AFRICA: inDriver From Russia Is Uber’s Latest Competitor In Africa

Global ride-hailing giant Uber has gone from having no competitors in Africa to having more than 50.

While it mainly contends with Taxify, the Estonian ride-hailing service, which is now in more African cities, Uber also faces competition from homegrown options like the Safaricom-backed Little Cabs in Kenya and regional players like Careem across North Africa.

In fact, it tried to merge with Careem this year, but Egyptian regulators warned against the deal.

The latest market entrant is inDriver, a Russian ride-hailing company, which has launched in Arusha, Tanzania, its first market on the continent.

The five-year old company operates in nine other countries across South and Central America as well as Europe. Long-term, inDriver hopes to differentiate its service by allowing drivers and riders haggle over final fare prices while it sets base fare price.

inDriver is also hoping to rapidly grow its driver pool by charging no commissions on driver earnings for six months after which it will begin charging 5% to 8% in commissions—much lower than either Uber or Taxify.

Drivers will also be able to view both pick-up and destination points before accepting rides.

inDriver’s play for drivers is not entirely new as incentivizing drivers has already proven to be a major part of the scrap for ride-hailing market share in Africa.

But what it offers in driver incentives, inDriver will likely lack in financial might compared to the biggest players on the continent. It raised $10 million in its Series B funding round earlier this year. Uber and Taxify are both billion-dollar unicorns.

Neither is showing any signs of slowing down on growing its Africa operations either. Taxify is eyeing ten-fold growth in the next two years and already operates in more African cities than Uber.

For its part, Uber is looking to add Rwanda, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Mauritius among potential targets to the eight African countries in which it already operates.

Uber has also shown a deeper interest in fitting into local transport ecosystems and has launched lower cost ride-hailing options with rickshaws in Kenya and motorcycles in Uganda.

It’s now looking to roll out a new service in Nairobi to allow users book spots on commercial mini-buses—locally known as matatus—which remain the most common form of transport in the city.


Tourism Observer

UGANDA: Wasps Sting American Tourist, Gloria Suemiller To Death

A 65-year-old American tourist has been killed by insects - wasps in Bwindi impenetrable National park in Rubanda District in Western Uganda.

Gloria Suemiller, a resident of Oklahoma, USA was attacked at about 10:30 am on Thursday while on tour in Bwindi National Park where she had gone for gorilla trekking.

She was in a group of other tourists and husband, White Gary Lynn, 74, with whom they had traveled all the way from Kigali, Rwanda.

They had spent a night at Ruhija sector. The other tourists escaped unhurt, according to police.

The case is under police investigations at Ruhija police post under reference number SD 06/24/05/2018.

This is the third tourist to die in Uganda in the last two months.

Mukesh Shukla, 60, a British national died on April 7, 2018 as he climbed a hill in Butanda Sub County in Kabale District, also located in western Uganda.

On April 14, 2018 Tutin Jean Piere, 63, a French national collapsed and died during a gorilla trekking trip in the northern sector of Bwindi National Park in Kanungu District.

Piere, who also worked with the French Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya was in the company of some friends when he died.


Tourism Observer

RWANDA: Mountain Gorillas Most Popular Tourist Attraction For Rwanda

Rwanda’s beloved mountain gorillas are experiencing an exciting resurgence.

Though their numbers once dwindled as a result of poaching, war, and habitat loss, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has witnessed the gorilla population steadily rise, mostly because of Rwanda’s conservation efforts, just as the country’s tourism industry is buoyed by the mere existence of these creatures.

Though there is a lot to see and do in Rwanda, the country’s famous mountain gorillas bring in most of the country’s tourists.

Lodges are built around the very concept of gorilla-related travel, sparking an entire tourism industry.

From the growth of hotels around the country to the dozens of new tourism companies, restaurants, and boutiques that have sprung up, gorillas have undoubtedly contributed a lot to the international recognition of Rwanda.

Rwanda now halts gorilla habitat loss and deforestation.

There are approximately 880 mountain gorillas left in the world, with about half residing in the Virunga mountain range.

This range is shared by Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda.

One of the biggest threats to mountain gorillas is the loss of habitat, and Rwanda has made every effort to maintain the size of the park and make sure the gorilla population is appropriately protected.

