitors on this flight in Nairobi a thing of the past, as they will do their clearance in Mombasa, from where the flight is then due to return non-stop to London. Demand for Kenya holidays has rocketed during the year inspite of lingering anti travel advisories and the entire region has recorded a renewed interest of overseas visitors. GRANT FOR KENYA CULTURAL SITES The US Embassy has given a K Shs 2.3 million grant to protect rock art paintings in Western Kenya, where a new tourist circuit is now being opened up. In a statement earlier in the week, the embassy said the fund would be used to promote three sites on Mfang'ano Island (Suba District), Kakapel (Western Province) and Ng'Moritung'a (south Lake Turkana). "The grant from the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation will be signed at Mfang'ano and help develop a rock art management plan,'' the statement said. "It will lead to responsible tourism of three rock sites and help conserve them through community-based management." Kenya has a number of rock sites dating from roughly 4,000 years ago. Most of them however are not yet accessible to the public and have not been promoted as tourist attractions. The new grant aims at promoting and preserving the existing sites. Other famous rock art paintings can be found in Tanzania and new sites have recently also been discovered in Uganda. HOTSPOTS IN DEMAND The recently activated 'hotspots' in Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja have instantly transformed cafes, restaurants and hotel lobbies and gardens into 'free range cyber cafés' to the delight of visitors from abroad and the local aficionados, who no longer can do without their laptop and permanent email and internet connections. While the pilot phase, which is free of charge, will run out in September, the facility will then continue to be available against a user fee, to which even overseas visitors can sign up for. MTN, one of the national operators, has now also activated advanced features which allow net surfing on compatible mobile phones, including MMS (picture messaging). BRITISH AIRWAYS STRIKE IMPACTS ON EAST AFRICA Hundreds of passengers were stranded in London and beyond and across East Africa, when a 2 day wildcat strike hit what was once 'the world's favourite airline'. Repeated strike action however in recent years at the peak of the season did little to uphold this level of customer affection, when people who needed to get back to work were kept against their will in the destination or others wishing to come to East Africa for a safari or beach holiday were short changed of their annual vacation time. There was also not much 'windfall' for other airlines operating to East Africa, as during the peak season few seats are going unsold, inspite of substantial capacity increases by such airlines as Kenya Airways, which is now also using their new B 777 on the European routes. KENYA REVENUE AUTHORITY ACTION HITS THE REGION An apparently ill-considered and poorly discussed move by KRA, forcing oil companies to pay taxes and duties 'at the gate in advance' instead upon retail sale to the consumer, has seriously hit across the region into Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, as fuel supplies have reduced to a trickle. Already record crude oil prices have lifted the cost of pumped gas to record levels and the shortage has given further impetus to drive the fuel cost even higher. KRA has been largely blamed for acting in isolation and neglecting the impact of their action and we will have to wait and see when they come to the table and revisit their costly decision. Fuel to Uganda, Rwanda, Western Tanzania and Congo is routed through Uganda mostly from the pipeline heads in Kisumu and Eldoret, but much less than normal loads are being taken on board at present due to the uncertainty over the taxes and duties. Uganda's government has already made high level representation to their Kenyan counterparts to restore 'normal' supply patterns. Meanwhile, fuel prices in Uganda have risen once again, with industry sources blaming record crude oil prices as well as the artificial shortage of supplies caused by the KRA action. ANTI SEX TOURISM COALITION FORMS IN KENYA Hoteliers, local and overseas tour operators and civil society have now formed an action group in Kenya to fight and prevent child sex tourism. This evil practise has come into the cross hairs of law enforcement across Europe and North America and destinations are more and more playing an important role to stop the travelling predators from violating their young victims. KENYA FOLLOWS UGANDA IN TOUR GUIDE TRAINING Reports from Kenya now indicate, that a curriculum for tour guides is being developed and regulatory measures considered bringing 'order' into this important sector. Uganda adopted this forward looking strategy some years ago when a core curriculum for tour guides was developed and tour guide services included in the new draft tourism bill, from where licensing and other regulatory measures have been developed. Several guide courses under the proposed curriculum have been held already while the National Curriculum Development Centre is reviewing and appraising the drafts for suitability and integration with other existing curriculum components for the tourism sector. EAST AFRICA GETS DISASTER CENTRE Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Seychelles, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt are founder members of the US government sponsored regional disaster centre, which has now opened its doors in Nairobi, Kenya. It is understood, that the Comoros Islands too are considering joining the cooperation. The main aim of the cooperation is to provide a regional platform to deal with natural disasters like the Christmas 2004 tsunami, which hit Somalia and parts of the East Africa coast, but also prepare for other natural calamities such as earth quakes. Individually the members of the cooperation often lack the capacity to deal with large scale disasters and it is hoped that regional cooperation will improve on disaster response. The US government has spent nearly a million Dollars to fund the centre. KENYA AIRWAYS GETS NEW BOARD CHAIRMAN Following the retirement of the long time incumbent chairman Mr. Omollo Okero, under whose stewardship Kenya Airways transformed into a profitable airline striving for global status, the main shareholders KLM and the Government of Kenya have now voted Mr. Evanson Mwaniki as the new board chairman during the ongoing AGM of the airline. The new chairman also chairs the BAT boar HOTEL RWANDA STAR VISITED UGANDA Don Cheadle, star actor of Oscar winning film ‚"Hotel Rwanda‚" came to Uganda to attend the premiere of the film, accompanied by his wife and daughters. A previous visit planned for June had to be re-scheduled due to other commitments. During his visit Cheadle also saw some camps for internally displaced people in the North of the country, before moving on to Rwanda, where he was to meet with President Paul Kagame. Then in a coincidence of sorts this correspondent and Don's family ended up on the same flight from Entebbe to Nairobi and had the opportunity to speak a little in the lounge while waiting for our respective onwards flights. Don and his wife had enjoyed their tour of Uganda and were full of praise for the warmth of the people and the landscapes and scenery of the country. BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION MOVES The BHC at last is leaving the city centre and moving to the former site of the Lincoln International School, where a new secure embassy compound was constructed over the past year. While the American Embassy, which previously shared the building with the British High Commission, left some years ago already and moved into a purpose build new compound well outside the city centre, the BHC remained, causing Parliament Avenue to stay half blocked for traffic. The ‚Äòold‚Äô building is now being put on the market and traffic restrictions are due to be lifted, much to the relief of Kampaleans and the business community in the neighbourhood. FUEL SURCHARGES RISE Airline flying into Entebbe have again raised fuel surcharges in the face of continued high crude oil prices on the international market. Check with your respective airlines prior to your travels. UGANDA DECIDES ON POLITICAL SYSTEM A referendum on July 28th has decided on the return to multi party democracy, for which President Museveni has campaigned over the past few months. In the 1995 constitution the movement system of government was embraced, but 10 years down the line the time is right to fall in tune with the rest of the world and let political parties once again participate in the affairs of the country. The Movement itself has also transformed into a political organization and has won the referendum with a whopping majority of over 92 percent in favour of a full return to party politics. Turnout was however low due to torrential rains which pounded most of the country and only reached about 48 percent of the registered votes. SN BRUSSELS GETS MORE AIRCRAFT News broken to this correspondent by the CEO of SN Brussels Airlines Mr. Peter Davies indicate, that the SN management has now received the green light from their supervisory board to acquire an additional Airbus A 330 aircraft, to be deployed on both present but also new routes. According to Mr. Davies the possibility is there that Entebbe may get an additional flight per week, maybe combining it with either Kigali/Rwanda or Bujumbura/Burundi. This is due to be achieved over the next 9-12 months at which time planning for possible new routes should also be complete. Mr. Davies met the press, travel agents and corporate clients during a cruise on Lake Victoria last week, when he visited Uganda for the second time. Also introduced during the visit was the successor to Mr. Geert Lemmen, who was country manager Uganda for SN and previously SABENA for over 10 years. While Geert is now confirmed to take charge of the Freetown station, his successor will be Pierre Declerck, who will start work in Kampala in August and formally take up his new appointment. Also present were Manager East Africa, Philippe Saeys-Desmond and Peggy Esseldeurs, Vice President Africa for SN Brussels, underlining the importance SN attaches to their East African destinations in general and Uganda in particular. ARRIVALS STILL CLIMBING FAST The Uganda Bureau of Statistics has now published the half year arrival statistics &endash; in record time after getting material and programme support from the EU funded UGSTDP (sustainable tourism programme). For the year 2004 over 512.000 arrivals were recorded, and with the busy season still ahead in the second half of the year figures for January &endash; June 2005 already stand at 301.563. Should the trend continue for the entire year, Uganda would again look at record arrivals and stay put in the top 10 of the WTTC report of the fastest growing destinations around the globe. ROYAL ASCOT GOAT RACES MUNYONYO Saturday, 03 Sept is the day to mark in the calendar for the annual goat races, which over the past years have grown into the biggest society event of the year. Up to 20.000 visitors are expected for this year's edition and all leading companies will again be offering hospitality tents for their corporate clientele. The goat races are a fund raising event for the Entebbe Sailing Club and tickets are available at the entrance for visitors. Guests staying at the Speke Resort Munyonyo will have the advantage over other visitors and may even land an invitation to the proprietor's own hospitality tent, always rated highly amongst the regulars. NAIROBI ROUTE CONTROVERSY RAGING ON Stung by criticism over not exercising their route rights, which existed under the present BASA anyway before EAA extracted one flight from Kenya Airways, their CEO Mr. Ben Mutyaba now reacted to ongoing complaints over reduced capacity, higher fares and shortage of seats by re-affirming their intent to eventually fly on the route. He also blamed unresolved scheduling issues, claiming the prime departure times for EAA operations, while Kenya Airways pointed out that their flights are all linked into network departures from Nairobi, with over 80 percent of the traffic on the Entebbe route connecting rather than terminating their journey in Nairobi. Travel agents and corporate clients polled however expressed their disgust with the situation and in unison hoped for a swift re-introduction of the 4th workdaily KQ flight and the addition of another frequency soon thereafter on the heavy traffic days between Friday and Sunday. In connection with this it was learned by this correspondent that the recent bilateral discussions between the aviation bodies of Kenya and Uganda resulted in an agreement to fully apply the Yamoussoukro agreement, which allows for liberalisation of air traffic and the setting of frequencies and capacities by airlines themselves &endash; giving hope that the capacity crises on the Nairobi route will shortly end.   UWA GETS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR' Following the premature departure of Dr. Arthur Mugisha a couple of months ago the Minister for Tourism, Trade and Industry has now appointed former Director Field Operations Moses Mapesa as substantive Executive Director. Mapesa had been Acting Executive Director since Mugisha's departure and has generally been perceived as a hands on man with a keen desire to improve the sometimes rocky relationship with the tourism private sector. His appointment confirms that he was clearly the man of the hour to stand at the helm of Uganda's wildlife body. UWA FORMALLY OPENS NEW BUILDING Today will mark the formal commissioning of the new Wildlife Authority Head office, which was built under the World Bank sponsored PAMSU programme. Free of the rent burden UWA can now re-direct resources into other key areas of conservation and wildlife management and move towards becoming a sustainable organization in coming years. Meanwhile, controversy over proposed wildlife exports, as reported in this column some weeks ago, is still ongoing with the trader now seeking political intervention. Wildlife NGO's like Uganda Wildlife Society however are strictly opposed to the present trade regime and have called for the present moratorium to continue, until new guidelines for game exporters have been established. One of the shortfalls has always been inadequate holding facilities but also dealing in CITES protected species, which ultimately led to the suspension of the trade. ANTONOVS BRING MORE DEATH TO AFRICA In yet another Antonov crash, this time in Equatorial Guinea, at least 60 passengers and crew died. This type of aircraft has in recent years developed the reputation of a death trap, as it is often cheap to acquire but generally lacks proper maintenance facilities on the continent and operators then reportedly cut corners, in some cases allegedly duping civil aviation authorities with fake maintenance documents. It is high time, according to aviation circles, that international aviation bodies now hold an enquiry and issue binding directives on the use of such aircraft in Africa (and elsewhere) to avoid the death toll climbing on literally a monthly basis. CARGO TRISTAR MISHAP IN LAGOS The cargo aircraft registered a few weeks ago in Uganda has now had a landing incident in Lagos, but reportedly with no loss of life. The registration of the aircraft was highly controversial in the local aviation fraternity, as it lacked a cargo door, a re-enforced cargo floor and the cargo netting, which is to protect the cockpit area from cargo in case of strong g-forces. This issue was raised with the Civil Aviation Authority, to whom leading operators and industry analysts expressed their dismay over the registration, reportedly engineered by political pressure. The crash now affirms that the operator, who is also Congo based, has brought Uganda aviation, hitherto with a good reputation around the world for compliance and responsible licensing practises, into some disrepute and calls for prompt and comprehensive action is now getting louder. CAA has been asked to once again explain why the plane was registered and licensed to operate against the strong objections of such leading carriers like DAS Air, the aviation fraternity and other industry observers. WHITE RHINO IN GARAMBA BEING WIPED OUT From the Durban conference of the World Heritage Committee it is now reported, that grave doubts about the survival of the remaining Northern White Rhino have been voiced. Garamba National Park is a designated World Heritage site, but the Congo Government has so far stubbornly refused to airlift the remaining white rhino, now down to a reported number of only 5-10, to safety in Kenya, which has offered to give the few remaining wild animals a temporary home. The plight of the rhinos was highlighted a few months ago in this column, when the number was still estimated to be between 15-20, but the Congo Government seems totally unrepentant and unconcerned, that a global heritage of this nature should go to waste. Politicians at their worst and in this case a disgrace for wildlife conservation and good management all over Africa. CAA OFFERS INCENTIVES TO OPERATORS Under a recently agreed incentive scheme the Uganda CAA has now begun to offer financial incentives to operators using Entebbe International Airport. Press reports then indicated that the move favoured only one particular operator but CAA sources then promptly explained that the scheme was available to all regular users of the international airport and based on volume of transactions. TN &endash; News from Uganda, the Pearl of Africa Third edition, July 2005 By Prof. Wolfgang H. Thome MBA Ph.D.   