Tourist Services Directory for Eastern Uganda JUNE 2021 | Issue 001 Tourism Services Directory FOR EASTERN UGANDA WELCOME TO THE MYSTICAL EAST WISE MEN AND WOMEN FROM THE EAST TOURIST SITES IN EASTERN UGANDA LISTINGS FREE EASTERN UGANDA MAP INSIDE April 2021 1 Tourist Services Directory for Eastern Uganda Kagulu Hill, Kamuli District. 2 April 2021 Tourist Services Directory for Eastern Uganda Mbale City center. April 2021 3 Tourist Services Directory for Eastern Uganda CONTENTS 08 COVID 19 SOPs 10 Introduction The wise men & 11 women from the East Districts in the 12 Eastern region 66 Itineraries for the Eastern region 76 On your way to Jinja 107 Restaurants and Hangout areas on your way to Jinja 112 Cultural Tourism 120 Dolwe Island elcome to Eastern Uganda’s Official Tourist Guide. With itineraries Wand detailed listings on everything from hotels and restaurants, to venues of all attractions. It’s full of 122 handy information to help you plan any Pian UPE Wildlife kind of trip, hold successful events and reserve finding your way through the Eastern Part of Uganda Tourist Services Directory for Eastern Uganda FOREWORD The people are hospitable, progressive and so eager to share their essence and their history with you. Words such as adventure, thrill and culture come to mind when you think of this hilly land whose high altitude has given us world champions such as Moses Kiprotich and Joshua Cheptegei. n the last few decades, Eastern Uganda has been transformed into a tourist haven. With natural attractions such as the source of the Nile, Sipi Falls, Nyero Rock Paintings and caves and Mt Elgon the hikers’ paradise there is so much to explore Iand experience. Small farmers have opened up their farms and homes to tourists, while investors have put up state-of- the-art facilities. To me, this signals great progress in taking down the barriers between the surrounding community and the traveler. It is a land bursting with unique culture and a variety 6 April 2021 Tourist Services Directory for Eastern Uganda of traditions. This is the land of the Imbalu initiation ceremony and the Kadodi dance. Your taste buds will also be treated to local culinary delights such as mboli (potatoes), kamalewa, maido (ground nuts) and coffee from Masaba land. The people are hospitable, progressive and so eager to share their essence and their history with you. Words such as adventure, thrill and culture come to mind when you think of this hilly land whose high altitude has given us world champions such as Moses Kiprotich and Joshua Cheptegei. The luxury traveler is spoilt for choice for locations to visit, experiences to be had while the budget traveler has quality guest houses and campsites to choose from. The thrill seeker too, will not be able to exhaust the offers on hand. It has also been noticed that where resorts once kept guests within the confines of its walls, today, hotels encourage guests to go out and explore local culture while also inviting residents to come enjoy on-site restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Hotels have also recognized that home-sharing services are here to stay and are taking cues from what they do well. It’s a more open-minded take on the best of classic hospitality. When done right, it’s good for the traveler and it’s good for the travel business. I commend and recommend this trend. Doreen Katusiime PERMANENT SECRETARY MINISTRY OF TOURISM WILDLIFE & ANTIQUITIES April 2021 7 Tourist Services Directory for Eastern Uganda COVID 19 SOPS HOW WE ARE EMBRACING THE NEW NORMAL AS A COUNTRY GENERAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS The following measures that have been communicated by the Ministry of Health, Local Health Authorities and World Health Organization should be strictly adhered to all times: Social distancing measures Also avoid touching eyes, nose, together with frequent hand and mouth. Hand disinfection is hygiene and respiratory etiquette indicated after exchanging objects are the main measures to prevent (money, credit cards) with guests. transmission of COVID-19. Although it is probable that Respiratory Hygiene guests are already familiar with Respiratory etiquette means these measures, they should be covering mouth and nose with reminded as a form of hospitality. bent elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. The used Social Distancing tissue should be disposed of Social distancing includes immediately in a bin with a lid. refraining from hugging & shaking Ensure that face masks are worn at hands with guests as well as all times while with guests. among fellow staff. It involves maintaining a distance of at least Disinfection 2m (6 ft) and avoiding anyone who All indoor areas such as entrance is coughing, sneezing or talking lobbies, corridors and staircases, without a mask. escalators, elevators, security guard booths, office rooms, Hand Washing meeting rooms, cafeteria should Hand hygiene means regularly be mopped with a disinfectant and thoroughly cleaning hands (1% sodium hypocrite