Possibly as a result, over 60% of the gorillas in the Virunga mountain range reside in Rwanda.

After Dian Fossey’s gorilla conservation work, skirmishes in gorilla habitats deterred the population growth of these endangered primates.

After Rwanda experienced the harrowing genocide of 1994, the country endeavored to rebuild. Alongside the revival of cities, towns, and communities, the gorilla population also started to make a comeback.

Since 1994, Rwanda has experienced peace, political stability, and fewer human threats to the mountain gorillas.

Limited tourist interactions have kept the gorillas healthy and happy.Gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans.

As a result, gorillas have notoriously frail immune systems when it comes to interacting with humans, and Rwanda does everything it can to prevent the spreading of disease, airborne viruses, and bacteria.

Tourists are not allowed to hike to the mountain gorillas if they have flu or a cold, and upon reaching the gorillas, cannot stand closer than 30 feet (10 meters).

In fact, to keep the gorillas content, tourists are only allowed to observe the gorillas for one hour before returning down the mountain.

Gorilla doctors are also on hand in case any of the gorillas fall ill.

The permit prices directly fund sustainable community development and further gorilla conservation.

In 2017, Rwanda increased gorilla trekking permits from US$750 to US$1500.

Although this decision was met with a lot of complaints, it was done to raise more funds for conservation efforts and surrounding communities.

Previously, communities were given US$37 per gorilla-trekking tourist for schools, hospitals, clean water sources, and business development.

With the price increase, Rwanda now gives surrounding communities US$150 per tourist.

Before these institutionalized funds, these communities were some of the gorilla’s biggest threats, as impoverished families would poach gorillas, take trees and food from their habitat, or accidentally kill them while in search of other animals.

Now, with tourism dollars directly impacting these same communities, the incentive to preserve is greater, and reformed poachers are now found in a range of roles such as park rangers, gorilla trackers, porters, and conservationists.

Rwanda’s famous mountain gorilla population is one of East Africa’s greatest tourist attractions as well as animal conservation success stories.

There are 880 mountain gorillas left in the world, and half of that population resides in the Virunga Mountain range spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Seeing mountain gorillas in the wild is unforgettable, and planning a trip to Rwanda is easier than ever.

The group, a selection of tourists from all over the world, is spellbound. The sheer size of these humanlike creatures is astounding, and their misty forest home beyond serene.

A gorilla toddler shows off his newfound climbing skills by scaling a nearby eucalyptus, as the group joyfully watches on until the allotted hour is up.

Located in the scenic Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, the Umubano group is one out of ten habituated gorilla families that intrepid travellers are able to visit in the country.

The plight of the Rwandan mountain gorilla was initially made famous by celebrated environmentalist Dian Fossey, and since her passing, the Rwandan government has been committed to preserving these beautiful animals.

Even as mountain gorillas remain on the World Wildlife Fund’s critically endangered list, Rwanda’s conservation efforts have been globally renowned, with the country managing to increase the population by 25 percent in the last decade.

Part of these efforts are funded by gorilla trekking, rendering much tourism in Rwanda often environmentally friendly and economically supportive.

Trekking with mountain gorillas, while seemingly difficult, is actually quite easy to arrange.

June through September and December through February are the country’s dry seasons.

Avoid the muddy and difficult treks in the off-season, as there are no discounts for rainy days.

There aren’t yet any direct flights from the United States to Rwanda, but travellers can transit through Rwandair, Turkish Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Qatar Airways, Kenyan Airways, KLM, and Ethiopian Airlines.

Citizens of all nationalities can get thirty day tourism visas on arrival for $30 U.S.D.

Permit prices, unfortunately, are the most prohibitive part of this trip. Permits clock in at $1,500 U.S.D. per person, although a large percentage of the funds from the permits are put directly into Rwanda’s conservation work and local communities.

Permits can be reserved directly through the Rwandan Development Board via email, or through accredited tour guide companies.

Options for that include Thousand Hills, Volcanoes Safari, and Primate Safari.

Book this permit before booking anything else in order to guarantee availability, as there are only one hundred permits available daily.

Gorilla trekking is located in the Musanze district of Rwanda, just a two to three hour drive from the capital city of Kigali.

Most trekkers fly into Kigali before driving to Volcanoes National Park, and have many options when it comes to lodging.