UGANDA HOTEL AND TOURISM INSTITUTE BREAKS GROUND Today will mark the ground breaking ceremony of the new tuition and administration block of the Uganda National Hotel and Tourism Institute at the Crested Crane Hotel in Jinja. Amongst the invited guests were high ranking government officials led by the Minister for Education and Sports and the Minister for Tourism, Trade and Industry, civic leaders and key stakeholders from the entire tourism industry across the country. Also noteworthy is the arrival this weekend of a HRD expert under the EU funded Uganda Sustainable Tourism Development Programme UGSTDP, who will assist in re-designing the curriculum of the Institute, which is now also gearing towards integration into the newly formed public university of Eastern Uganda. Students will soon have the opportunity to engage in undergraduate studies for Bachelor Degrees in Hotel and Hospitality Management, besides the Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses presently on offer. IT IS NOVEMBER 01ST FOR KLM Information received now confirms that KLM will begin operations into Entebbe three times a week from 01st November onwards. The airline will fly a B 767-300 every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday non stop from Amsterdam to Entebbe, offering seamless connections from their entire network and their airline partners for Uganda bound travellers. In addition, through a KLM / KQ codeshare, another 11 weekly flights between Amsterdam and Entebbe route via Nairobi. Meanwhile, KLM's partner airline Air France continues to operate a weekly cargo flight to Entebbe via Nairobi, at least until the cargo capacity from the scheduled services comes into effect. CIVIL AVIATION BODIES AGREE ON SINGLE SKY During consultations between the three East African aviation bodies last week in Entebbe it was agreed to fully harmonize aviation policies and regulations amongst the East African sister states, extend full privileges to airlines licensed and registered across East Africa and open all destinations to traffic from the region. This is considered a shot in the arm of advocates for easier air operations and is bound to open new routes from country to country. The measures are to take effect by October this year, subject to ratification by the Council of Ministers during their next session.   KAMPALA CLOSES FOR 'LAST KING OF SCOTLAND' All of Sunday traffic into the city centre was re-routed to allow street scenes to be shot by the crew of the feature film presently being filmed in Uganda. Main star Forrest Whitaker was seen being driven in an old 70's jeep through the centre of Uganda's capital city and excitement spread through the population, who are now waiting for the film to be released in 2007, to see what an Oscar winning director could make of the famous backdrops across the city.   EAC TO GET COMMON VISA A report written for the leadership of East Africa recommends the immediate introduction of a single VISA for visitors to Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya to make it easier for investors, business- and holiday visitors to move across the region without having to pay up Visa fees every time a national border is crossed. Incidentally, these recommendations are identical to those made by the Uganda Tourism Association already 3 years ago during a meeting of the EAC Committee on Tourism and Wildlife Management, then described by detractors as 'utopia, but now generally accepted to have been a visionary move which has now found broad following across the region.   FUEL UP AGAIN Following global trends fuel prices have now reached record levels with a litre of petrol selling at Ushs 2100. Diesel prices went up too, while Kerosin remained unchanged at present. Cost of fuel has now gone up by about 25 percent over the past few months, with serious implications on inflationary trends through massively increased transportation cost. Meanwhile Shell Uganda is reported to have once again run short of AVGAS, and there is speculation that this is again an artificial pretext to raise charges even more after a near 60 percent rise in recent weeks. Aviation circles in the country have already raised flight charges (per statue mile) by over 10 percent and higher increases are now not ruled out. Visitors to the country with prebooked packages should ascertain from their tour operators, that the quoted prices will remain or if fuel surcharges are now being imposed. and in other news SHERATON GETS NEW LOBBY A collective breath of relief must have gone through the crowd assembled at the hotel, when last Friday the reconstructed and refurbished new lobby of the Sheraton Kampala Hotel was officially opened. After overly lengthy and delayed construction this marks the completion of another phase in the complete overhaul of the property, since it was acquired by new owners some years ago. Still to complete now however are the new restaurant facilities and the remaining rooms. The Sheraton did not close for the renovations, causing considerable additional problems, while in contrast the Serena Group opted to completely close the old Nile Hotel in order to meet an 11 month deadline for the re-opening of the new Kampala Serena Hotel, where construction is presently ahead of schedule. Watch this column for more news. CITY CENTRE 'CENTENNIAL PARK' TO GET ANOTHER HOTEL News have emerged, that Kampala City Council has allocated 4 acres of the city park to a Korean developer, who proposed to put up a 5 star hotel ahead of the Commonwealth Summit 2007. The move promptly generated outcries from environmentalists, who claim the park has already been carved up in the past, when land was excised to put up Hotel Africana, then allow for its extension and then allow a further junk of land to be developed by Garden City, a major shopping mall and adjoining hotel, which is now under construction. Opinion is also divided amongst industry analysts, whether the city can sustain another 5 star hotel, with the Sheraton renovations slowly coming to an end after over 3 years of ongoing renovations and the Nile Hotel being transformed into a 5 star Kampala Serena Hotel, due to open in January next year. Fact remains, that the park has now shrunk to a fraction of its initial size, reducing the green zone for city residents and further shrinking the 'green lung' of the city. KINGDOM HOLDINGS INTERESTED IN HOTEL SECTOR Saudi businessman Sheikh Alwaleed, whose Kingdom Holdings control some 25 Billion US Dollar investments in real estate and hotel properties, including a major shareholding in Fairmont Hotels Kenya, which recently acquired Lonrho Hotels (Norfolk Hotel, Mt. Kenya Safari Club, Mara Safari Club) and the Royal Palm Hotel in Dar es Salaam, has now apparently also shown interest in a major investment in Uganda. Information at hand shows that this may either include purchase of existing hotels properties and subsequent upgrade or constructing entirely new hotels and lodges. Watch this space for more breaking news.   TN &endash; News from Uganda, the Pearl of Africa Fourth edition, May 2005 By Prof. Wolfgang H. Thome MBA Ph.D. THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND A major feature film directed by Oscar winner Kevin MacDonald and starring Forrest Whitaker, Gillian Anderson and James McAvoy will go underway in June this year in Kampala. Additional locations will be Entebbe and Jinja as ascertained by this correspondent. The film will cover the early years of the rule of Dictator Idi Amin Dada. This feature film will be another major 'shot in the arm' of the Ugandan tourism sector, which has been growing sharply in recent years. Recruitment of local actors and 'crowds' took place last weekend at the Kabira Country Club in Kampala. Filming is due to end by middle of August and the release is expected by the end of the year. SKAL VISITS NGAMBA Skal members from Kampala took time from their busy schedules and went out on Lake Victoria to visit the chimp refuge island of Ngamba, off the shores of Entebbe. G&C Tours, agents of Wild Frontiers in Uganda, arranged for the transport by boat. The visit also covered the new tented camp which now allows visitors to stay overnight. INFLATION FUELED BY HIGH ENERGY COST The recent rises in petrol and diesel have now driven the annual inflation rate to over 14 percent while Shell at the same time took advantage of the situation to raise the cost for AVGAS by nearly 50 percent while in the neighbouring countries the AVGAS price was literally unaffected. No sensible comment could be obtained from Shell's Uganda management, a situation described by an affected airline as 'the arrogance of a near monopolist'. Consumers also complain about the extraordinary rise in the price for cooking gas &endash; and promptly called it 'shameful' that Shell announced record profits for last year. SPEKE RESORT MUNYONYO EXPANDS The Speke Resort and Conference Centre has recently added some 60 more rooms with an additional 40 still under construction. While the main conference centre in Kampala is closed for renovations the Speke Resort is offering full range of state of the art conference facilities with the very latest in sound and lighting equipment. ARMY CHIEF PASSES OUT NEW JOINT RANGER FORCE Fulfilling a promise made by H.E. The President of Uganda during the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Uganda Wildlife Authority a first batch of a joint ranger force combining special army units and UWA park rangers has now been passed out. The first group of over 600 was commissioned last weekend in Murchisons Falls National Park, where the unit has undergone intensive 6 month training. The programme was requested by the Uganda Tourism Association during the 50th anniversary celebrations and President Museveni immediately consented to have this put into action. Visitor safety has been a major area of attention for the Ugandan authorities and private sector. The world Bank sponsored PAMSU programme has now also commissioned the first batch of communications equipment for safari vehicles to keep them in touch with their base stations at all times, further enhancing the security of visitors when travelling through the Pearl of Africa. COO LEAVES EAA AFTER 6 WEEKS Having arrived only on 01st April Mr. Declan Peppard has already turned his back on the ailing East African Airlines, spelling yet more problems for the private Ugandan carrier. As reported last week the airline has not commenced flights to Nairobi and opted for the easy way of making some money by leasing their single B737-200 aircraft to Air Malawi. Speculation is rife how long the airline can remain in the skies while pressure is growing on the Ugandan authorities to re-instate the 4th flight of Kenya Airways and in fact allow them a 5th frequency under the present BASA. Meanwhile Declan has joined Simba Tours and Travel in a senior capacity to develop the travel and tour business for Patrick Bitature, who has hitherto made his fortune across East Africa in the telecommunications retailing sector. ROYAL IMPALA HOTEL OPENS ITS DOORS A new venture on the shores of Lake Victoria has now taken off. Situated on a hill overlooking the lake is the Royal Impala Hotel near the Speke Resort and Conference Centre in Munyonyo, a suburb of Kampala. The hotel presently offers 40 rooms and suites and has all commonly expected facilities such as bars, restaurants and health club / gym facilities. NATIONAL PLANNING AUTHORITY FOCUSSES ON TOURISM The National Planning Authority in Kampala has now also recognized the importance of tourism and began a series of consultative meetings to establish the needs of the sector and how government can best accommodate the cross sectoral requirements of the tourism industry to facilitate further growth in coming years. This follows closely on the heels of a consultative meeting with the Minister for Finance and his senior staff ahead of the annual budget day, this year set for June 08th. A full range of proposals was put before the Minister and the National Planning Authority and further consultations will take place within weeks of the new budget being announced. The tourism sector expects a range of incentives to be put into place, allowing it to fast track capacity increases and generally improving the business environment for the tourism industry and offer better infrastructure like roads and airfields. Click for Earlier Announcements   TN News from Uganda, the Pearl of Africa Final edition, April 2005 Prof. Wolfgang H. Thome MBA Ph.D. GORILLAS MIGRATE ACROSS THE BORDER A group of habituated gorillas from Mgahinga National Park near Kisoro has gone AWOL for several months now. The gorillas always migrated back and forth across the international borders in the triangle of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda but have now not returned for several months. They have been traced to the Rwanda side of the Virunga ecosystem and are being left alone to decide on their movement. No tracking to this group is taking place in Rwanda and any suggestions of this migration being 'engineered' and 'exploited' have been rejected by both UWA and ORTPN and also the private sector, who called such individual speculations a 'pure phantasy'. CONTROVERSIAL VICTORIA AIRLINES GET LICENCE News have now broken that the controversial Victoria International Airlines was actually given an air services licence from the Civil Aviation Authority. Industry analysts polled by this correspondent drew immediate parallels with the notorious licensing of Almiron, a cargo airline using a passenger version of a Lockheed 1011 without proper conversion as a freighter, after reportedly using political influence peddling to overcome technical objections made by CAA personnel. Yet, shortly after getting a license the aircraft crash-landed in Nigeria and a recent application for renewal of their licence was quietly withdrawn after having already been publicly notified by the CAA. VIAL is proposing to introduce an out of production Fokker 28 model which has caused unease amongst the aviation fraternity, as ICAO regulations now prohibit old aircraft from being licensed, a move which already led to the suspension of certain Antonov type aircraft from the Ugandan skies. More eyebrows were raised when the Minister of State/Finance for Investment, Prof. Semakula Kiwanuka 'warned' of making life difficult for the new venture, in which the Uganda Government reportedly holds 25 percent, while no parliamentary vote is on record approving such expenditure at a time, when government has generally divested from business interests rather than re-investing. Some development partners too have expressed their concern to this correspondent over the issue, when discussing aviation matters in recent days. VIAL had initially proposed to use the 'old' Uganda Airlines callsign, which however has since been acquired by East African Airlines and the 'old' route rights were also since the collapse of the former national airline given to designated carriers, leaving the new venture to scratch for routes. It is now reportedly seeking cooperation with Air Tanzania, itself struggling of a massive financial loss under the South African Airways management and having failed to implement its ambitious business plan as well as with Rwandaair Express, which also operates a single aircraft to and from Kigali into select regional destinations. Main promoter of VIAL, former SAA CEO Mike Myburgh, has been unavailable for comment since quickly leaving after the licensing hearing on January 12th. Meanwhile talk has emerged that leading South African budget airline 'Kulula.com' may have set its sights on East Africa, an intention generally welcomed by the aviation fraternity as to quote one leading aviation figure wishing to remain anonymous 'that would be very good news for us. It can reduce fares a great deal. We don't want failures to upstart an airline here with very old aircraft and wasting our scarce government funds. Let someone like Kulula.com start flights. They have good new aircraft and it would be a credit to Uganda. African airfares are amongst the highest in the world still and anyone who can give quality service and use good aircraft and bring fares down should be welcome here'. Kulula.com presently operates domestic from Johannesburg to Capetown, Durban, Port Elizabeth and George, while flying international routes to Windhoek and Harare. The airline is also to commence 5 weekly flights to Lusaka shortly.   PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Long serving Ian Burgess, presently Executive Assistant Manager at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel and also Director of Standards, Quality Assurance and Training, is now leaving Uganda for Dubai / United Arab Emirates. After serving in various capacities in Kampala since 2001 his departure will undoubtedly be leaving a gap to fill, as he was well liked by the hotel's staff, patrons and regular guests and ever present at major functions to ensure a smooth operation. Ian will become new Director of Branding for Starwood Hotels / Sheraton, reportedly overseeing some 18 hotels in the Gulf area under Sheraton management to provide a greater profile and brand recognition to the chain in this key market place. No replacement for him in Kampala was presently being announced at his formal farewell party on February 08th. ELECTRICITY RATIONING HITS After another sharp drop of lake levels, production of electricity at the main dam in Jinja has reduced further, making daily power cuts necessary across the country. The shortfall is now said to be at least 160 MW per day, since the combined hydro generating capacity has reduced from a possible maximum 380 MW to only about 140 MW, compared to an estimated consumption of 350 MW. Consumption is growing by an annual 8-10 percent at the low end of estimates and up to 20 percent at the high end of growth potential. Much of East Africa is presently suffering of a prolonged draught and river, reservoir and lake levels have fallen to near record lows since monitoring started. In Uganda additional thermal plants are now being fast tracked but the business community nevertheless accuses the Ministry of Energy of having failed to respond in a timely fashion to the falling water levels and misread the power demands vis-à-vis production capacity. In a meeting of captains of industry under the umbrella of the Private Sector Foundation a detailed paper for government was presented, discussed and passed, which only two weeks to general elections reads more like an ultimatum to government to save industry from total collapse. Read more in this column as the power crisis unfolds across East Africa. KINGDOM HOTELS SET FOR UGANDA ENTRY? Saudi Prince Alwaleed's Kingdom Hotels were reportedly offered a 15 acre piece of land to construct a 5 star hotel in the Ugandan capital. There seems unease however over the fact that presently the land is occupied by Shimoni Demonstration School, one of the city's leading primary schools with nearly 3.500 pupils, which would first have to be moved to new premises before any new development could take place at their present location. A source at Kampala City Council also downplayed the reports, saying 'negotiations are still going on'. Kingdom Hotels in May 2005 acquired Lonrho Hotels in Kenya, which include The Norfolk Hotel, The Mount Kenya Safari Club, The Ark, The Aberdare Country Club and The Mara Safari Club, all of which are now due for further upgrades and renovations. Kingdom's interest was revealed during a fact finding mission to Uganda last year, when the Gulf based hotel group looked into the possibility to expand their new Kenyan interests across the East African region. In a related development, Kingdom Hotels very recently took over Fairmont's shares in the Kenyan venture. Their hotel brands include Fairmont, Moevenpick (also reportedly the chosen management company for a Malaysian promoted hotel project on Lake Victoria off the main road to Entebbe) and Four Seasons. (www.kingdomhotels.com) AIR TANZANIA TO SPLIT WITH SAA ? The engagement of South African Airways in Tanzania now stands on knife's edge, as ATL has accumulated massive losses over the past years. SAA bought a 49 percent share in 2002 for US Dollars 20 Million, falling at the time for a competitive gambit by Kenya Airways, who did ultimately not offer a bid at all but then bought into Tanzania's premier private airline Precision Air. Services by ATL were of late reduced further and further and the absence of some aircraft due to 'maintenance' in South Africa has fuelled rumours that the split is now imminent. More news in this column as the situation develops. THAI ZOO IN CHIANG MAI A 'DEATH SENTENCE FOR KENYAN ANIMALS' As reported on previous occasions the Kenya Government had 'donated' a range of wildlife to Thai zoos when the Thai Prime Minister visited Kenya, but was stopped by a court injunction from conservationists with the main case awaiting hearing. News have now emerged from Thailand that the zoo in Chiang Mai opened last weekend without the Kenyan animals in place, while over 100 of its own had apparently died due to mishandling from staff. East African conservation groups see their case now proven that sending Kenyan wildlife to Thailand would amount to a near certain death sentence for them and have redoubled lobbying to have government rescind its decision to 'donate' wild animals for what appears anyway rather limited political gains.   TWO WEEKS TO ELECTIONS Uganda's general election is drawing closer and is now only 2 weeks away. Yet, in a reversal of trends, visitor arrivals remained strong and there are no indication of the type of pre-election exodus seen in many other African countries by the expatriate and specially the Asian community, underscoring the fundamental strength of the political system established over the past 20 years of the NRM government. Interest in trade and investment has also remained strong, the latter however presently impacted upon by the current power rationing regime, until additional thermal plants are procured and installed. Elections polls still have President Museveni and his NRM party firmly in the lead, which is particularly re-assuring for the business community, which requires dependable and consistent fiscal policies and macroeconomic management. GDP growth over the past decade averaged in the high 6 percent margin and economic indicators are fundamentally sound for the country. IT'S UNLEADED ONLY FOR KENYA Reports from the refinery in Mombasa indicate that the last drops of leaded fuel have now left the storage tanks and from now on only unleaded fuel and sulphur reduced diesel will be produced at East Africa's sole refinery installation. East Africa is moving towards more environmentally friendly fuels, which however excludes AVGAS, a key aviation fuel used mainly by piston engined light aircraft, where the present chemical composition of the fuel is a must to run those engines. Uganda is due to follow the move later in the year, but market leader Shell Uganda has already unleaded fuel and 'green' diesel pumps available at most of their filling stations across the country. The upgrade of the refinery will ultimately cost over 200 Million US Dollars. At the same time efforts redoubled in Kenya and Uganda to extend the main pipeline from Eldoret / Kenya to Kampala / Uganda, to relieve further the procedure of exporting fuels by road (greatly hampered by ill-considered KRA regulations which drastically reduced the flow of fuels from Kenya to Uganda and beyond) and also reduce the cost involved in road transport. Exports to Rwanda, Burundi, Western Tanzania and Eastern Congo can then be processed from the storage facilities due to be build at the pipeline head. Location of the new depots will likely be the new industrial park and export processing zone at Namanve, outside the city, and the present fuel depots within the city limits are then also expected to relocate. UGANDA/KENYA RAILWAY DEAL SIGNED, WORLD BANK GIVES GRANT In the face of legal action pending by Kenyan trade unions over the joint privatization of the Kenyan and Ugandan railway networks to South African led consortium Rift Valley Railways Holdings, the deal was now nevertheless signed and becomes effective immediately. Subsequently the World Bank has approved a 60 Million US Dollars grant for the two countries to improve the infrastructure and avail funding to the new operator for investments into the network and rolling stock of the joint railway. A further 50 Million US Dollars are reportedly needed to rebuild the Kampala &endash; Kasese rail link which would connect the system from Mombasa, East Africa's main sea port, right up to the Congo border, while the new proposed section between Juba and Uganda, linking into the Ugandan railway system at Pakwach or Gulu, will require a further US Dollars 350 Million investment. An improved railway system would relieve the roads of heavy loads, facilitate and ease transfer of goods and people and offer new exciting opportunities in passenger rail services, specially the luxury segment for upmarket tourism, where the magnificent sceneries of the various branches of the Great African Rift Valley would excite travelers to no end. DRAUGHT DRIVES INFLATION After gradually reducing to 3.2 percent in 2005, inflation has now gathered speed again due to draught related price increases of food stuffs and presently stands at 6.5 percent. Fuel price increases were also considered amongst the main causes for the current inflationary trends. SN BRUSSELS FEATURES UGANDA IN NEW INFLIGHT MAGAZINE Besides the regular 'newspaper' type inflight reading SN Brussels Airlines has now also re-started a bimonthly proper magazine 'Spirit of SN', which will be available on all flights. Uganda has received critical accolade in the first edition mentioning the Ngamba Island Chimp Refuge as well as devoting a major article on 'Bananas mean Business', highlighting the importance of Uganda as a major grower of many banana varieties. TOURISM SECTOR PROTESTS POWER CUTS The Ugandan tourism sector has now joined with the Private Sector Foundation to formally protest to government over the increasing shortage of electricity, which impacts more and more on the profitability of smaller hotels and restaurants and unreasonably hampers guests enjoyment, when suddenly TV's go off or the hot water runs out. In an immediate response the Electricity Regulatory Authority granted 3 licenses for proposed additional thermal plants, which are due to arrive from June onwards. Electricity cost will subsequently go up, as hydro generated power is much cheaper, but until lake levels have restored to previous marks, hydro power is not likely to meet the energy needs of Uganda. Two new hydro plants along the upper Nile valley below the present dam in Jinja are in the pipeline but will take years to complete. PRIVATE SECTOR FOUNDATION ADDS TOURISM WORKING GROUP In recognition of the growing importance of the tourism industry for the economy of Uganda, the Private Sector Foundation Uganda has now moved to de-link tourism from the general services sector and established a dedicated working group at national apex level to deal with issues pertaining to the sector. This correspondent is privileged to have been chosen to chair the working group and has invited eminent personalities from the hotel-, aviation- and touroperations sub sectors to join hands with him in advancing the private sector agenda vis-à-vis sectoral incentives and fiscal measures from government and to improve the enabling framework for a fuller development of tourism in the future. Notably, the Chairman of the Uganda Tourist Board Mr. Roni Madhvani, also owner of Mweya and Paraa Safari Lodges and Mr. Yusuf Mubiru, Director of Volcanoes Safaris, current Vice President of tourism apex body UTA and former Association of Tour Operators Chairman and presently also serving on the Board of Trustees of the Uganda Tourist Board, will be represented on the working group, again demonstrating the private sector's close cooperation with the Tourist Board. Others on the group will be the present Chairman of the Hotel and Catering Association of Uganda, a member of the domestic air operators' association executive, a representative of the community tourism establishment and the Chairman of the Board of Airline Representatives in Uganda. Besides making its own proposals from the private sector stand- and view point it will also act as a catalyst to respond to government, development partners and NGO documents on tourism, strengthening the efforts already undertaken by the Uganda Tourism Association in this regard by adding the voice of the national platform PSF U, of which UTA is a member since PSF U's formation in the late 90's. SHERATON KAMPALA OWNERS TO LIST 20 PERCENT ON USE The Director of Finance of Apolohotel Ltd. &endash; the owning company of the Sheraton Kampala Hotel and itself owned by MIDROC of Saudi born sheikh Muhammad Al-Amoudi, announced preparations to list 20 percent of the Apolohotel shares on the Uganda Stock Exchange. This was part of the 2001 sales agreement, when the Government of Uganda sold its shareholding in the company to MIDROC conditionally that at a later stage the company would list on the USE and allow Ugandans to buy shares in a privatized company. PARAA LODGE GETS NEW VEHICLES During the ongoing programme to upgrade Paraa Safari Lodge in Murchisons Falls National Park to the standard level of its sister lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mweya Safari Lodge, a new fleet of 4x4 vehicles was now introduced for resident guests at the lodge. The vehicles provided transport to guest arriving at the Pakuba airfield in the park centre, or alternatively from the Budungu airfield on the Southern river bank of the Nile, but also take guests for game drives and to the top of Murchisons Falls. The vehicles are also available for use by non-residents with prior bookings. Visit www.paraalodge.com for more information on the facilities. MORE GOOD NEWS FOR KENYA AIRWAYS Information just availed to this correspondent indicates that the passenger volume carried by KQ in the last quarter of 2005 grew further by an astonishing 17 percent while cargo volumes grew even faster by 27 percent, owing to the introduction of the new B777-200ER on key routes to Europe and the South/Far East. KQ's European routes showed a passenger increase of 20 percent, higher than network average, pointing to sustained high demand for flights to Kenya from the key European market places like London and Amsterdam. Inter African traffic also rose by about 18 percent as a result of new routes and capacity increases, using larger aircraft, while domestic traffic rose by about 20 percent. MV KALANGALA OFF FOR TRIAL RUNS The long awaited lake steamer, which is to connect Port Bell (Uganda's main Lake Victoria port on the outskirts of the capital Kampala) with some of the most scenic spots of the country, the Ssese Islands, has now left the construction dock for its trial runs, before being formally commissioned. It will sail up to Kalangala, to which a daily service will then be established, followed by other routes and stopovers, as demand grows. The new ship is able to carry about 100 passengers and up to 120 tons of cargo, which will bring relief to Ssese Island farmers and fishermen, being able to reliably send their produce to the main markets in Kampala. UWA IN RECORD TAKINGS Inspite of having offered a 50 percent discount for park entrance fees to Ugandan, the Wildlife Authority still collected over 1 Billion Uganda Shillings, equivalent to just over 500.000 US Dollars, during the period of December 15 &endash; January 15. Record numbers of visitors were entering the parks, including many East African citizens and residents, who came to explore the game parks and reserves in Uganda during the holiday period, taking advantage of a 25 percent rebate in the rates applicable to them. Final statistics of the 2005 performance will be available within days and actual figures can then be obtained from this correspondent via uta@imul.com or through Uganda Wildlife Authority at uwa@uwa.or.ug/ damian.akankwasa@uwa.or.ug DEBILITATING DRAUGHT HITS PARTS OF EAST AFRICA The lack of sufficient rain in recent years has now stamped its mark on some of the landscapes of East Africa, leaving rural populations starving and shrinking lake and river waters across the region. All three East African sister states are now suffering from a shortfall in hydro generated electric power, with Uganda and Kenya negotiating the speedy introduction of additional thermal power plants, driven by diesel engines. The shrinking waters of Lake Victoria in particular have raised the alarm levels at the EAC, and probably triggered alarm bells as far as Cairo, since the existing Nile Water Treaty allows Egypt and Sudan a major say over the release of waters from the Jinja dam, where Lake Victoria transforms itself into the source of the Nile River. Kenya alone is now reported to look at a half billion US Dollars investment programme to introduce thermal plants and pay for the fuel bills, but ultimately the consumers across the region will be hit with higher tariffs unless they prefer to sit in darkness, not a pleasant alternative says this correspondent, who thankfully has his own standby generator to keep household appliances and office equipment running during the 'load shedding' which hits ever second evening and every second day now across Uganda. Even Tanzania has not been spared and some water reservoirs for use to generate electricity are now reportedly down to a third of their original capacity. Most hit however are the rural population when their crops fail and their domestic animals begin to die when water sources dry up. The same applies to some of the game parks, where the herds are migrating larger distances to find pasture and water. Periodic draught periods have hit East Africa over the past decades but with sharply grown populations each draught circle now hits harder, as there are more people to feed. UGANDA SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PROGRAMME UNDERGOES REVIEW The long expected and overdue mid term review of the EU funded sustainable tourism development programme at the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry is now underway, with stakeholders having the opportunity to candidly review the progress made over the past nearly 3 years and comment on expectations and meeting targets of the programme, which has mainly benefited the Uganda Tourist Board and the public sector so far. Private sector stakeholders now asked for an add on to specifically target capacity building of the private sector and the establishment of a tourism trade secretariat, which will then be due to some regular funding from the new tourism development fund levy, which is to come into effect once the new draft tourism bill has finally been presented to Parliament for debate and passing. This however is not expected to happen before the General Elections and in all likelihood only the next Parliament will deal with these issues. KENYA AIRWAYS TO COMMENCE PARIS FLIGHTS Shortly after speaking to KQ CEO Titus Naikuni, where he made reference already to a further network expansion to destinations expected to yield quality traffic for the airline, the announcement has now come through that KQ will from June this year begin flights to Paris / France. The expansion, meant to come sooner, was temporarily delayed due to a shortage of aircraft. As revealed in the interview, KQ is due to get another B777-200 ER and a new B767, the latter of which will be deployed on the Paris route. In 2005 over 40.000 French nationals visited Kenya and the new non-stop flights between the two capital cities are expected to sharply increase these numbers. Further information indicates that initially 3 flights per week will be offered, due to expand as traffic volumes grow once the route has established itself. SKAL KAMPALA GIVES TO CONSERVATION Three main conservation groups in the country now benefited from the proceeds of last November's annual tourism ball, which commemorates Skal Kampala's founding in 1994. The Rhino Fund Uganda received One Million Uganda Shillings, as did Ngamba Island, a chimp refuge on Lake Victoria and also the Wildlife Clubs of Uganda, which promote conservation across the nation's schools. The donations were handed over the current club president Mohit Advani at the popular Atithee Restaurant in Nakasero / Kampala. Well done SKAL! DIRECTOR OF TOURISM, TRADE AND INDUSTRY TO RETIRE Long serving Director of Tourism, Trade and Industry, Ms. Blandina Nshakira, who was previously serving as Commissioner for Tourism and in other senior capacities, will