There are a handful of areas popular for sports tourism in Uganda, yet many more could be exploited. Still, among the few that participate are corporate companies taking on the experience as part of after-work bonding programmes. For instance, at the Source of the Nile corporate challenge in Jinja (August 28 - 30), 20 industrial, telecommunication, administrative and corporate companies, including Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), participated in sports such as golf, volleyball and rugby, among others.
“We are championing an initiative to promote sports tourism as one of the key tourism products in Africa. It is worth developing and will significantly contribute to diversification of tourism products in the country; from nature-based tourism, to increasing opportunities for local participation and providing avenues for income generation to different stakeholders,” said Aggrey Jimmy Mwesigwa of Jinja Sports Tourism International.
International events
The Olympics, World Cup, Premiere League, Wimbledon and USA Open are sports events that bring in foreign exchange. The world converges at stadiums to watch the games, eventually contributing to national economic development and creating alternatives away from the predominant natural resources by adding diversity to citizens and visitors’ experience in those countries.
USA has Forley Sports Tourism Complex in Alabama, devoted to popularising sports such as skating, American Football, among others and the Super Bowl, which is held annually is said to bring in around $300m (about Shs1 trillion) to the host city.
The Australian government spends $57m (about Shs190 billion) to host the Formula One grand prix.
In Africa, this tourism has been marketed more in South Africa, whose representation at the Olympics (for which they are lobbying to host in 2024) has been impressive over the years. They are also the first to host World Cup on the African continent.
Uganda’s landmark registry is in legendary gold medalists John Akii Bua, Stephen Kiprotich and Dorcus Inzikuru.
The Ugandan offer
Uganda has a range of activities in sports tourism, though unevenly spread. Apart from the mainstream basketball, popularised for instance by YMCA’s Friday Night Lights in Wandegeya, a Kampala suburb, volleyball, which is ever present at beach parties, biking, tug of war, swimming, netball and football, there are those rare sports that need domestic exploration.
Rugby. At Lugogo in Kampala and the grounds in Jinja, this sport gathers a multi-cultural fan base, including tourists who all pay to watch strong bodies and chiselled muscle men grumbling for the ball. Rugby has been pushed in East Africa, giving place for female teams across the region, and enabling inter-state and inter-university tournaments.
Golf. The golf courses at Kitante, Entebbe, Jinja and Lira grounds show just how many platforms are there to explore. “These grounds are rarely used yet they have potential of increasing foreign exchange and earning more income for Lira District,” said Leo Halani, the district sport officer, Lira.
Motor rallies. These have become a speedy force to reckon with. Ugandans will bear the dust at Lubiri rally sprint organised in the Buganda palace annually. Sports Tourism International successfully initiated one in Fort Portal District, while there is Pearl of Africa Rally, a major motor sport event, part of National Rally Championships.
Burundi’s Great Lakes Rally was organised in Uganda in 1996 due to the political instability in Burundi at the time. These are Uganda’s equivalent of Formula One and motor sports give root to vintage shows.
Water rafting and canoe racing. Often held in Jinja because of its strategic lodging by the River Nile, this sport draws a market of tourists looking to experience adrenalin being swept away by the longest river in Africa. Canoe races can be also conducted in safe designated areas of L. Victoria.
Wrestling. This sport, which is as old as African Tradition, is a macho sport collecting folk in villages to watch strong men tassel out their right to strength. “It is locally known as “Ekigwo” in Luganda, and was used to entertain the Kabaka (king) and often opened communal celebrations,” says Baale Bwanika, a member of Nkoba Za Mbogo at Makerere University.
Quad biking.This is where one rides a four-wheeled automated motorbike, giving that adventurous trail through the unspoilt wilderness, from river banks into rural Uganda, off beaten tracks, through villages and downstream past major rapids and across Bujagali Falls. Nile River Explores offers these terrain adventures, including Trailblazer and Twilight safaris.
Hiking. This requires one to climb hills and mountains, often to the highest peaks. Luckily, Uganda is gifted with mountains, including Mt Rwenzori, Mt Elgon, and a range of hills. The snow caps atop Magarita on Mt Rwenzori get you to the cold skies after a sweaty climb.
Bungee jumping.This is sporty for its speed and flash of adrenalin down into space as one dives from the top of a platform into the Nile. The only support to the flying (falling) body is ropes and rubber.
The Ascot and horse riding. These are becoming prominent with calendar events such as the Royal Ascot in Jinja. These will draw an affluent class of Ugandans ready to enjoy a day under the sun watching polo, horse riding and playing dress up with hats, fine dresses and men in suits with cravats. King Fisher Hotel & Nile Horseback riding in Jinja give this adventurous experience.
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