Check out the Marriott or Serena Hotel for a high end experience, and the Mijo Hostel for a budget stay.

In Musanze, the new and luxurious Bisate Lodge has made headlines around the world for its innovative design, with the Virunga Lodge also known as one of Rwanda’s finest.

For more budget or mid-range travelers, check out La Locanda and Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.

Rwanda’s famous mountain gorilla population is one of East Africa’s greatest tourist attractions as well as animal conservation success stories.

There are 880 mountain gorillas left in the world, and half of that population resides in the Virunga Mountain range spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Seeing mountain gorillas in the wild is unforgettable, and planning a trip to Rwanda is easier than ever.

The sheer size of these humanlike creatures is astounding, and their misty forest home beyond serene.

A gorilla toddler shows off his newfound climbing skills by scaling a nearby eucalyptus, as the group joyfully watches on until the allotted hour is up.

Located in the scenic Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, the Umubano group is one out of ten habituated gorilla families that intrepid travellers are able to visit in the country.

The plight of the Rwandan mountain gorilla was initially made famous by celebrated environmentalist Dian Fossey, and since her passing, the Rwandan government has been committed to preserving these beautiful animals.

Even as mountain gorillas remain on the World Wildlife Fund’s critically endangered list, Rwanda’s conservation efforts have been globally renowned, with the country managing to increase the population by 25 percent in the last decade.

Part of these efforts are funded by gorilla trekking, rendering much tourism in Rwanda often environmentally friendly and economically supportive.

Trekking with mountain gorillas, while seemingly difficult, is actually quite easy to arrange.

June through September and December through February are the country’s dry seasons. Avoid the muddy and difficult treks in the off-season, as there are no discounts for rainy days.

Anticipate a difficult hike. Treks range from two to seven hours round trip, and regardless of the season, are often over rough and uphill terrain.

Anyone in moderate shape can do this, but expect a serious workout with some possible rain showers and mud up to your knees.

Although you’ll have to bring some serious rain and hiking gear, get ready for a trip of an experience of a lifetime.

Check in for the hikes takes place at the Volcanoes National Park offices in Kinigi at 8 am. There, trekkers are sorted into groups based on fitness level and greeted by their park rangers for the day.

Expect a really special performance from Intore dancers, a gorilla-oriented briefing, and complimentary tea, coffee, and bananas at the offices.

At around 9 am, trekkers pile back into their cars and drive an additional forty minutes to the trail head.

From there, porters are available for hire to carry backpacks and sometimes trekkers themselves up the steep mountain paths. Sturdy walking sticks are also handed out, and save a many a weary hiker.

Throughout the trek, the park rangers will be in constant communication with the rangers assigned to the respective gorilla families.

These rangers are always aware of the gorilla’s movements, and exist to deter poachers, monitor the gorilla’s health, and guide tourists.

Upon reaching the gorilla families, hikers will be asked to discard their bags and hiking sticks before officially entering the gorilla’s territory.

Groups are allowed to spend exactly one hour with the gorillas, and although tourists must keep themselves 10 meters away, these gorillas are laws unto themselves and can get as close as they want.

Thankfully, these majestic creatures are usually very friendly and safe. Get ready to see them play, eat, sleep, swing, and just do their general gorilla games.

These encounters feel entirely natural, and will undoubtedly be the capstone to an excellent trip in Rwanda.

It’s no secret that Rwanda is well on its way to becoming one of the most desirable tourist destinations in Africa.

Worldwide Rwanda has been lauded for the country’s clean city streets, lush volcanoes, playful gorillas, and, most recently, the new luxury lodging options.

As luxury tourism is undoubtedly on the rise, it begs the question, is Rwanda’s focus on luxury actually benefiting local Rwandans?

Mountain gorillas are Rwanda’s key draw, as there are approximately 880 mountain gorillas left in the world, earning them a spot on the World Wildlife Fund’s critically endangered list.

They are located only in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda specifically has done an unbelievable job at gorilla conservation.

Tourists are able to visit specific gorilla families daily, with a limited number of gorilla trekking permits in Volcanoes National Park available.

Until recently, these permits were $750 USD for foreign visitors, but have since been raised as of May 2017 to $1,500 USD for everyone.