retire from public service in April this year, after a distinguished career, which saw her rise to the Director level at MTTI. This correspondent wishes Blandina well for her future and acknowledges many years of fine cooperation by her in order to jointly develop the tourism industry into a major economic force in Uganda, an objective well near achieved by now. KENYA REPORTS RECORD TOURISM RESULTS FOR 2005 Inspite of multiple anti travel warnings against Kenya during 2005, the returns now available and as released by the Chairman of the Kenya Tourist Board Mr. Jake Grieves-Cook, record results were recorded for the past 12 months. Arrivals grew by an average of 23 percent, after an already vastly improved 2004, and the country received about 1.68 Million visitors, up from the previous year high of 1.36 Million arrivals. Earnings have also risen to an estimated 680 Million US Dollars, making 2005 the most successful year in Kenya's tourism history yet. Figures from Uganda will be available shortly, as the Uganda Bureau of Statistics is finalizing the statistics for all borders and the International Airport in Entebbe, due to be released in early February. Watch this column for the awaited update. A WEEK TO GO FOR NEW PHONE NUMBERING As a reminder to regular readers of this column, that as of 01st February an additional digit '2' is being added to the mobile phone networks across Uganda after the present prefix &endash; make sure you do amend all your Uganda contacts accordingly. Uganda Telecom's fixed line network will undergo a similar change on April 15th and this will also be announced again in this column. WORK ON ROUNDABOUTS TO START The Japanese Government's grant to Kampala city is now being put into action with work commencing at several key roundabouts leading in and out of the city, which have in past years become bottlenecks for traffic flow. Ongoing work will inevitably result in some delays but traffic is expected to flow much more smoothly once the reconstruction works have been completed later in the year. The city landmark 'Clocktower' donated by the Kassim Lakha Family on the occasion of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth, will however remain at its present location and not be demolished or moved, after successful intervention by the monument conservation society and other likeminded bodies, which lobbied the city council and government to protect the landmark monument. Third edition January 2006 By Prof. Wolfgang H. Thome MBA Ph.D. RIP JOAN ROOT Animal film icon Alan Root's ex-wife Joan, who was part of producing the Roots' successful and award winning series of films on animal behaviour such as 'The Year of the Wildebeest', which are often shown on the global conservation and adventure channels like Discovery, National Geographic and Animal, was killed in her sleep by unknown assailants on Friday 13th on her farm outside of Naivasha, about 100 Kilometres from Nairobi. No motive has been established as yet and the hunt for the killers is on, as apparently nothing was stolen and the shots were fired at her through the bedroom window. Other such prominent conservation personalities like Joy and George Adamson also fell prematurely to killings, leaving a stain on Kenya's reputation as a peaceful nation. It is sad to see such prominent personalities being murdered in cold blood. Having known Alan and Joan for almost my entire time in East Africa I extend my sincere condolences to Alan and the rest of the Root family. EAGLE EXTENDS AIRLINKS TO YEI Following the start of a 3x a week service between Entebbe and Juba a few months ago, Eagle has now added Yei to their network, which will be served through an en-route stopover for passengers wishing to embark or disembark at that Southern Sudanese town. Eagle's Managing Director Capt. Tony Rubombora during a recent meeting with this correspondent firmly committed himself to developing routes into the South Sudan and providing airlinks capable of allowing easy connections on to other international flights out of Entebbe for the South Sudan traveling public. Eagle Air is also Uganda's leading domestic aviation firm with scheduled flights to a number of upcountry airfields. They operate a fleet of predominantly LET 410's. SN BRUSSELS BRINGING FLAT BEDS TO ENTEBBE FROM JUNE Once the present refurbishment of their A 330 fleet is concluded, SN Brussels Airlines will bring the coveted flat bed business class seat on to the Entebbe route as of June 27th this year. This was learned by eTN East Africa when talking to the local SN management while discussing the imminent European SN Sales Team trip to Uganda, which will take place in early February. About a dozen country managers will assemble in Uganda to strategize and during their social programme they will visit Bujagali Falls, do some rafting and see the SoftPower community centre and other attractions in the vicinity of the upper Nile valley. (Also see article on SoftPower in last week's column) It was also learned that there were changes at top management level in Brussels, when both their Executive Chairman and their CEO retired within weeks of each other and were replaced by a new face at the helm of the airline. Also new is the integration of Virgin Express with SN Brussels. New CEO of SNV, which now combines SN Brussels Airlines and Virgin Express, is Mr. Neil Burrows. It was also revealed that a 4th long haul aircraft will be made available to boost the fleet, which now serves 14 African destinations in East and West Africa, one of the most comprehensive networks to the African continent out of Europe, where SN connects 57 destinations. BWINDI KILLER GETS 15 YEARS &endash; ONLY As reported last week one of the killer gang who murdered American and British tourists after crossing into Uganda a few years ago, was convicted of murder. The sentence however was astonishingly light with only 15 years, as even simple armed robbery often attracts a death sentence. The judge in his ruling said many people in the home countries of the victims 'abhor the death sentence' but instead of jailing the killer for life he imposed only a 15 year sentence, possibly also considering the Bizimana gave himself up voluntarily in 2004 and cooperated with the authorities. Three other Rwandan Interahamwe militia members are presently awaiting trial in the US. Bizimana's lawyer said he would appeal the sentence.   AIRBUS COURTING KENYA AIRWAYS The Airbus representative for Africa and the Indian Ocean region, Mr. Hadi Akoum, has confirmed a fresh approach by the European aircraft manufacturer towards Kenya Airways, one of the leading African carriers. KQ retired their A 310-300 fleet a few years ago in favour of an all Boeing fleet and has since then upgraded and renewed their fleet with the latest B 777-200ER models as well as additional B 767 and B 737 aircraft. Kenya Airways also operates a maintenance facility for their own aircraft and Boeings operated by other airlines, a consideration which reportedly also played a role in Ethiopian Airlines deciding against the purchase of Airbus aircraft, since they too have their own well respected maintenance facility in Addis Ababa. Meanwhile, Mr. Akoum also called upon the Kenya Airport Authority to get ready to receive the new A 380 and prepare for the necessary modification in equipment and buildings. Presently only Johannesburg is compliant with A 380 requirements, making it the only African airport so far. NEW KIDEPO NATIONAL PARK LODGE TO OPEN The renovated and re-built Apoka Lodge in Kidepo National Park is reportedly opening soon. This northernmost of Uganda's national parks is tucked away in a remote corner of the country in the border triangle of Uganda, Kenya and Sudan and can be reached by aircraft. More information on this and other Ugandan national parks and game reserves at www.uwa.or.ug   UWA REPORTS 'FULL HOUSE' OVER THE HOLIDAYS Reports from Uganda Wildlife Authority indicate that the main national parks were all filled to capacity with visitors, staying in lodges, nearby hotels, public campsites and the rest camps. The initiative to offer locals a 50 percent discount on the already low rates apparently attracted new business to the parks with a large number of families reportedly visiting the natural attractions Uganda has to offer. It was further reported that no incidents or accidents took place in the protected areas over the holidays due to increased monitoring by park wardens and other preventive measures put into place to ensure the safety of all visitors. Well done UWA! UGANDA AT ITB AGAIN Final preparations are now being put into place to have a large delegation of Ugandan safari operators, hotels and lodge representatives as well as Tourist Board and Wildlife Authority representatives in Berlin during the 2006 ITB. As usual Uganda coffee and tea will be freely shared with trade visitors to the stand. Early contacts can be made through utb@starcom.co.ug or via uta@imul.com from where requests for appointments will be coordinated with participating companies. UGANDAN AMBASSADORS AND HIGH COMMISSIONERS GET BRIEFED ON TOURISM As has become customary in recent years, the tourism industry now once again had the opportunity to interact with Ugandan diplomats accredited across the world during their working visit to Kampala. Tourism apex body UTA and its constituent member associations (www.uta.or.ug or uta@imul.com), the Uganda Tourist Board (www.visituganda.com), the Uganda Wildlife Authority (www.uwa.or.ug) and the national Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (www.htti.ac.ug) were all represented and met over 50 envoys and discussed improved communications, updated them on information on tourism policy, tourism marketing and new exciting facilities and attractions across the country. KENYA REVENUE NIXES GOVERNMENT AGREEMENT Following the signing of an MoU between the governments of Uganda and Kenya about the delivery of fuel supplies it seems the KRA continues to be intent to wreak havoc on the supply situation, as by now a month worth of fuel is held up in Kenya, according to Shell Uganda sources. They attribute it mainly to the new regulations introduces in late 2005 by KRA, which paid no attention to the export situation and demanded excessive bonds and prepayments from oil firms. Sources in Uganda, which is presently in an election campaign, are now alleging that KRA is playing into the hands of the Ugandan opposition, to deliberately shorten supplies to make the government look bad. NEW PHONE NUMBERING SYSTEM DUE FOR FEBRUARY Commencing in February this year the prefixes for mobile phone numbers across Uganda will fall in line with international number practice, moving up to 7 digits from the present 6. This will be achieved by adding a '2' behind the present prefix and before the present number. UTL numbers will now read 071-2- while Celtel will now read 075-2- and MTN will have 077-2- or 078-2- to which then the respective number will be added. More details nearer to the time of switching to the new system at the end of January.  BWINDI SUSPECT CONVICTED One of the main suspects behind the infamous targeted Bwindi killings in 1999, when Interahamwe militia crossed into Uganda from Congo to capture and kill American and British tourists, was now found guilty after a lengthy trial in Kampala. Sentencing will be on Friday, January 13th and the sentence will be published in the column next week.  CAA HOLDS LICENSING HEARING The January 12th meeting of the CAA Licensing Committee dealt with a number of new applications for both domestic as well as international flight applications. While domestic applications received support from the Uganda Air Operators Association for using locally registered aircraft and creating jobs for Ugandans, some of the foreign applications ran into objections from the Uganda Tourism Association and their airline member associations for failing to meet the required standards of local shareholding, introduction of outdated aircraft and other regulatory issues, where benchmarks set for applicants were not met. A former SAA CEO was amongst the applicants for Victoria International Airline, against which objections were raised and found himself guided to address these issues first before expecting a licence to be issued. SOFTPOWER OPENS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE SoftPower, a UK and locally registered NGO, will early next week formally open a health centre for the local community near Bujagali Falls, which is part of a greater community centre, they have are developing in the area. Many tourists visiting Bujagali and taking part in adventure activities like rafting and kayaking, have contributed funds and many have in fact worked on the site to get it ready. SoftPower ordinarily supports local schools, where they improve facilities, i.e. renovating or rebuilding classrooms, building toilet facilities and providing water tanks for the local primary schools and the community centre will be a first to benefit local communities around touristic areas in the country entirely financed by tourist contributions, both in cash and kind. Well done! More information at www.softpowereducation.com CHOGM OPENING CEREMONY AT THE NEW KAMPALA SERENA The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sam Kutesa, has now announced that the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Summit will be held at the new Serena Hotel, which is presently in the final stages of re-construction. The building site is becoming a beehive of visitors who regularly check on progress of the buildings and to admire the remarkable transformation from the former rather dour Nile Hotel into a site of exceptional architecture and landscaping. Other venues too were announced, prompting industry analysts to speculate over the task of those hotels to improve their human resource capacity and management approach ahead of the summit. EAGLE AIR STARTS JUBA FLIGHTS Eagle Aviation, hitherto a predominantly domestic carrier, has now commenced coach services from Entebbe to Juba twice a week, using their workhorse LET 410 equipment. Up to 19 passengers can travel on the aircraft as well as a limited amount of loose cargo be taken onboard. This is the first Ugandan carrier commencing operations on what is considered to be one of the most lucrative routes in coming years across East Africa. EXIT FOR EAST AFRICAN? News have just broken that Shell has begun court proceedings to impound East African Airways single plane, a B737-200, over unpaid aviation fuel bills which have accumulated over several months. Should Shell prevail in court this may well spell the end of the upstart carrier, which found the skies over East Africa too competitive to stay in the air. RAILWAY CONCESSION SIGNATURE DATE OFF Due to the present lack of a cabinet and a responsible Minister overseeing the railways in Kenya, the formal signature of the railways concession to a South African led consortium had to be put off until a new cabinet has been appointed in Nairobi. Both Kenya and Uganda have jointly concessioned their railway system to one firm which in coming years will rehabilitate the rail tracks and the rolling stock. DUTE 2005 A SUCCESS The Destination Uganda Tourism Expo in Jinja over the last weekend was a success, as the large number of exhibitors and visitors demonstrated. The show, held in the extensive gardens at the Source of the Nile, also attracted visitors from the diplomatic corps, notably the Kenyan High Commissioner H.E. Japhet Getugi, while staff from the Embassy of the Russian Federation, the Chinese Embassy and other missions also turned up on opening day. China recently signed a MoU with Uganda and work is underway to establish a Chinese language webpage for the Uganda Tourist Board to attract the growing numbers of Chinese visitors to East Africa also visit Uganda. The 2006 edition dates are already set for the last weekend in September, coinciding with World Tourism Day, and the preceding week to this event will see a range of sporting and other related activities take place in Jinja, organized by the rafting and adventure tourism companies located along the upper Nile valley. More information about the 2006 exhibition can be obtained at info@destinationugandaexpo.com or info@wellspringadventureclub.com ELECTION FEVER BEGINS TO TAKE HOLD The clock is now ticking down towards general elections in the country, with a speculative date being given for 28th February 2006. Candidates for the parliamentary seats were nominated under a multiparty system of elections for the first time in 25 years on December 07th, while presidential candidates will be nominated on December 14th. Taking a leaf from the recent referendum in Kenya on their draft constitution, the process &endash; in particular election day &endash; are expected to be largely peaceful and should not in any way restrict visits to the country's fabulous national parks and other sites of interest. The short period now left for legislative work under the present parliament may however also mean, that the new tourism draft bill may not now come to the house in a timely manner before the elections, which would substantially delay subsequent measures like new tourism regulations and a further roll out of the tourism policy. This is viewed with some serious concern by the tourism fraternity, especially with the CHOGM Summit 2007 only 23 months away, as every month now counts in establishing standards in the hotel industry which can ensure quality hospitality. Some hotel projects presently underway have also reported difficulties in regard of the granted tax and duty exemptions for capital goods, which may delay hotel projects completion dates in coming months. The new Kampala Serena Hotel completion date reportedly had to be pushed back over such issues by some months already and these concerns will be addressed in coming days through the Uganda Tourism Association, when they meet the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development with their colleagues from the Private Sector Foundation to discuss the budget preparations for 2006/7 next Monday. Keep up with Ugandan news through www.newvision.co.ug which is Uganda's