Rustic Expeditions

Tourism thrives not just on promotion but on preparation. In my role as Senior Advisor, here are 5 areas I believe Uganda must prioritize to unlock full tourism value; 1. Infrastructure: Uganda needs both primary infrastructure (like roads, power, etc) and secondary infrastructure (like signage, rest stops, digital access) to make destinations accessible and attractive. This benefits not only visitors but also the communities who host them. 2. Human Capital: Training for guides, hospitality staff, and park rangers is critical. A memorable experience is powered by people. 3. Tourism Financing: Wildlife and cultural assets need sustainable funding but so do the businesses around them. The private sector needs access to affordable credit to build, scale and maintain tourism investments especially in emerging destinations. 4. Data-Driven Planning: Our policies must be shaped by real tourism flow, revenue and environmental impact data. 5. Cross-Sector Collaboration: Tourism cannot work in isolation. We need coordinated planning across transport, culture and ICT. These priorities don’t require magic. They require intent, leadership and alignment. Let us build for the long game.

Run with champions in Kapchorwa, explore Uganda’s wild side, and finish strong at the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon. ⛰️🦁 This 12-day running vacation is the adventure your legs have been waiting for: 👉 rustic-expeditions.com/trips… #ExploreUganda

Welcoming international participants for the Uganda Marathon slated 30th May 2025

Located on Biku Hill, just 18 km from Nebbi town lies one of Uganda’s most unique hidden gems, Bethel Chapel. Believed to be the smallest church in the world, the church was built in 1996 by Archbishop Luke Orombi and his Korean friend Pastor Song. With room for just two worshipers and a priest, this tiny chapel is a powerful reminder that faith doesn’t need much space to flourish. #ExploreUganda

Got Weekend Plans? Let’s go to Gulu!! There’s a certain simmering excitement around #GuluCityMarathon among the running community in Uganda, you have to be there to feel it. It’s palpable. I don’t know if it’s the continuous realization that an area once ravaged by war is humming to life, effusively defiant and brimming with an enthusiastic embrace of what life has to offer. It might be the urge to see and celebrate the beauties that Gulu and by extension Acholi region has to offer. Think attractions like Fort Patiko and its rich history, beautiful chapels like St Joseph’s Cathedral, Ajai Game Reserve with its wide range of game and alluring landscapes, the art and craft that speaks to a people so proud and steeped in their rich history, the streets that speak to glorious battles of the past (can’t miss Rwot Awich and his legendary exploits in colonial resistance that exemplifies the toughness of the Acholi people). Personally, I can’t wait to go back to Chief Awich street and play board games with the locals then cross over to BJz bar and Grill (don’t let the name mislead you, it’s a watering spot) and grab me some pints. Time permitting, I’ll be sure to throw in a hike up those Patiko rocks and take in the vast expanse of Acholi-land. Dreamy! But this is not about me and my plans post #GuluCityMarathon. It’s about trying to explain this enthusiasm that’s engulfed the running community and the folks in and around Gulu alike. It’s about celebrating a culture. A rich heritage. A people so unflinchingly proud and with history to back it up. This is about paying homage to the people’s grit, refusal to quit, hard, honest work and a celebration of a city reborn. This is more than just running! #GuluCityMarathon