Previously, Rwandan citizens were able to go gorilla trekking for approximately $35 USD. These price increases might be unremarkable, except for the fact that luxury lodging has also cropped up around the country.

With the recent openings of the Marriott, Radisson Blu, Bisate Lodge, and Nyungwe House, more and more international luxury tour operators are launching, and Rwanda is becoming known as a luxury-oriented destination.

The challenges faced in getting tourists since Rwanda’s shift to luxury tourism,is that it’s cheaper now for them to go to Uganda or Congo.

Several midrange Rwandan tour companies have already begun to operate in Uganda and DR Congo.

Gorilla trekking is much cheaper in Uganda and DR Congo, with permits available for $600 USD regularly and $450 USD during April, May, and November for rainy season.

The increase in gorilla permits has slowed down business in Rwanda.

This all being said, with rising tourism prices and Rwanda’s clean and anti-corruption reputation, the Rwandan government should be able to put more money into local communities, infrastructure, education, and countrywide development.

Though the influx of money helps Rwanda, people are nervous about Rwandan tourism businesses being left behind.

Rwandans themselves will also have much less of a chance than wealthy visiting tourists to see the mountain gorillas their own country is so famous for.

This because of the price increase did not account for Rwandan citizens.

Chances for Rwandans to actually participate in the tourism industry, both as domestic tourists and tour operators will continue to decrease as everything gets more expensive across the board.

International operators such as Wilderness Safaris, One&Only Resorts, Volcanoes Safaris, and Governor’s Camp become the primary operating tour companies in the country.

On the bright side, this change should lead to more of a focus on the rest of the country for budget and mid-range travelers.

Though gorilla trekking is now out of the question for many, non-luxury travelers in Rwanda can opt to visit Nyungwe National Forest, Akagera National Park, Gisenyi, and the volcanoes.

There is much to do and see in this beautiful country, regardless of the gorilla and luxury increases.

People will still visit. Whether Rwandan communities will indeed benefit from the upmarket tourism industry or not.


Tourism Observer

RWANDA: RwandAir To Commence Kigali To London Flights On 26th May 2017

RwandAir will launch the first non-stop flight from the UK to Rwanda, one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in Africa, on May 26th.

Operating three times a week from London Gatwick to the Rwandan capital Kigali, the service offers easy access for UK passengers.

The flights, on a new Airbus A330-200, will offer travellers Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The flight time is eight hours 40 minutes.

Passengers travelling on the new RwandAir service in Business Class will be able to take advantage of fully-flat beds and convenient overnight flights.

British travellers are among the top five nationalities to visit Rwanda, which welcomed 1.3 million people last year.

They’re attracted by the incredible scenery, the opportunity for a unique experience visiting mountain gorillas and big game safari.

The recent arrival of black rhinos in the country means that Rwanda is now offering one of the best safari experiences in Africa.

Travellers can explore Rwanda’s diverse ecosystems in its three national parks.

Volcanoes National Park, along the Congo border, is famed for its mountain gorillas but also home to the endangered golden monkey.

RwandAir’s new Airbus 330 which will operate the London Gatwick to Kigali service

The chief tourism officer at the Rwanda Development Board, Belise Kariza, commented: “Rwanda has seen a transformation in recent years and is now becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for premium travellers.

With the new non-stop RwandAir flights to Kigali, and the opening of several premium lodges, Rwanda will be making a big impact as a must-visit country.” 


The newly opened Kigali Convention Centre is also driving the transformation of Kigali into a hub for Meetings, Incentive Conferences and Exhibitions.

Rwanda has been named the third best MICE destination in Africa and will also host the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony in October.

Meanwhile,the latest G650 has taken off from Savannah, Georgia, and headed to the Chinese coastal city of Tianjin to join the fleet of Deer Jet.

This G650 becomes the first private jet of its class registered in mainland China.

Frank Fang, vice president of Deer Jet, said: “We are very honoured to take over the management and operation of the very first G650 registered in China.

“To date, Deer Jet owns three licences to operate a fleet of 90 aircraft worldwide, with two thirds of the jets as managed fleet.

“This new addition demonstrates Deer Jet’s unparalleled 22-years of safety records and operational excellence, in recognition for the company’s global operations capabilities.