leading national newspaper's website containing all the latest information. LAKE TANGANYIKA EARTHQUAKE FELT IN KAMPALA The quake, reportedly between 6.8 &endash; 7.5 in magnitude, was felt several hundred kilometers away in Kampala, where building evacuation procedures kicked in, bringing confused workers out to the streets. It took a while before everyone was allowed back to their offices, but within the hour information came through on the epicenter of the quake being under Lake Tanganyika. Quakes in the region are relatively rare and when they occur remain low in intensity. MOEVENPICK TO ENTER UGANDA MARKET This correspondent has now established that a new hotel and conference facility, promoted by Malaysian investors, will indeed go ahead on a peninsula at Lake Victoria near Entebbe, en route to Kampala. This new facility will comprise some 60 upmarket villas, conference facilities and a main hotel area. The selected management company appears to be Moevenpick, which also operates one of the leading hotels in Dar es Salaam and has connections to Fairmont Hotels, which took over the Lonrho Hotel group in Kenya (reported in this column). The arrival of another quality hotel management group in Uganda, after Sheraton and Serena, spells well for the country's hospitality and tourism sector, which was hitherto dominated by often less than desirable standards in the absence of national regulations and enabling legislation, as international groups will measure up to global standards in order to please their clientele. SWANAIR TRAVEL BECOMES CARLSON-WAGONLIT UGANDA Leading travel agency Swanair will in 2006 re-brand and trade only under the name Carlson-Wagonlit, having affiliated with them some 2 years ago as agency for Uganda. With tourism now growing at double digit rates this will further put Uganda on the global map. American Express Travel too has a partner in Uganda already but not as a franchise, GLOBAL RAMSAR MEETING DUE FOR KAMPALA The '9th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties', in other words the signatories of the Ramsar Convention's 9th general meeting, is due to be held in the Ugandan capital city of Kampala from 08 &endash; 15 November 2005. Over 800 delegates from around the world are expected in Uganda to discuss a range of pressing issues over wetlands and their protection. Uganda is home to one Ramsar site at Lake Nabugabo, which was designated a while ago (and reported in this column) and large tracts of the country are wetlands protected by law from encroachment and degradation. More information at www.ramsar.org or www.ugandawetlands.org RAILWAYS CONCESSION GOES TO SOUTH AFRICA The long search for a concessionaire to run the railway systems in Uganda and Kenya is now over, with a South African led consortium beating India Railways, Magadi Soda and Maersk into second place. The concession will earn the two governments 1 Million Dollars per annum in fixed fees and an 11.1 percent revenue component over the next 25 years. It is understood that this is nearly twice as good an offer as their remaining competitor had put into the bid papers. Take over date is set for 01st April 2006. The two countries expect substantial investment in coming years into a rail track upgrade, rehabilitation of rolling stock and operational improvements to make railway traffic once again a feasible alternative to road transport. The new operator name will be 'Rift Valley Railways' EGYPTIAN BELLIGERENCE Reports have emerged, that Egyptian Minister for Water, Mr. Mahmoud Abu-Zeid threatened Kenya with war over her intention to withdraw from the - what many East African term illegal &endash; Nile Water Treaty of 1929, which was entered into by the British colonialists and subsequently forced upon the East African nations upon attaining independence. The Minister, probably short of diplomatic experience, used rather coarse language further inflaming the sentiment in East Africa, where the waters of Lake Victoria, its tributaries and of the River Nile are understood to be national resources and not subject to dictates from Egypt. Egypt has in recent years persistently refused to offer meaningful compensation for the Nile waters to the source countries, mainly Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania and talks over a new treaty have therefore somewhat stalled over this refusal. The message from here, negotiate you can but not threaten our sovereign rights. AMBOSELI CONTROVERSY RAGES ON A standoff is now reported at Amboseli, where Kenya Wildlife Services staff continue to man their posts and carry out their duties, citing lack of capacity by the county council, which in a suspect political move, thought to garner pro-constitution votes, was handed over to the county council for management, after illegally downgrading it from national park status to reserve status. KWS insists that a due process of handover be observed, while the council insists on immediate handover of all park facilities and functions. Not the best way to go about a full recovery of Kenya's tourism sector. UWA RESPONDS TO BIRD FLU THREAT The Uganda Wildlife Authority in conjunction with the tourism private sector and the Veterinary Department has alerted district administrations countrywide of the potential of the dreaded bird flu being brought to East Africa by migratory birds, now that the main body of the migration is well en route to the African continent. The Association of Uganda Tour Operators and the Uganda Safari Guide Association are closely involved in the sensitization exercise. Tour drivers and driver guides were asked to monitor and report any dead birds to UWA headquarters or the nearest UWA outpost. UWA had responded well in the past to the outbreak of anthrax amongst the hippo populations of Queen Elizabeth National Park and swiftly contained the disease, and a high state of vigilance is being instituted country wide to deal with the threat of bird flu, should this become necessary. MORE POWER PLANTS ON THE WAY Several applicants have now been advertised for public hearings on their plans to build and operate new additional power stations around the country. At least two applicants propose to erect smaller hydro electric plants in upcountry locations, feeding into the national grid as well as a location grid, while others propose to install heavy oil thermal plants. Uganda is presently experiencing a production shortfall, leading to partial load shedding and has recorded consumption growth of 15 percent per annum due to growth in industrialization and domestic consumption. The controversial Bujagali Falls hydroelectric plant may also have to undergo a fresh process of public hearings and environmental and economic impact assessment due to the proposed use of World Bank funds. This process effectively stalled the AES plans in the late 90's. A further hydroelectric plant is proposed for the Karuma Falls area further down river, which has received qualified support from environmental groups but not enjoyed the full-hearted support from the Ministry of Energy as yet.   PAMSU PROJECT MID TERM REVIEW The 'protected areas and sustainable use' project of the World Bank, which supports the wildlife conservation sector in Uganda, has just undergone a mid term review. Available indicators put the project into the satisfactory performance stage, with timelines met and objectives achieved. National lead agency Uganda Wildlife Authority as well as the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe are main recipients of the support. MALAYSIAN INTEREST IN HOSPITALITY SECTOR A group of Malaysian investors, led by the Ugandan Consul General Mrs. Noraihan Hj. Mohamad Adnan has recently visited Uganda to explore investment opportunities in the hotel industry and other sectors of the economy. Malaysia and Uganda enjoyed intensified relations since Uganda hosted the 'Smart Partnership Dialogue' in Kampala in 2001, which is a brainchild of the former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir.   MOMBASA PORT INTRODUCES NEW MASTERPLAN A high powered delegation led by the KPA chairman Gen. (rtd) Joe Kibwana and the KPA CEO Mr. Brown Ondego recently met the Uganda business community at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel to introduce the new master plan layout for the development of East Africa's most important sea harbour. The tourism sector in particular was keen to learn about the new passenger terminal facilities, KPA proposes to put up, in order to attract more cruise line calls. Cruise tourism is high value business and the establishment of an Indian Ocean / East and South Africa cruise circuit is now high on the agenda of the tourism sectors in East Africa. UGANDA RAILWAY TO EXTEND TO JUBA State Minister for Transport, Hon. Awuzu Andruale, made this announcement while addressing the Uganda business community and his Kenyan counterpart Hon. Andrew Ligale during the launch of the Kenya Ports Authority development master plan. He also announced that the road from Arua via Yei to Juba in South Sudan was earmarked for upgrading and tarmacking in due course to stimulate the traffic of people and goods between Uganda and the autonomous region of the South Sudan. Meanwhile, a decision on the award of the joint Kenya / Uganda railways concession is now imminent and news of the successful bidder can be expected in next week's column. EAST AFRICAN SAFARI RALLY FOR DECEMBER The 'classic' version of this eye-catching event will be held between December 01 &endash; 10 this year and again bring the big names of yesteryear in rallying to their former stomping grounds. Bjorn Waldegaard will meet former rival Juha Kankkunen with many others joining them over the 4.200 KM long course across the most scenic parts of East Africa. AHHSA ASSEMBLY ON IN MALAWI The association of tourism, hotel and hospitality training institutes in sub Saharan Africa is holding its annual assembly in Lilongwe, Malawi to discuss its development agenda for the coming years in view of the sharp increase of arriving visitors to the continent. Uganda's HTTI at the Crested Crane Hotel in Jinja is represented by the Principal, Mr. Barnabas Kabalisa, who will be formally inviting members to attend the 2006 assembly in Uganda, with the national HTTI being the host for the annual gathering next year. Uganda's premier hospitality and tourism school is then also expected to be formally certified by the association, enabling them to have certificates, diplomas and degrees recognized across the continent and beyond. AFRICANA HOTEL OFFERS SPECIAL 'RAMADAN BREAKFAST' Guest of Hotel Africana in Kampala professing to the Islamic faith can now have an early breakfast during the month of Ramadan. A full buffet is laid out in the early hours, before the faithful go for prayers and begin the day's fast. A mosque adjoining to the lobby of the hotel makes the observance of the daily prayers also easier &endash; talk of a complete package for Muslim visitors. MOMBASA TO GET NEW FERRIES Bids for the construction of two new ferries for the Likoni harbour crossing from Mombasa to the mainland (South) have now been received from 7 interested companies. The new ferries are estimated to cost about 700 Million KShs. The two ferries are to replace the present ageing vessels, which have to cope with over a million vehicles and nearly 60 million passengers per year. The crossing is presently the only way to the famous South coast of Mombasa with its endless white beaches but also to the main coastal border crossing to Tanzania at Lunga-Lunga border post. All efforts to either construct a bridge across the harbour entrance or a road bypass from the airport to the South coast have so far come to nothing. KENYA BUREAUCRATS RUN RIOT &endash; AGAIN Reports in this column a while ago brought the impact of ill-considered and ill-conceived measures by Kenya Revenue Authority to light, which affected greatly the fuel supply situation, not only in Kenya but more so in Uganda and countries beyond. News are now received, that air operators at the busy Wilson Airport are also being hammered with new requirements vis-à-vis 'cargo' shipments. It appears, that even luggage carried by passengers, within the limits or in excess of baggage allowances on 'light aircraft' have been subjected to this unwarranted treatment by authorities, who in the words of a pilot regularly flying in and out of Wilson 'do not know hoot from toot'. A meeting of the Kenya Association of Air Operators in mid September also tried to discuss this issue with the management of Wilson Airport. Issues highlighted were checking and screening of baggage 'on arrival' from purely domestic flights, the involvement of customs department in domestic flight arrivals and a 'handling charge' of Kshs 4/- per KG of inspected 'cargo', which is over -/50 US Cents in additional payments per KG. Operators also took issue with new regulations on aerial photography, where the Director of Surveys now requires 7 days application time, which led to the cancellation of a BBC feature on the migration of the wildebeest in the Masai Mara. Operators also took issue with new security regulations over searches of passengers on private flights, which they termed 'excessive, harassment and totally unnecessary'. One wonders if these bureaucrats have any relationship with reality on the ground and the impact of their action on the vital tourism sector of this East African nation. MORE TROUBLE FOR KENYA CONSERVATION In a hotly disputed move the Kenyan Minister for Tourism last week terminated the status of Amboseli National Park and returned it to National Reserve status, as it was before 1974, under the ownership of Kajiado county council. Leading conservationists, like Prof. Dr. Imre Loeffler, Chairman of the globally respected East African Wildlife Society, termed the directive by the Minister 'reckless, clandestine, ill-conceived and illegal', while a former Executive Director of KWS, Dr. David Western called for due process to be observed and such moves to conform with legal standards &endash; implying that the Minister's action was considered outside legal bounds, mainly of the total absence of the legally required consultations with stakeholders. Amboseli has been one of the 'cash cow' parks for KWS and is presently also subject to a much heralded re-branding campaign KWS is undertaking for its parks. There is suspicion in conservation circles, that sections of government who are presently campaigning for a new constitution (other sections of government are actually campaigning against it) are using the measure to canvass political favours and a vote for their camp, nothing new for that matter for long term observers of the political scene in Kenya. This however needs to be seen in the context of other issues impacting on the re-vitalized tourism sector, such as regulatory issues in aviation (see previous article) and the ongoing campaign violence, which has already led to sharply dialed up travel advisories, putting clouds over an industry which has only just emerged from years of doldrums and downturns following bad political decisions and political violence in past years. The EU had over the past years spent millions of Euros in support for Kenya tourism marketing and observers are now keenly monitoring the present developments to establish, if all those efforts are now going down the drain. Latest reports now also indicate that the conservation fraternity has taken the matter to the High Court in Nairobi to stop what they term 'illegal' move by government. The court issued an order to have government respond to the suit within 8 days &endash; stand by for more updates in coming weeks as this saga unfolds across the border. 'Uganda - Gifted by Nature UGANDA GETS NEW BRAND IMAGE AND TAGLINE Under the 'branding Uganda' initiative a new logo and tagline were developed in recent months and will be officially launched on October 22nd at a media and society event at the Speke Resort Munyonyo. Senior CNN staff, amongst them Femi Oke and Jeff Koinange, will also be in Uganda at the time to formally launch Uganda's sponsorship of the 'Inside Africa' programme, which will last for the next six months. High ranking Government of Uganda officials and key figures from the private sector were last Friday treated to a preview of the Sights And Sounds of Uganda, which will begin airing alongside the 'Inside Africa' programme as of this weekend. Camerapix of Kenya produced the first of a total of six one minute features, which will run on CNN's prime time Africa programme for the next half year. The gathering was also shown the new Uganda brand logo and tagline 'Uganda - Gifted by Nature' which is set to replace the age old 'Uganda, the Pearl of Africa', a phrase coined by the late Sir Winston Churchill at the turn of the last century. The CNN campaign is part of a greater effort to rebrand Uganda in the global market and highlight its potential for eco tourism, agriculture, horticulture and agroprocessing, general investment opportunities and of course Uganda's culture and people. Government, private sector and civil society worked closely together to move this project forward, estimated to cost an initial US$ 1 Million. RHINO SANCTUARY GETS FIRST VISITOS In a long awaited move the first visitors were admitted to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary this weekend. Tourists can now at last visit the rare animals on the way to Murchisons Falls National Park, since the sanctuary is located about 2/3rd of the way from Kampala. Fees charged reflect those of entries in other category one national parks. Regular radio contact between rangers and headquarters and an implanted radio beacon in the horns of the rhinos will allow to pinpoint their location on the nearly 18.000 acre private game sanctuary at all times. For more information contact the sanctuary at info@rhinofund.org or yverkaik@rhinofund.org The formal opening of the reserve is expected in the very near future and will highlight Uganda's efforts to protect its biodiversity, wildlife and promote conservation. KAYAKING 'FREESTYLE' FESTIVAL A HUGE SUCCESS This year's freestyle festival in Jinja along the upper River Nile valley, has drawn nearly 50 participants from Canada, the US, the UK, South Africa, Australia and Europe, including the current world number 1, 2 and 3 ranked kayakers. The Jinja festival, due to its location and climate, is fast becoming a global favourite in the calendar of events, to which the warm waters and exciting rapids and falls contribute much. Nile Breweries, a subsidiary of SAB Miller, is again the main sponsor of the week long races. The proceeds of the festival will go towards contributions to the Uganda team for the 2006 World Championship in Canada. 