By Swift Reporter
Uganda’s tourism promotion received a major boost after Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa joined Czech Republic parliamentary leader Tomio Okamura for a gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The visit, which took place in the southern sector of the park, gave Okamura an opportunity to experience one of Uganda’s most celebrated tourism attractions and see firsthand the conservation efforts protecting the country’s endangered mountain gorillas.
Accompanied by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) guides and rangers, the two leaders travelled to Rushaga in Rubuguri, where they ventured into the Bwindi forest for a close encounter with the gorillas.
For Tayebwa, the experience was not new, but he said every visit to the forest continues to offer something different.
“This morning, I joined H.E. Tomio for gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It’s always exciting to enjoy the Pearl of Africa. I have been gorilla tracking several times, but the experience always feels new and exciting,” Tayebwa said.
He described gorillas as Uganda’s close relatives and used the experience to emphasise the importance of protecting their habitat.
“Gorillas are our cousins, and we learn a lot from them. Every day, they remind us of the importance of protecting nature because they are endangered. If we don’t protect them, they may one day become extinct,” he said.
Baby Gorilla Named Tomio
One of the memorable moments of Okamura’s visit was the naming of a baby gorilla Tomio, after the Czech parliamentary leader.
Tayebwa noted that the name carries an additional connection because Tomio is the English equivalent of his own name, Thomas.
“To celebrate Rt. Hon. Tomio’s visit to Uganda, he named a baby gorilla ‘Tomio,’ the English equivalent of his name, Thomas, which is my name as well,” Tayebwa said.
The gesture added a personal touch to a visit that Ugandan officials see as an opportunity to deepen relations between Uganda and the Czech Republic.
Tayebwa said Okamura’s visit was a sign of growing confidence in Uganda as a tourism destination and a safe country for international visitors.
He said the two countries would work together to strengthen their relationship, particularly through tourism.
“His visit marks the strengthening of a good relationship between our two countries. It is also a vote of confidence in our country as a secure and safe place to visit despite some countries delaying to remove Ebola travel restrictions,” Tayebwa said.
He added that Okamura had pledged to promote Uganda’s tourism attractions when he returns home.
“H.E. Tomio Okamura has assured us that he will be our ambassador back home,” Tayebwa said.
Beyond The Gorillas
The delegation’s visit to Bwindi extended beyond gorilla tracking.
The leaders visited the Nkuringo Cultural Centre, where they interacted with members of the Batwa community and learned about their traditions, culture and longstanding connection to the Bwindi landscape.
They also participated in a tree-planting exercise, reinforcing the link between tourism, wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
Tayebwa also used the visit to reaffirm his support for communities living around Bwindi, stressing that conservation should translate into tangible benefits for people living alongside protected areas.
The involvement of local communities remains an important part of Uganda’s conservation model, with tourism revenue and community initiatives helping create incentives for people to support wildlife and protected areas.
Tayebwa also challenged Ugandans to explore the country’s tourism attractions before travelling abroad.
“I would like to urge Ugandans to explore our country. Before going abroad, first explore your own country. I promise, you won’t find a better experience,” he said.
He thanked Uganda’s Ambassador to Germany, Stephen Mubiru, for coordinating Okamura’s visit.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Uganda’s leading tourism destinations and is home to a significant population of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking continues to attract international visitors while generating revenue for conservation and supporting communities surrounding the park.
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