“Once again, Deer Jet built a milestone for China’s and the global business aviation industry.

“We created the first private jet company of China, operated the first G450 and G550 in China, and became the first company to operate ultra-long range BBJ and ACJ series in China.

“And most recently, we added to our managed fleet the world’s first BBJ 787.”

The addition of the new G650 marks the start of Deer Jet’s 2017 ambitious plan to further expand its managed fleet.

Already ten more G650/G650ER series are expected to join Deer Jet’s fleet in the near future.

ZAMBIA: 5 About Africa’s Shoebill

The African Shoebill rightfully claims its name as Africa’s swamp king. Shoebills are the ultimate fans of large, rich, dense marshes, wetlands, and swamps. This makes the Bangweulu swamps in Zambia the best place to witness a special sighting of one.

Every May, Robin Pope Safaris takes a trip to the swamps in search of this prehistoric-looking and extremely elusive bird.

Tracking them down on foot or in dugout canoes is part of the unique experience that makes it a bucket list safari.

Based on his personal experience on these wild and remote excursions, Robin Pope Safaris’ guide Jason Alfonsi shares five interesting facts about Africa’s shoebill:

Family genetics
While the shoebill is called a stork, genetically speaking it is more closely related to the pelican or heron families.

They have the same little crest on the back of their head and both have a prehensile prickly tongue which they use to hold and pull food into their bill.

The large bill is also similar in both birds with a hook or tooth at the tip.

Razor sharp beak
Their beaks can reach up to 24cm in length and 20cm in width, often giving the impression of an old big-nosed university professor peering over his spectacles!

But don’t get too caught up in the funny comparison because their beaks mean real business and are used as a very precise fishing tool. The edges of their beaks are razor sharp, enough to decapitate a very large fish or baby crocodile.

Blue-eyed beauties
They may be referred to as the “dino birds” but they are also blessed with the blue-eyed gene.

Some shoebills have exotic pale blue eyes that are quite striking to stare into. Coming face to face with one is the stuff of birding dreams!

Location specific
Bangweulu Swamps in the southern most extent of their distribution but they are also found in other marshy areas in countries like Sudan, Rwanda, and Uganda.

They nest on papyrus platforms which is why their distribution only coincides with the presence of papyrus.

David Lloyd, founder of the Kasanka Trust, collects African masks and it is known that he holds an old mask from Malawi which is clearly of a shoebill.

This suggests shoebills were once in Malawi, in the papyrus swamps there too.

Sibling Rivalry
Shoebills rarely raise more than one chick.

The youngest chick is known to be“insurance” in case the oldest one doesn’t make it.

The sinister sibling rivalry becomes apparent when the mother leaves to fetch water and the oldest chick attacks its younger sibling often drawing blood.

With limited food supply, the mother favours the eldest ensuring one of its young survives.

A trip to Bangweulu swamps in search for Africa’s shoebill demands to be on any birder or nature lover’s wildlife calendar.

Fortunately, the opportunity presents itself every May on a Robin Pope Safari’s Shoebill Safari.

SAO TOME & PRINCIPE: Air Service Memorandum Signed Between Rwanda And Sao Tome

The new bilateral air services agreement was signed over the weekend between the island nation of Sao Tome e' Principe and Rwanda, allowing for flights between the two African countries when either national airline is ready to do so.

Also inked were additional bilateral agreements covering a mutual Visa Waiver, cooperation in tourism, trade, agriculture and animal resources.

The cooperation between the two countries is an extension of Rwanda's deliberate expansion of friendly relations in Africa and follow in the footsteps of similar deals signed in the recent past with Morocco - a country which re-entry into the African Union Rwanda supported greatly - but also with Djibouti and Mozambique, also Portuguese speaking, among others.

Rwanda has in recent years positioned herself as one of Africa's leading MICE hubs with added hotel capacity in Kigali and the opening last year of the new Kigali Convention Centre while also putting national airline RwandAir into position to commence intercontinental flights for the first time in its history when launching Mumbai on the 03rd of April.

A sizeable Rwandan destination has just returned from the world's largest international tourism trade fair, ITB, and members of the delegation commented favourably on interest levels, business conducted and growing demand for Rwanda holidays though two were outspoken in condemning the strike at Berlin's two airports as damaging the image of Germany around the world.