27 local Ugandans add to the international competitors including reigning champion Paulo Babi. More information can be accessed through www.kayakthenile.com or else via jamie@kayakthenile.com MINISTRY SEEKS 200 MILLION FOR CLASSIFICATION AND GRADING In order to implement the coming classification and grading of hotels and restaurants the Ministry of Tourism has been seeking an additional fund allocation of Ushs 200 Million. The agreement to harmonize the regulations East Africa wide had been taken three years ago and the common approach on regulations and rules was signed off earlier this year. US EMBASSY CROSSES THE LINE Reports from Nairobi indicate that the US Embassy has directly contacted an American cruiseline warning them off from calling on Mombasa with some 400 passengers. Sources in Kenya preferring anonymity expressed their outrage over this move, which goes well beyond the previously issued anti travel advisories by the State Department. Only recently 900 Japanese cruise passengers enjoyed safe excursions and safaris after their Singapore registered vessel docked in Mombasa for a port call and the unprecedented action of the US Embassy was therefore promptly termed 'unacceptable interference in business relations' Local agent Abercrombie and Kent staffer Harun Musyoki termed the embassy action 'most unusual'. The 'concern' stems from the present campaign over a new constitution on which the Kenya public will be voting shortly, but while there have been violent campaign incidents reported the projected danger for visitors to Kenya seems drastically over the top and ill motives are suggested towards US Embassy personnel suspected to be behind the action. Said one member of the tourism fraternity on condition of anonymity: 'if they (Embassy staff) find it so dangerous here let them go home to the US and find out what crime rates are there, Nairobi may not be the safest capital city but I rather be here than in D.C. In any case, we suspect them to have ulterior motives to pressure Kenya into their camp on many other international issues, but we are not for sale'. And tourists have been coming in the face of their advisories, because the also know that a lot is wrong with them!' KQ ORDERS NEW BOEINGS Kenya Airways has now released news of a deal with Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprises for the delivery of at least 3 B 737-800 aircraft due in late 2006. It is expected that the new 148 seat aircraft in C/Y configuration will replace the older B 737-200, which are less fuel efficient and carry only up to 101 passengers. The new aircraft will also be able to fly longer distances across the continent, where KQ has in recent years been building up a sizeable network, connecting Africa through their hub in Nairobi. Following the conclusion of the first fleet renewal programme a second phase is now going underway with this order. KQ was also recently honoured as the best African airline for its flat bed sleeperette seats in business class and 4th best in the world, a monumental achievement for the airline which completely turned its fortunes around over the past decade and is now under largely Kenyan senior management. KILIMANJARO HOTEL NOW A KEMPINSKI Following extensive rebuilding, renovations and refurbishment, Dar es Salaam's landmark hotel is this week being formally re-opened as the East Africa region's first Kempinski Hotel, offering 5 star standards in line with Kempinski's other global properties. Located near the oceanfront it overlooks the harbour of Dar es Salaam and offers swift access to the central business district and government offices in the commercial capital of Tanzania. TWO APPLICANTS REMAIN The joint railway concession for Kenya and Uganda Railways has now reached the decisive stage, with only two of six bidders remaining in the race. A consortium led by Indian Railways, partnering with Kenya's Magadi Soda and Maersk Sealand, will now face off with a South African led group. The privatisation was supported by the IFC and is one of the largest projects undertaken so far in East Africa's process towards economic modernization. An initial 2.600 workers are expected to be retired upon completion of the deal. KENYA AIRWAYS REACTS TO RISING FUEL COSTS Information received from KQ indicates that due to sharply risen fuel cost flight consolidation and use of larger aircraft on certain routes will be used to counter the cost impact on the airline. Consult www.kenya-airways.com or your nearest travel agent for any changes on the schedule in coming weeks. Ticket cost on domestic routes such as Nairobi &endash; Mombasa were already raised to offset higher fuel charges. RISING FUEL PRICES ADD TO INFLATION The most recent figures from Bank of Uganda show a rise of inflationary pressures to now 7.7 percent, up from 6.5 percent the previous month. Much of this increase is attributed to the sharply risen cost of petrol and diesel in recent weeks. The Uganda Shilling also depreciated accordingly on the foreign exchange bourse and now trades in average at 1850 Shs to one dollar. Last Series KENYA AIRWAYS' NEW DESTINATIONS With the onset of the autumn/winter schedule KQ will be adding twice weekly flights from Nairobi via Harare to Mozambique's capital city of Maputo, where incidentally Serena's hospitality can be experienced at the Polana Hotel, the city's leading 5 star property. At the same time flights commence three times a week to the Chinese city of Guangzhou, tapping yet further into the Chinese business and leisure market for the East African carrier. All three countries in East Africa, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya are now on the approved list of the Chinese government for travellers to the region and expect a substantial upturn of traffic from China in coming years. NOMINATIONS FOR PRESIDENT IN MID DECEMBER The electoral commission of Uganda has now set December 14 and 15 for the parties registered to formally anoint their presidential candidates. Uganda will for the first time in 25 years hold multi party elections, having been successfully ruled and steered to economic success under the movement system of government since 1986. It is widely expected that incumbent President Yoweri Museveni will be standing again, following recent constitutional changes, although he has yet to formally announce his candidature. The turnaround of the economy, specially the tourism sector, is largely credited to President Museveni's regular intervention on behalf of the tourism industry over incentives for investments and he was personally involved in the Discovery Channel's 'Presidential Tour of Uganda' two years ago, in which he acts as 'guide' to the film team. Meanwhile, the National Resistance Movement will be holding party elections in October as part of the democratic process. UGANDA DONATES TO 'KATRINA' RELIEF FUND Following his appearance at the UN Summit in New York President Museveni proceeded on to Washington DC, where he met former President George Bush (Senior) who is coordinating fund raising efforts with former President Bill Clinton for the relief effort for the hurricane victims of 'Katrina' and handed over a cheque of US Dollars 200.000 from the Ugandan people. And while it may be a fraction of the money needed to restore New Orleans and neighbouring communities to its former glory, it is the thought and effort which counts here. WORLD TOURISM DAY IN UGANDA Ahead of the annual World Tourism Day the Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry has made a significant statement on tourism developments in Uganda, followed by a statement from the Uganda tourism private sector. The day itself will be celebrated with a tourism industry luncheon hosted by the Bank of Uganda and high level attendees from public and private sector to discuss the way forward for the fastest growing segment in the Ugandan economy. This correspondent in his capacity as President of the Uganda Tourism Association will deliver the private sector keynote address. TANZANIA RAISES FEES FOR KEY PARKS In spite of last minute appeals from tour operators TANAPA has now gone ahead an raised fees for the Serengeti and Mt. Kilimanjaro to exactly the level they had planned to do before the private sector objections were raised. 'In your face' seems to describe this move best, as after all the private sector 'only' supplies ALL the business for the park organization. REBRANDING UGANDA COMING INTO ITS OWN The joint efforts of private sectors, civil society and government to 'rebrand' Uganda are now nearing its conclusion with brand logo and tag line being decided in coming days by a group of eminent personalities. Meanwhile, the Camerapix filming for the 'Sights and Sounds of Uganda', which will be running from mid October alongside the 'Inside Africa' edition of CNN's global broadcast has also concluded its first schedule to prepare the 'Best of Uganda' version, before returning to the country in October to complete the other segments. Watch CNN's programmes from the second week in October onwards. Third edition, September 2005 By Prof. Wolfgang H. Thome MBA Ph.D. UGANDA CAA GRANTS MORE FLIGHTS Following application by Sudan Airways to increase services from the present once weekly flight between Khartoum via Juba to Entebbe the Ugandan regulators have promptly approved a second flight to cater for the rapidly increasing volume of passengers and cargo between Juba and Entebbe. The flight segments between Khartoum and Juba and v.v. are operated also as domestic flights inside Sudan. Meanwhile a freak windstorm ripped part of the roof off the passenger terminal building on Monday, leading to a partial evacuation of passengers from the affected areas, but operations resumed after about an hour, once the debris was cleared. Emergency repairs of the roof section are already underway. In further developments the Lira airfield has been temporarily closed by the CAA to allow for removal of runway obstructions along the approach path, where unauthorised building activity had endangered flight traffic. The re-opening of the field will be reported in this column. YEI &endash; JUBA ROAD NOW OPEN Following an extensive mine clearing exercise in recent months, this vital road link between Northern Uganda via the town of Yei to Juba is now finally open again. A convoy of over 20 trucks was enthusiastically welcomed in Juba, carrying much needed supplies from Uganda at affordable prices, as previously supplies needed to be flown in from Sudan's capital city Khartoum. Trade links with Uganda are expected to take an immediate turn to the better as the main road from Kampala through Masindi, Murchisons Falls National Park, Pakwach and Arua now connects directly to the South Sudan. The road link through Nimule is also expected to open in the near future. The South Sudan leader Salva Kiir last week also made his inaugural visit to Kampala and pledged that trade tariffs for Ugandan goods would be reduced to encourage imports of Ugandan goods. SHERATON KAMPALA OPENS NEW BREAKFAST AREA Following further completion of their new facilities a purpose built breakfast area with hot and cold buffet is now open. Located at the former Victoria Dining guest can now enjoy an indoor and outdoor setting on the first floor with views over the city centre. Breakfast being the most important meal of the day, Sheraton has now definitely put it into a new environment as this correspondent could ascertain during a tour by the hotel's F&B Director Mr. Kwashie. LAKE SHIP READY MV Kalangala will be formally commissioned on October 09th, which also marks Uganda's 43rd Independence Day. The new lake ship will cater for a total of 100 first and economy class passengers and also allow for cargo uplift to and from the Ssese Islands of 100 tons. Kalangala is the district's name for the island group on Lake Victoria and provides also the name for the new ship, which will be operating from Kampala's suburb of Port Bell. UNDP LAUNCHES HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT Uganda moved two places upwards in the global scale of indicators used to compile the statistics and measure performance. Participants in the event held at Kampala Sheraton Hotel however decried the extraordinary difficulties developing countries face to implement the Millennium Development Goals and the even greater difficulties of the developed world to dismantle their economic fortresses they have build to protect their industries, services and agricultural sectors. Participants heard that the developed world spends over 350 Billion Dollars per annum in agri-subsidies alone, which results in loss of market access for farmers in the developing world of over 70 Billion Dollars, almost exactly the sum of aid given to these countries. The Bretton Woods Institutions and WTO were also severely criticised over their own fortress mentality towards the developing world and Sub Saharan Africa in particular. The presenters jointly asked for fair trading practises in all sectors of the economy to boost the economic performance of the continent to complement aid packages, in order to reach the MDG's by 2015. EAST AFRICA TOURISM FIGURES UP AGAIN For the first six months of the year both Kenya and Uganda again recorded a substantial increase in visitor arrivals by about 20 percent over the 2004 figures. A trend study for the second half of the year indicates that both countries are to receive again record visitor numbers in 2005. Uganda has opted to concentrate on quality over quantity however and promotes sustainable ecotourism with low impact and high benefits and rising occupancies in the hotel and lodge sector have led to several new projects being developed in and near protected areas (national parks and game reserves) as well as in Kampala, Jinja and Entebbe. TV LICENCE FEE FOR 'COMMERCIAL' ONLY Following President Museveni's intervention on the introduction of a TV Licence Fee from September 01st, the Minister for Information and Broadcasting has now retracted his earlier 'from the hip' statement and also clarified, that the fee per TV in use is due by hotels, clubs, restaurants and other places where the public can view TV programmes, while private consumers remain exempt of the fee. The cost of an annual TV Licence is approximately US Dollars 11 per set. FUEL SUPPLY STILL SHAKY Following arbitrary changes by the Kenya Revenue Authority over the payment of taxes for fuel and treatment of export consignments the supply of diesel is still somewhat short of demand, prompting fuel companies and dealers to appeal to government to demand that the Kenyan authorities remove the obstacles leading to the present situation. As a result diesel supplies from the main storage tanks are now rationed for the time being, while leading fuel company executives in Uganda preferring anonymity blame the Kenya Revenue Authority for being 'incompetent and insensitive' to the impact of their actions. It was also learned today that AVGAS is again running low in Uganda and the air operators have again lodged complaints with Shell for poor stock keeping. Second edition, September 2005 By Prof. Wolfgang H. Thome MBA Ph.D. SN BRUSSELS GETS NEW UGANDA MANAGEMENT Geert Lemmen has at last said good by to his friends and clients in Uganda during an emotional farewell party, during which he also introduced Pierre Declerck as his successor. Under Geert's reign the old Sabena and then the new SN Brussels made great headways in customer affection and passenger and cargo numbers improved strongly, largely credited to Geert's effort in building a competent and determined team in Kampala and Entebbe. Pierre is no stranger to East Africa, transferring from his previous station in Kenya, while Geert now takes up his new appointment in Sierra Leone, where he hopes to make equal progress and get results for SN Brussels. Kwaheri Ya Kuonana from us all here, until we meet again. SOFTPOWER ADOPTS MORE SCHOOLS Softpower Education, an NGO with roots in the UK and associated with Nile River Explorers, a leading rafting and river activities company in Jinja, has of late recorded more support from visitors coming to Jinja for kayaking and rafting. Many of them give small donations or send funds after their return home, having seen the impact of the school support programme of Softpower, which engages in the rehabilitation of school buildings, classrooms and adds water tanks and hygiene facilities. Softpower works closely with local communities in the rural areas, who then take charge of the maintenance of such projects. Visitors also come to Jinja to support building projects by working on site for the duration of their holiday. Near Bujagali Falls a full community centre, clinic, pottery and education centre is presently under construction by Softpower. Find more details at www.softpowereducation.com AVIATION WORKSHOP DISCUSSES NEW REGULATIONS The Uganda CAA this week discussed the new draft regulations for Uganda with stakeholders in the presence of observers from their counterparts in Kenya and Tanzania, the panel for harmonization at the East African Community and members of the US FAA who supported the exercise. Over 220 submissions were made by stakeholders, namely the Uganda Association of Air Operators (UAAO) but also from Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), the police air wing, Uganda Air Force, air traffic controllers association and the meteorological department. While a good number of objections were taken care of during the meeting by amendments, alterations or deletions from the presented text, other areas were deferred for further discussions with stakeholders. The President of the Uganda Tourism Association during the closing ceremony underlined the partnership between regulator and aviation fraternity but also called for an intensified institutional dialogue between the parties to address issues as an ongoing practise and asked the regulators to accept the private sector stakeholders as full partners and not only call upon them when convenient or impossible to ignore. He also asked for membership in the aviation bodies UAAO and BAR to be made mandatory by the regulator to bring all aviation companies under a private sector platform and then allow them a regular consultation with the CAA and other relevant government bodies. HOTEL OWNERS ALSO WAKE UP TO TV TAX With the TV tax being deliberated over for months before becoming reality on September 01st, the Uganda hotel owners have seemingly now also woken up belatedly to decry the annual cost per TV set of about 11 US Dollar, saying it is too expensive. Industry observers have promptly asked where the owners were during the process and how they participated in the consultations. In contrast, the Hotel and Catering Association of Uganda, itself a member of the umbrella body UTA unlike the owners who operate in isolation from the rest of the industry, had taken part in the consultative process and sensitized their membership months in advance to the TV fees coming into effect. OIL TESTS AWAITED Materials and data from the test drilling in various areas of Uganda are now being evaluated at special facilities in the UK to determine the viability of commercially viably finds of oil and natural gas. In the meantime, more exploration blocks have been awarded by the Uganda government in recent weeks, as the hope of finding the precious commodity have risen and attracted more prospectors. KENYA TOURISM DISCUSSES WAY FORWARD Stakeholders in the Kenyan tourism industry, including the Kenya Tourism Federation (Private Sector), the Kenya Tourist Board and the Kenya Wildlife Authority met this week to discuss the KWS Tourism Development Management Plan, which includes a re-branding of the parks, giving them an individual image and address the need for more accommodation to cater for the growing number of visitors. Last year's occupancies in Kenya rose by nearly 38 percent following a sustained marketing campaign in its key established markets and in new markets and the current year is expecting again record visitors and even higher occupancies, both at the Kenya coast and in the national parks.   