or phenolic with an alcohol-based hand rub or disinfectants). washing them with soap and water. For metallic surfaces like door 8 April 2021 Tourist Services Directory for Eastern Uganda Providing guidelines to the staff on how they should communicate the action plan to guests and other stakeholders can ensure alignment consistency. Short documents or informative posters can amplify the key messages among guests and staff, including: a) Promoting of hand washing b) Respiratory hygiene handles, security locks, keys etc. c) Basic hygiene practices 70% alcohol based sanitizer can be d) Coughing etiquette used to wipe down surfaces where e) Contact information of key the use of bleach is not suitable. staff personnel f) Emergency Telephone number Health and Safety Communication Official leaflets on basic Communication should be hygiene practice and COVID-19, maintained between Management in different languages, could be and staff in charge of the different useful information tools. departments in order to pre-define It is useful to have an up-to-date an information policy for guests list of the contact information of as well as to rapidly provide and the staff, including emergency obtain information on incidents telephone numbers. that may arise in the establishment and to know the status of the For more information visit situation at all times. www.tourism.go.ug April 2021 9 Tourist Services Directory for Eastern Uganda INTRODUCTION The Mystical East he east is a place you go to when you want to experience adventure, adrenaline and thrill. From the majestic mountains to the roaring waterfalls, the east is pulsating with incredible energy. There Tis also an inexplicable mystical vibe here. It could be the effect of all those majestic mountains or the roaring waterfalls or the gentle streams, the caves and rocks that force the mind to acknowledge the possibility of a greater power that reigns over the universe. Although this mystical scenery is often encroached on by progress; power lines, factories, bridges and roads it puts up a spirited fight and preserves itself. In the east, you will find several strands of religion and history happily nestling with each other. The people are as entrenched into their traditions as they are to their religions making the blend seamless and elegant. It is a place proud of its history and focused on its future. 10 April 2021 Tourist Services Directory for Eastern Uganda THE WISE MEN AND WOMEN FROM THE EAST WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT THESE PEOPLE? he people from eastern Uganda proudly refer to themselves as the wisemen. While the reference might have been borrowed from the Biblical magi that paid homage to Jesus in a manger, these people Ttruly aspire to live up to it. They are a progressive and hardworking group known for their honesty and integrity. Because of their proximity to the border and their warm and hospitable nature, the land is filled with various tribes that speak several languages. In addition to their mother tongues such Ateso, Lusoga, Lugisu, Sabiny, Kumam they also speak Swahili, English and Luganda. They are agriculturists but also engage in pastoralism in some pockets of the region. This is the home of the famed musical instrument akogo, local brew ajono and kadodi the dance performed during the imbalu ceremony. The east is known for being the home of Uganda’s most celebrated athletes such as Joshua Cheptegei, Moses Kipsiro and Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich. April 2021 11 Tourist Services Directory for Eastern Uganda MUKONO Mukono is bordered by Kayunga District to the north, Buikwe District to the east, Kalangala District to the south-west, Kira Town and Wakiso District to the west, and Luweero District to the north-west. The town of Mukono is about 21 kilometres (13 mi) by road, east of Kampala, the capital and largest city of Uganda. Ssezibwa Falls it is also accessible by all vehicles The falls are located on Ssezibwa river. throughout the year. It offers a breath-taking views fresh air Telephone Contact: and a calming environment. The people +256704410296 in the region of Buganda treat it with reverence due to its cultural and spiritual Activities significance. Believers visit the falls to seek • Forest walks favours from the gods that are believed to • Mountain biking dwell here. • Bird watching Telephone Contact: • Butterfly identification +256757990300 • Camping • Environmental Education and Activities Research • Birdwatching • Camping STOPOVERS • Sight seeing • Nature walks Namawojolo • Rock climbing Roadside Market Mabira Forest This market is located along Kampala- Jinja highway, it is a popular roadside Mabira forest is one of Uganda’s market with variety of roasts i.e., plantain, largest natural forest covering chicken goat, beef and drinks. Vendors an area of 306sq km. The forest usually approach passengers in their cars has over 312 species of trees, 315 however, one can also go and buy directly species of birds, 218 butterfly from the stalls.