UGANDA: Bakiga Came From Rwanda To Kabale In Uganda

Kabale in Rukiga means a small stone. In the beginning, there was a small stone from which the name Kabale was derived.
Those who saw it, according to Kigezi-based historian Festo Karwemera, said the mysterious stone was small in size, round in shape and very heavy in weight.

Originally, the mysterious stone was situated at where the Kabale District headquarters are located today. According to Karwemera, young men while grazing, or out of curiosity, would attempt to either roll or lift the stone, but in vain. The place became a centre of attraction for many.

Whenever parents asked for the whereabouts of their boys, they always got a response, “bari aha kabale” (they are at the stone), Karwemera tells Sunday Monitor from his home in Kabale Municipality.

When Europeans arrived and could not pronounce the word aha kabale, they shortened it to kabale. Asked what happened to the mysterious stone, the aging Karwemera says it is believed that the colonialists stole it and took it to Europe.

Great trek. In the mid-1800s, it is said about 1,400 Bakiga arrived from Rwanda and settled in what is today Kabale District in south-western Uganda. The colonial government in 1946 resettled them in north Kigezi, Ankole and Tooro sub-regions due to overpopulation and later in 1973, former president Idi Amin attempted to relocate them to Karamoja.

In a six-part series, we bring you the Bakiga’s great trek to Uganda, their war with the Batwa over supremacy, the challenges they faced in their new home and how one of them went back to rule Rwanda

Background
Kabale is situated in south-western Uganda and borders Rwanda. Long before the arrival of the Europeans in Kigezi, and the 1911 establishment of the common border line between Rwanda-Urundi (Rwanda), Tanganyika (Tanzania) and Congo Leopoldville (DR Congo), Kabale (Kigezi) shared a border with Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania and Mbarara District in Uganda.

But with the mushrooming districts in Kigezi sub-region, especially in the last two decades, the once large Kabale has now reduced in size.

Nonetheless, Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest lakes, the beautiful terraces on undulating hills and valleys and cold weather have remained the identity of Kabale.

It was because of the cold weather and mountainous nature of Kabale that when British deputy secretary of state for colonies Winston Churchill visited Uganda in 1907 he called Kabale the “Switzerland of African”.

The 91-year-old Karwemera told Sunday Monitor that in the early 1960’s he interviewed Nuhu Karaza, a man who saw the small stone from which the name kabale was derived.

The stone, which was situation on Makanga Hill, was known in Rukiga as “akataterurwa ka kabale” (can’t be lifted of kabale).
Karwemera says the man told him that as a youth, he argued with others that he could lift the stone from the ground. So a date was set. The man lifted it off the ground, but not without getting ashamed.

He admitted to Karwemera that as he lifted the mysterious stone a few inches off the ground, he passed the “behind gas” amidst cheers and jeers from spectators.

How Bakiga came to Kabale
Before they settled in Kabale, the Bakiga came from Rwanda and Zaire in the 1800s.

In 1967, Ugandan historians led by Prof Samuel Karugire from Makerere University, Zakayo Rwandusya and Ndebesa (not the Makerere University professor) from Kisoro, and Festo Karwemera and Paulo Ngorogoza from Kabale researched and compiled a book titled History of Kigezi in South West Uganda which reveals the history of the Bakiga in Kigezi.

They research revealed that Bakiga entered Kigezi from Rwanda, and from there they settled in Kigezi.

In his writing under the topic The Origin and Settlement of People in Bufumbira, Rwandusya reveals that part of his source of information was his granduncle Basazo Tibarura Yamutago Abagiri Kanyeihamba whom he had interviewed in 1918. His other sources were elders who he interviewed in 1927 who settled in Kabale (Kigezi) as teenagers from Rwanda.

In a simple calculation, if someone was about 50 years old in 1917, he could have been born in 1867. And if he was 80 years old, he then could have been born in 1837, meaning that he could have heard first-hand accounts, or even witnessed the Bakiga emigrate from Rwanda.

The Bakiga came in different groups at different times. They, like other African tribes, have clans and sub-clans. When they first arrived, individual leaders headed each clan or sub-clan such as the Basigi (Basigyi), Bagahe and Bazigaba.