NGAMBA ISLAND TO EXPAND Uganda's chimpanzee refuge island, located on an island near Entebbe, is set to expand capacity from the present 30 animals to about 60, to cater for additional animals found injured in the wild or confiscated from poachers and illegal traders. The island was recently featured on CNN's 'Inside Africa' programme and has become a regular stopover for visitors from abroad. FORT PORTAL ROAD NOW READY The long awaited direct road link between Kampala and Fort Portal is now ready for use and will cut the journey time to a mere 3 hours. Fort Portal is the seat of the Toro Kingdom, famous for its young 'child king' and allows some of Uganda's main attraction to be reached with ease. Located on the foot of the Mountains of the Moon (Rwenzori Mountains) it is also the springboard for visits to Semliki Game Reserve and the Kibale National Park, which is home to the highest number of primate species in the country. CNN PROGRAMME OBJECTORS TOLD TO SHUT UP When news emerged in Uganda, that government had signed a contract with CNN to sponsor the 'Inside Africa' programme and run some 600 minutes 'Sights and Sounds of Uganda' from mid October onwards, sections of the public and even of the tourism trade had little better to do than to bicker and criticise the effort as an attempt by government to improve its own standing in the international arena for political gains. Yet, those involved in the re-branding exercise for Uganda, of which the CNN campaign is but a component, have immediately refuted such suggestions and both leading newspapers this week published a nearly full page article of this correspondent to give facts and figures of tourism's performance in recent years and the expected impact of the campaign, which resulted in the critics falling silent instantly. The programme will feature from middle of October onwards and showcase Uganda's main attractions for visitors, besides highlighting people and culture, agricultural and other investment opportunities. NKURINGO CONCESSION ALL BUT AWARDED Following a process to pre-qualify bidders and obtain formal bids for the development of an upmarket lodge on the south-western side of Bwindi National Park, information has now reached this correspondent that Semliki Safaris / The Uganda Safari Company has emerged as the leading contender. They already operate the Emin Pasha Hotel in Kampala, the Semliki Safari Lodge and will soon open a new safari lodge in Kidepo National Park. Watch this space for news updates. DISNEY TO DONATE TWO RHINOS TO NEW SANCTUARY The Rhino Fund Uganda has now confirmed that an additional two rhinos (southern white species) will be sent by Disney from one of its theme park in the US to join the presently 4 rhinos in the new sanctuary, which from mid September will allow visitors into the reserve, located strategically on the way from Kampala to Murchisons Falls National Park. More information from the Rhino Fund at info@rhinofund.org or from their Executive Director at yverkaik@rhinofund.org. News were also received, that Yvonne Verkaik, long serving Executive Director of the Fund and fondly termed Uganda's 'Rhino Lady' has been engaged to the General Manager of the ranching company, on which land the sanctuary has been established. We wish Yvonne and Bruce all the best at this stage and will announce the wedding date when available. KENYA TO STUDY RAIL LINK FROM AIRPORT TO THE CITY Assistant Minister for Transport in Kenya, Andrew Ligale, had during a recent workshop of East African Airports Association announced that the Kenya Government was studying the possibility of a rail link between the airport and the city centre. The main rail line from Mombasa to Nairobi runs near the perimeter of the airport and a link could substantially speed up the transfer time from the city to the airport. KQ TO OFFER LONDON &endash; MOMBASA DIRECT FLIGHTS From December onwards Kenya Airways will ease travel from the UK to the Kenya Coast by introducing a weekly B 777 service ever Friday evening from Heathrow via Nairobi to Mombasa. This will make clearing customs and immigration of visitors on this flight in Nairobi a thing of the past, as they will do their clearance in Mombasa, from where the flight is then due to return non-stop to London. Demand for Kenya holidays has rocketed during the year inspite of lingering anti travel advisories and the entire region has recorded a renewed interest of overseas visitors. GRANT FOR KENYA CULTURAL SITES The US Embassy has given a K Shs 2.3 million grant to protect rock art paintings in Western Kenya, where a new tourist circuit is now being opened up. In a statement earlier in the week, the embassy said the fund would be used to promote three sites on Mfang'ano Island (Suba District), Kakapel (Western Province) and Ng'Moritung'a (south Lake Turkana). "The grant from the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation will be signed at Mfang'ano and help develop a rock art management plan,'' the statement said. "It will lead to responsible tourism of three rock sites and help conserve them through community-based management." Kenya has a number of rock sites dating from roughly 4,000 years ago. Most of them however are not yet accessible to the public and have not been promoted as tourist attractions. The new grant aims at promoting and preserving the existing sites. Other famous rock art paintings can be found in Tanzania and new sites have recently also been discovered in Uganda. HOTSPOTS IN DEMAND The recently activated 'hotspots' in Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja have instantly transformed cafes, restaurants and hotel lobbies and gardens into 'free range cyber cafés' to the delight of visitors from abroad and the local aficionados, who no longer can do without their laptop and permanent email and internet connections. While the pilot phase, which is free of charge, will run out in September, the facility will then continue to be available against a user fee, to which even overseas visitors can sign up for. MTN, one of the national operators, has now also activated advanced features which allow net surfing on compatible mobile phones, including MMS (picture messaging). BRITISH AIRWAYS STRIKE IMPACTS ON EAST AFRICA Hundreds of passengers were stranded in London and beyond and across East Africa, when a 2 day wildcat strike hit what was once 'the world's favourite airline'. Repeated strike action however in recent years at the peak of the season did little to uphold this level of customer affection, when people who needed to get back to work were kept against their will in the destination or others wishing to come to East Africa for a safari or beach holiday were short changed of their annual vacation time. There was also not much 'windfall' for other airlines operating to East Africa, as during the peak season few seats are going unsold, inspite of substantial capacity increases by such airlines as Kenya Airways, which is now also using their new B 777 on the European routes. KENYA REVENUE AUTHORITY ACTION HITS THE REGION An apparently ill-considered and poorly discussed move by KRA, forcing oil companies to pay taxes and duties 'at the gate in advance' instead upon retail sale to the consumer, has seriously hit across the region into Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, as fuel supplies have reduced to a trickle. Already record crude oil prices have lifted the cost of pumped gas to record levels and the shortage has given further impetus to drive the fuel cost even higher. KRA has been largely blamed for acting in isolation and neglecting the impact of their action and we will have to wait and see when they come to the table and revisit their costly decision. Fuel to Uganda, Rwanda, Western Tanzania and Congo is routed through Uganda mostly from the pipeline heads in Kisumu and Eldoret, but much less than normal loads are being taken on board at present due to the uncertainty over the taxes and duties. Uganda's government has already made high level representation to their Kenyan counterparts to restore 'normal' supply patterns. Meanwhile, fuel prices in Uganda have risen once again, with industry sources blaming record crude oil prices as well as the artificial shortage of supplies caused by the KRA action. ANTI SEX TOURISM COALITION FORMS IN KENYA Hoteliers, local and overseas tour operators and civil society have now formed an action group in Kenya to fight and prevent child sex tourism. This evil practise has come into the cross hairs of law enforcement across Europe and North America and destinations are more and more playing an important role to stop the travelling predators from violating their young victims. KENYA FOLLOWS UGANDA IN TOUR GUIDE TRAINING Reports from Kenya now indicate, that a curriculum for tour guides is being developed and regulatory measures considered bringing 'order' into this important sector. Uganda adopted this forward looking strategy some years ago when a core curriculum for tour guides was developed and tour guide services included in the new draft tourism bill, from where licensing and other regulatory measures have been developed. Several guide courses under the proposed curriculum have been held already while the National Curriculum Development Centre is reviewing and appraising the drafts for suitability and integration with other existing curriculum components for the tourism sector. EAST AFRICA GETS DISASTER CENTRE Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Seychelles, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt are founder members of the US government sponsored regional disaster centre, which has now opened its doors in Nairobi, Kenya. It is understood, that the Comoros Islands too are considering joining the cooperation. The main aim of the cooperation is to provide a regional platform to deal with natural disasters like the Christmas 2004 tsunami, which hit Somalia and parts of the East Africa coast, but also prepare for other natural calamities such as earth quakes. Individually the members of the cooperation often lack the capacity to deal with large scale disasters and it is hoped that regional cooperation will improve on disaster response. The US government has spent nearly a million Dollars to fund the centre. KENYA AIRWAYS GETS NEW BOARD CHAIRMAN Following the retirement of the long time incumbent chairman Mr. Omollo Okero, under whose stewardship Kenya Airways transformed into a profitable airline striving for global status, the main shareholders KLM and the Government of Kenya have now voted Mr. Evanson Mwaniki as the new board chairman during the ongoing AGM of the airline. The new chairman also chairs the BAT boar HOTEL RWANDA STAR VISITED UGANDA Don Cheadle, star actor of Oscar winning film ‚"Hotel Rwanda‚" came to Uganda to attend the premiere of the film, accompanied by his wife and daughters. A previous visit planned for June had to be re-scheduled due to other commitments. During his visit Cheadle also saw some camps for internally displaced people in the North of the country, before moving on to Rwanda, where he was to meet with President Paul Kagame. Then in a coincidence of sorts this correspondent and Don's family ended up on the same flight from Entebbe to Nairobi and had the opportunity to speak a little in the lounge while waiting for our respective onwards flights. Don and his wife had enjoyed their tour of Uganda and were full of praise for the warmth of the people and the landscapes and scenery of the country. BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION MOVES The BHC at last is leaving the city centre and moving to the former site of the Lincoln International School, where a new secure embassy compound was constructed over the past year. While the American Embassy, which previously shared the building with the British High Commission, left some years ago already and moved into a purpose build new compound well outside the city centre, the BHC remained, causing Parliament Avenue to stay half blocked for traffic. The ‚Äòold‚Äô building is now being put on the market and traffic restrictions are due to be lifted, much to the relief of Kampaleans and the business community in the neighbourhood. FUEL SURCHARGES RISE Airline flying into Entebbe have again raised fuel surcharges in the face of continued high crude oil prices on the international market. Check with your respective airlines prior to your travels. UGANDA DECIDES ON POLITICAL SYSTEM A referendum on July 28th has decided on the return to multi party democracy, for which President Museveni has campaigned over the past few months. In the 1995 constitution the movement system of government was embraced, but 10 years down the line the time is right to fall in tune with the rest of the world and let political parties once again participate in the affairs of the country. The Movement itself has also transformed into a political organization and has won the referendum with a whopping majority of over 92 percent in favour of a full return to party politics. Turnout was however low due to torrential rains which pounded most of the country and only reached about 48 percent of the registered votes. SN BRUSSELS GETS MORE AIRCRAFT News broken to this correspondent by the CEO of SN Brussels Airlines Mr. Peter Davies indicate, that the SN management has now received the green light from their supervisory board to acquire an additional Airbus A 330 aircraft, to be deployed on both present but also new routes. According to Mr. Davies the possibility is there that Entebbe may get an additional flight per week, maybe combining it with either Kigali/Rwanda or Bujumbura/Burundi. This is due to be achieved over the next 9-12 months at which time planning for possible new routes should also be complete. Mr. Davies met the press, travel agents and corporate clients during a cruise on Lake Victoria last week, when he visited Uganda for the second time. Also introduced during the visit was the successor to Mr. Geert Lemmen, who was country manager Uganda for SN and previously SABENA for over 10 years. While Geert is now confirmed to take charge of the Freetown station, his successor will be Pierre Declerck, who will start work in Kampala in August and formally take up his new appointment. Also present were Manager East Africa, Philippe Saeys-Desmond and Peggy Esseldeurs, Vice President Africa for SN Brussels, underlining the importance SN attaches to their East African destinations in general and Uganda in particular. ARRIVALS STILL CLIMBING FAST The Uganda Bureau of Statistics has now published the half year arrival statistics &endash; in record time after getting material and programme support from the EU funded UGSTDP (sustainable tourism programme). For the year 2004 over 512.000 arrivals were recorded, and with the busy season still ahead in the second half of the year figures for January &endash; June 2005 already stand at 301.563. Should the trend continue for the entire year, Uganda would again look at record arrivals and stay put in the top 10 of the WTTC report of the fastest growing destinations around the globe. ROYAL ASCOT GOAT RACES MUNYONYO Saturday, 03 Sept is the day to mark in the calendar for the annual goat races, which over the past years have grown into the biggest society event of the year. Up to 20.000 visitors are expected for this year's edition and all leading companies will again be offering hospitality tents for their corporate clientele. The goat races are a fund raising event for the Entebbe Sailing Club and tickets are available at the entrance for visitors. Guests staying at the Speke Resort Munyonyo will have the advantage over other visitors and may even land an invitation to the proprietor's own hospitality tent, always rated highly amongst the regulars. NAIROBI ROUTE CONTROVERSY RAGING ON Stung by criticism over not exercising their route rights, which existed under the present BASA anyway before EAA extracted one flight from Kenya Airways, their CEO Mr. Ben Mutyaba now reacted to ongoing complaints over reduced capacity, higher fares and shortage of seats by re-affirming their intent to eventually fly on the route. He also blamed unresolved scheduling issues, claiming the prime departure times for EAA operations, while Kenya Airways pointed out that their flights are all linked into network departures from Nairobi, with over 80 percent of the traffic on the Entebbe route connecting rather than terminating their journey in Nairobi. Travel agents and corporate clients polled however expressed their disgust with the situation and in unison hoped for a swift re-introduction of the 4th workdaily KQ flight and the addition of another frequency soon thereafter on the heavy traffic days between Friday and Sunday. In connection with this it was learned by this correspondent that the recent bilateral discussions between the aviation bodies of Kenya and Uganda resulted in an agreement to fully apply the Yamoussoukro agreement, which allows for liberalisation of air traffic and the setting of frequencies and capacities by airlines themselves &endash; giving hope that the capacity crises on the Nairobi route will shortly end.   