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I
am Uganda, Land of Opportunity
by
Jerry W. Bird
  I
am Uganda, a land that's painted in 1,001
shades of green, a friendly land whose
balmy temperatures are matched only by the
warmth and hospitality of its people.
While I straddle the equator, thanks to an
average altitude of 4,000 ft. above sea
level, instead of blistering days and hot
steamy nights, you'll enjoy an amazingly
mild and pleasant climate all year round.
In fact, I am one of only three countries
in the world that is located on the
equator and has similar geographic
conditions with respect to
altitude.
One
can enjoy my endless attractions and
activities without wearing a jacket or
sweater, even in the mid December.
My
borders are shared with Sudan on the
north, Congo on the west, Tanzania and
Rwanda on the south and Kenya on the east.
Immediately south is Lake Victoria,
world's second largest fresh water lake-
and a phenomenal asset for tourism growth.
It's waters teem with fish; its shoreline
and islands are a paradise of wildlife,
with an abundance of boating, water sports
and cruise possibilities.
This
immense waterway is the major source of
the Nile, world's longest river. From
Uganda, the Nile flows north via Sudan and
Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea.
My
history as a tourism destination goes back
over a century, being one of the first
popular destinations on the African
continent. Speaking of my diverse people
and varied cultures, who else could have
performed such a miracle in the past
decade. Through their faith, dedication
and perseverance, I have become an example
of progress, and a showcase for all of
Africa. What do today's visitors' have to
say about me?
.........Continued
below
News
by Prof. Wolfgang
Thome
Constant update on important
activities
Uganda
- Emerald of Africa
By
ATA member Abigail
Lubliner
According
to Muguette
Goufrani,
of Vancouver, who made a return visit
after several decades,"So many highlights
marked our month long stay in Uganda, one
hardly knows where to begin. The Kampala
portion had its own high spots, such as
our flight by army helicopter to President
Museveni's
ranch
followed by dinner at the State House.
During the flight, the decisions was made
to host two more ATA events in Uganda,
including an International Congress. Some
say that the President knows every one of
his several hundred Ankole long-horned
cows by name. I wouldn't doubt it for a
minute. At the Skal 10th Anniversary gala,
we shared a table with the newly formed
ATA Uganda Chapter and met many of the
country's active and growing
travel-tourism fraternity. The event was
held in a huge tent on the lush grounds of
the Nile Hotel, soon to be the Serena
Kampala, following a massive renovation.
(see photo sequence). This hotel and
adjacent conference center was
headquarters for the ATA 8th Cultural and
Ecotourism Symposium, which proved to be
one of the most rewarding events hosted by
ATA in recent years. We will report that
landmark venue in another section,
including a fabulous Host Country Day
visit to Jinja, the falls, forest and
source of the Nile.
 Many
friends asked about the long haul from
Western Canada's Pacific shores? Our
flight via American Airlines and
SN
Brussels
Airlines
says a lot for their new alliance, which
allows access to the heart of Africa from
over 30 U.S. locations alone. We boarded
at Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
on Canada's Pacific Coast and had one of
the most perfect, seamless trips ever,
even though we touched down in Dallas and
Chicago en route to Brussels. U.S. customs
was cleared in Vancouver, and our luggage
was checked through all the way to
Entebbe, a further convenience, especially
when we were carrying a precious supply of
Africa Travel magazines just off the
press."
 I
am Uganda,
home of Entebbe
-
a hub
of commerce and activity in East and
Central Africa thanks to its adjacency to
strategic gateways on the Air Highway.
Among
the many airlines flying here via Entebbe
International Airport near Kampala, are:
Air France, Air Tanzania, Anova Air Cargo,
British Airways, Challenge Air, Dair Air
Service, Eagle Air Ltd, East African
Airlines, Eqypt Air , Emirates, Ethiopian
Airlines, Kenya Airways, Martin Air,
Precision Air, Rwanda Air Express, SN
Brussels, South African Airways, West Nile
Air and United Airlines. According to the
Civil Air Authority office at Entebbe,
great things are about to happen soon,
which will propel this attractive lakeside
airport community to the forefront. Here's
an item from Uganda Pearl News by Prof.
Wolfgang Thome, regarding one of the major
moves in term of airport accommodation,
the new Imperial Resort, which fronts on
Lake Victoria.
"After the
soft opening of the hotel in May this year
the formal cutting of the tape was finally
done by none other then President
Museveni, who launched Uganda's latest
addition to the hotel industry. The resort
sits on a large property with over 1 km
beach access to Lake Victoria and can be
reached from Entebbe International Airport
within a few minutes. Full-fledged
conference facilities complement the 191
rooms and suites."
CONTINUED
ON PAGE TWO
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