It should be noted that at the time these people came to the “country” called “Rukiga” they were not known as the Bakiga, but as Basigi, Bagahe, Bazigaba etecetra.

But because upon arrival they settled in present-day Rukiga County, their neighbours in the north, the Bahororo, called them aba Rukiga (people of Rukiga) and later explorer Henry Stanley called them the Wakiga people.

Other British colonialists such as Sir Harry Johnston in his book Uganda Protectorate Volume I and II and called them the Kiga people. Thus, the Basigi, Bagahe, Bazigaba and other clans came to be known as one people, the Bakiga.

Period of arrival
From oral narrations recorded from Bakiga elders by Ugandan historians in their book History of Kigezi in South-west Uganda, they estimated that the Bagahe clan could have been the first to arrive.

“They arrived in Kigezi in 1400 from Rwanda where they had occupied Buhandagara, Muduga Kigango, Bunyambiriri, Buhoma, and Bugoyi. The first Mugahe to arrive was Nkurunkumbi, a kinsman of Ruganzu. Ruganzu’s sister Robwa was the wife of the Omukama of Bugyesera who lived in Gisaka,” the elders wrote.

The Bagyeshera are believed to have arrived in Rukiga from Gisaka, Rwanda, where they had been ruled by Kimenyi, son of Ruhinda.
They came after their leader, Kimenyi, had been murdered in vengeance. It is said he was killed by a one Mukubu on order of king Kirima Rugwe of Rwanda.

The sub-clans under the Bagyeshera are: Bashambo, Bagunga, Barunga, Barunga and Baishikatwa, among others.

The Basigyi are thought to have arrived in Kigezi in around 1450 from Rwanda. But they had originally migrated from Rutshuru, Congo before going to Rwanda. Around 1450, king Kigeri I of Rwanda attacked them, killing their leader Migina and forcing them to escape to Bufumbira where they settled near Kigyezi (Kigezi) area near Rukiga.

The Abakiga ba Bagiri are assumed to have arrived in Rukiga in around 1522, according to the narrations from the Bakiga elders. They were escaping persecution from King Yuhi II Gahima of Rwanda.

How Banyarwanda become Bafumbira

Kigezi became part of Uganda in 1911. Britain, Uganda’s colonial master, gave Helgoland strip to Germany in exchange for Kigezi as a concession.

It was during the Brussels Convention of 1910 that it was agreed that territories in Africa obtained after the 1884 Berlin Act be re-mapped and surveyed in order to ascertain boundaries, size, and the location of certain physical features such as lakes, rivers and mountains.

That is why most physical features are today shared by two or three countries. It originated from the Brussels Act of 1910 which involved three countries – Britain, German and Belgium. The pact signed was also known as the Anglo-German-Belgian Convention.

Among other reasons the convention was held was because a year before, in 1909, king Leopold II of Belgium who owned the Congo Free State (now Democratic Republic of Congo) had died.

And so a new agreement was required between the Congolese and the British. Therefore, the new agreement repealed the earlier agreement signed between the British and king Leopold II. And also, another one was signed between the British and Germans.

Kigezi comes to Uganda
After the 1884 and 1894 agreements, the whole of Kigezi sub-region, excluding Rujumbura County in now Rukungiri District, that belonged to Germany territory (now Tanzania) and the DRC, was given to Britain.

During the Brussels convention, it was agreed that the area south-west of Uganda (Kigezi) be given to Britain in exchanges for the Helgoland strip in Germany. The Kigezi area exchanged stretched from Congo to Ankole kingdom and curved out part of present day Ntungamo District.

This is how the Rwanda-Tanzania-Uganda border as we know it was demarcated in 1910. This is recorded in the Uganda protectorate annual report File No: 256 of 1913, which was published after the two accords.

In part it says: “With regard to the Uganda’s boundary with the German sphere of influence south-west Uganda curving away southwards beyond 1 degree south, the Germans agreed to transfer a strip of land in exchange of Britain returning a small territory called Helgoland in Germany.”

“After the Brussels convention, the British signed agreements with the Germans and the Congolese to affirm territorial ownership of new colonies in the east African region.”

And so after a mutual understanding was reached between Britain and German, on May 14, 1910, the Anglo-German agreement was signed, officially giving Kigezi area in Uganda to be under British rule.