UWA GETS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR' Following the premature departure of Dr. Arthur Mugisha a couple of months ago the Minister for Tourism, Trade and Industry has now appointed former Director Field Operations Moses Mapesa as substantive Executive Director. Mapesa had been Acting Executive Director since Mugisha's departure and has generally been perceived as a hands on man with a keen desire to improve the sometimes rocky relationship with the tourism private sector. His appointment confirms that he was clearly the man of the hour to stand at the helm of Uganda's wildlife body. UWA FORMALLY OPENS NEW BUILDING Today will mark the formal commissioning of the new Wildlife Authority Head office, which was built under the World Bank sponsored PAMSU programme. Free of the rent burden UWA can now re-direct resources into other key areas of conservation and wildlife management and move towards becoming a sustainable organization in coming years. Meanwhile, controversy over proposed wildlife exports, as reported in this column some weeks ago, is still ongoing with the trader now seeking political intervention. Wildlife NGO's like Uganda Wildlife Society however are strictly opposed to the present trade regime and have called for the present moratorium to continue, until new guidelines for game exporters have been established. One of the shortfalls has always been inadequate holding facilities but also dealing in CITES protected species, which ultimately led to the suspension of the trade. ANTONOVS BRING MORE DEATH TO AFRICA In yet another Antonov crash, this time in Equatorial Guinea, at least 60 passengers and crew died. This type of aircraft has in recent years developed the reputation of a death trap, as it is often cheap to acquire but generally lacks proper maintenance facilities on the continent and operators then reportedly cut corners, in some cases allegedly duping civil aviation authorities with fake maintenance documents. It is high time, according to aviation circles, that international aviation bodies now hold an enquiry and issue binding directives on the use of such aircraft in Africa (and elsewhere) to avoid the death toll climbing on literally a monthly basis. CARGO TRISTAR MISHAP IN LAGOS The cargo aircraft registered a few weeks ago in Uganda has now had a landing incident in Lagos, but reportedly with no loss of life. The registration of the aircraft was highly controversial in the local aviation fraternity, as it lacked a cargo door, a re-enforced cargo floor and the cargo netting, which is to protect the cockpit area from cargo in case of strong g-forces. This issue was raised with the Civil Aviation Authority, to whom leading operators and industry analysts expressed their dismay over the registration, reportedly engineered by political pressure. The crash now affirms that the operator, who is also Congo based, has brought Uganda aviation, hitherto with a good reputation around the world for compliance and responsible licensing practises, into some disrepute and calls for prompt and comprehensive action is now getting louder. CAA has been asked to once again explain why the plane was registered and licensed to operate against the strong objections of such leading carriers like DAS Air, the aviation fraternity and other industry observers. WHITE RHINO IN GARAMBA BEING WIPED OUT From the Durban conference of the World Heritage Committee it is now reported, that grave doubts about the survival of the remaining Northern White Rhino have been voiced. Garamba National Park is a designated World Heritage site, but the Congo Government has so far stubbornly refused to airlift the remaining white rhino, now down to a reported number of only 5-10, to safety in Kenya, which has offered to give the few remaining wild animals a temporary home. The plight of the rhinos was highlighted a few months ago in this column, when the number was still estimated to be between 15-20, but the Congo Government seems totally unrepentant and unconcerned, that a global heritage of this nature should go to waste. Politicians at their worst and in this case a disgrace for wildlife conservation and good management all over Africa. CAA OFFERS INCENTIVES TO OPERATORS Under a recently agreed incentive scheme the Uganda CAA has now begun to offer financial incentives to operators using Entebbe International Airport. Press reports then indicated that the move favoured only one particular operator but CAA sources then promptly explained that the scheme was available to all regular users of the international airport and based on volume of transactions. TN &endash; News from Uganda, the Pearl of Africa Third edition, July 2005 By Prof. Wolfgang H. Thome MBA Ph.D.   UGANDA HOTEL AND TOURISM INSTITUTE BREAKS GROUND Today will mark the ground breaking ceremony of the new tuition and administration block of the Uganda National Hotel and Tourism Institute at the Crested Crane Hotel in Jinja. Amongst the invited guests were high ranking government officials led by the Minister for Education and Sports and the Minister for Tourism, Trade and Industry, civic leaders and key stakeholders from the entire tourism industry across the country. Also noteworthy is the arrival this weekend of a HRD expert under the EU funded Uganda Sustainable Tourism Development Programme UGSTDP, who will assist in re-designing the curriculum of the Institute, which is now also gearing towards integration into the newly formed public university of Eastern Uganda. Students will soon have the opportunity to engage in undergraduate studies for Bachelor Degrees in Hotel and Hospitality Management, besides the Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses presently on offer. IT IS NOVEMBER 01ST FOR KLM Information received now confirms that KLM will begin operations into Entebbe three times a week from 01st November onwards. The airline will fly a B 767-300 every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday non stop from Amsterdam to Entebbe, offering seamless connections from their entire network and their airline partners for Uganda bound travellers. In addition, through a KLM / KQ codeshare, another 11 weekly flights between Amsterdam and Entebbe route via Nairobi. Meanwhile, KLM's partner airline Air France continues to operate a weekly cargo flight to Entebbe via Nairobi, at least until the cargo capacity from the scheduled services comes into effect. CIVIL AVIATION BODIES AGREE ON SINGLE SKY During consultations between the three East African aviation bodies last week in Entebbe it was agreed to fully harmonize aviation policies and regulations amongst the East African sister states, extend full privileges to airlines licensed and registered across East Africa and open all destinations to traffic from the region. This is considered a shot in the arm of advocates for easier air operations and is bound to open new routes from country to country. The measures are to take effect by October this year, subject to ratification by the Council of Ministers during their next session.   KAMPALA CLOSES FOR 'LAST KING OF SCOTLAND' All of Sunday traffic into the city centre was re-routed to allow street scenes to be shot by the crew of the feature film presently being filmed in Uganda. Main star Forrest Whitaker was seen being driven in an old 70's jeep through the centre of Uganda's capital city and excitement spread through the population, who are now waiting for the film to be released in 2007, to see what an Oscar winning director could make of the famous backdrops across the city.   EAC TO GET COMMON VISA A report written for the leadership of East Africa recommends the immediate introduction of a single VISA for visitors to Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya to make it easier for investors, business- and holiday visitors to move across the region without having to pay up Visa fees every time a national border is crossed. Incidentally, these recommendations are identical to those made by the Uganda Tourism Association already 3 years ago during a meeting of the EAC Committee on Tourism and Wildlife Management, then described by detractors as 'utopia, but now generally accepted to have been a visionary move which has now found broad following across the region.   FUEL UP AGAIN Following global trends fuel prices have now reached record levels with a litre of petrol selling at Ushs 2100. Diesel prices went up too, while Kerosin remained unchanged at present. Cost of fuel has now gone up by about 25 percent over the past few months, with serious implications on inflationary trends through massively increased transportation cost. Meanwhile Shell Uganda is reported to have once again run short of AVGAS, and there is speculation that this is again an artificial pretext to raise charges even more after a near 60 percent rise in recent weeks. Aviation circles in the country have already raised flight charges (per statue mile) by over 10 percent and higher increases are now not ruled out. Visitors to the country with prebooked packages should ascertain from their tour operators, that the quoted prices will remain or if fuel surcharges are now being imposed. and in other news SHERATON GETS NEW LOBBY A collective breath of relief must have gone through the crowd assembled at the hotel, when last Friday the reconstructed and refurbished new lobby of the Sheraton Kampala Hotel was officially opened. After overly lengthy and delayed construction this marks the completion of another phase in the complete overhaul of the property, since it was acquired by new owners some years ago. Still to complete now however are the new restaurant facilities and the remaining rooms. The Sheraton did not close for the renovations, causing considerable additional problems, while in contrast the Serena Group opted to completely close the old Nile Hotel in order to meet an 11 month deadline for the re-opening of the new Kampala Serena Hotel, where construction is presently ahead of schedule. Watch this column for more news. CITY CENTRE 'CENTENNIAL PARK' TO GET ANOTHER HOTEL News have emerged, that Kampala City Council has allocated 4 acres of the city park to a Korean developer, who proposed to put up a 5 star hotel ahead of the Commonwealth Summit 2007. The move promptly generated outcries from environmentalists, who claim the park has already been carved up in the past, when land was excised to put up Hotel Africana, then allow for its extension and then allow a further junk of land to be developed by Garden City, a major shopping mall and adjoining hotel, which is now under construction. Opinion is also divided amongst industry analysts, whether the city can sustain another 5 star hotel, with the Sheraton renovations slowly coming to an end after over 3 years of ongoing renovations and the Nile Hotel being transformed into a 5 star Kampala Serena Hotel, due to open in January next year. Fact remains, that the park has now shrunk to a fraction of its initial size, reducing the green zone for city residents and further shrinking the 'green lung' of the city. KINGDOM HOLDINGS INTERESTED IN HOTEL SECTOR Saudi businessman Sheikh Alwaleed, whose Kingdom Holdings control some 25 Billion US Dollar investments in real estate and hotel properties, including a major shareholding in Fairmont Hotels Kenya, which recently acquired Lonrho Hotels (Norfolk Hotel, Mt. Kenya Safari Club, Mara Safari Club) and the Royal Palm Hotel in Dar es Salaam, has now apparently also shown interest in a major investment in Uganda. Information at hand shows that this may either include purchase of existing hotels properties and subsequent upgrade or constructing entirely new hotels and lodges. Watch this space for more breaking news.   TN &endash; News from Uganda, the Pearl of Africa Fourth edition, May 2005 By Prof. Wolfgang H. Thome MBA Ph.D. THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND A major feature film directed by Oscar winner Kevin MacDonald and starring Forrest Whitaker, Gillian Anderson and James McAvoy will go underway in June this year in Kampala. Additional locations will be Entebbe and Jinja as ascertained by this correspondent. The film will cover the early years of the rule of Dictator Idi Amin Dada. This feature film will be another major 'shot in the arm' of the Ugandan tourism sector, which has been growing sharply in recent years. Recruitment of local actors and 'crowds' took place last weekend at the Kabira Country Club in Kampala. Filming is due to end by middle of August and the release is expected by the end of the year. SKAL VISITS NGAMBA Skal members from Kampala took time from their busy schedules and went out on Lake Victoria to visit the chimp refuge island of Ngamba, off the shores of Entebbe. G&C Tours, agents of Wild Frontiers in Uganda, arranged for the transport by boat. The visit also covered the new tented camp which now allows visitors to stay overnight. INFLATION FUELED BY HIGH ENERGY COST The recent rises in petrol and diesel have now driven the annual inflation rate to over 14 percent while Shell at the same time took advantage of the situation to raise the cost for AVGAS by nearly 50 percent while in the neighbouring countries the AVGAS price was literally unaffected. No sensible comment could be obtained from Shell's Uganda management, a situation described by an affected airline as 'the arrogance of a near monopolist'. Consumers also complain about the extraordinary rise in the price for cooking gas &endash; and promptly called it 'shameful' that Shell announced record profits for last year. SPEKE RESORT MUNYONYO EXPANDS The Speke Resort and Conference Centre has recently added some 60 more rooms with an additional 40 still under construction. While the main conference centre in Kampala is closed for renovations the Speke Resort is offering full range of state of the art conference facilities with the very latest in sound and lighting equipment. ARMY CHIEF PASSES OUT NEW JOINT RANGER FORCE Fulfilling a promise made by H.E. The President of Uganda during the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Uganda Wildlife Authority a first batch of a joint ranger force combining special army units and UWA park rangers has now been passed out. The first group of over 600 was commissioned last weekend in Murchisons Falls National Park, where the unit has undergone intensive 6 month training. The programme was requested by the Uganda Tourism Association during the 50th anniversary celebrations and President Museveni immediately consented to have this put into action. Visitor safety has been a major area of attention for the Ugandan authorities and private sector. The world Bank sponsored PAMSU programme has now also commissioned the first batch of communications equipment for safari vehicles to keep them in touch with their base stations at all times, further enhancing the security of visitors when travelling through the Pearl of Africa. COO LEAVES EAA AFTER 6 WEEKS Having arrived only on 01st April Mr. Declan Peppard has already turned his back on the ailing East African Airlines, spelling yet more problems for the private Ugandan carrier. As reported last week the airline has not commenced flights to Nairobi and opted for the easy way of making some money by leasing their single B737-200 aircraft to Air Malawi. Speculation is rife how long the airline can remain in the skies while pressure is growing on the Ugandan authorities to re-instate the 4th flight of Kenya Airways and in fact allow them a 5th frequency under the present BASA. Meanwhile Declan has joined Simba Tours and Travel in a senior capacity to develop the travel and tour business for Patrick Bitature, who has hitherto made his fortune across East Africa in the telecommunications retailing sector. ROYAL IMPALA HOTEL OPENS ITS DOORS A new venture on the shores of Lake Victoria has now taken off. Situated on a hill overlooking the lake is the Royal Impala Hotel near the Speke Resort and Conference Centre in Munyonyo, a suburb of Kampala. The hotel presently offers 40 rooms and suites and has all commonly expected facilities such as bars, restaurants and health club / gym facilities. NATIONAL PLANNING AUTHORITY FOCUSSES ON TOURISM The National Planning Authority in Kampala has now also recognized the importance of tourism and began a series of consultative meetings to establish the needs of the sector and how government can best accommodate the cross sectoral requirements of the tourism industry to facilitate further growth in coming years. This follows closely on the heels of a consultative meeting with the Minister for Finance and his senior staff ahead of the annual budget day, this year set for June 08th. A full range of proposals was put before the Minister and the National Planning Authority and further consul