On October 30, 1911, Captain Reid led the British team which met the German and Belgian team at Kabale to plant stones marking the boundary between Uganda, Rwanda-Urundi and the Congo Free State.

Former king Makobore of Mpororo attended the function as the chief of Rujumbura County after Mpororo had been divided into counties for easy administration, according to Sir Harry Johnston’s book Uganda Protectorate Volume 1 published in 1902.

Thus, it was the Anglo-German agreement of 1910 that officially made the Bakiga and Banyarwanda (Bafumbira) in Kigezi citizens of Uganda.

Banyarwanda become Bafumbira
Ever wondered why the people in Kisoro District are called Bafumbira, but the language they speak and write is Kinyarwanda?

Until 1969, the people who lived in present Gisoro area, now Kisoro District, were not known as Bafumbira, but Banyarwanda-Ugandans.
Before 1910 when Kigezi became part of Uganda, the people who stayed in the south-west of Kigezi (Bufumbira County) were known as Rwandans, while those living in Busanza were known as Zairwas because that territory was in Belgian Congo, now DRC.

Busanza west and the neighbouring Murenge hills became part of Congo. Of course, the people who lived in Bufumbira, Busanza and Mulengi hills were Banyarwanda who had settled there before the 1884 partitioning of Africa by the Europeans.

However, many came into the area after the 1897 war and famine in Rwanda. Just as when the Banyarwanda arrived between 1400 and 1897 and settled in Rukiga and were called Abarukiga (people of Rukiga), similarly when the Banyarwanda went and settled in the beautiful and fertile Mulengi hills, the Bacongo people called them Banyamulenge (people of the Mulenge), which they are still called to date.

Though the Banyamulenge are segregated in the DRC, they lived in Congo long before the Europeans partitioned Africa and separated relatives by international boundaries.

In Gisoro, that the Europeans wrote as Kisoro and the word changed to this day, when Western education penetrated that area (now Kisoro District), especially after the First World War, books used for teaching were written in Kinyarwanda and published at Kabgayi Catholic Mission near Kigali, Rwanda.

The trend remained until after Uganda got independence in 1962.

So what happened?
In 1959, there was genocide in Rwanda. Some Tutsi fleeing the genocide entered Uganda and settled among their relatives, especially in Bufumbira County.

During the 1969 population census, there was confusion and misinformation. The Tutsi refugees in Bufumbira feared that by mentioning their true identity, they would be identified as refugees. They told the enumerators that they were Bafumbira.

And so the enumerators documented them as Bafumbira. In that year, the matter was brought before Parliament of Uganda for clarification. So from 1969 a new tribe called the Bafumbira came into existence.

Today, the Bafumbira are recorded as the 6th tribe of Uganda in the 1995 Constitution.

RWANDA: Rwanda’s Wilderness In The Heart Of The City

While most cities battle with urban sprawl and the lack of truly wild spaces, the city of Kigali in Rwanda is planning a major greening project in the heart of the city.

A new €2.7 million plan is being developed to create a large eco-tourism park just a short drive from the city’s main international airport. The wetlands park will be around 130 hectares in size, and will be developed over the next three years, according to the local government.

City planners are hoping it will become a paradise for bird lovers, with Rwanda already considered one of the best locations for birding in the world. Despite the country’s comparatively small size (about the size of Belgium) – it is home to more than 700 different bird species in its dense forests, mountains, and wetlands. The new plan will also see walking and cycling trails developed alongside bird hides and leisure fishing ponds.

The Nyandungu Wetland park as it will be known, will also feature picnic areas, a café, and a spot specially designated for wedding photos.

The area had slowly been encroached on by development, with cattle grazing in the wetlands, and also the illegal development of garages and other light industry. Under the new plan, the site will be protected in an attempt to return it to its former glory as a vibrant wildlife habitat. Rwanda has emerged from its violent recent past with tourism playing a key role in getting the country’s economy back on its feet.

Many travellers are attracted by the opportunity to see rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in the famous Virunga Mountains.

With the opening of the eco-tourism park in Kigali however, visitors can still get a taste of Rwanda’s wilderness without even leaving the city. For those heading into the country, there are three different national parks to visit: Akagera, the location for a lion reintroduction programme; the Nyungwe rainforest, home to thirteen different primate species, and Volcanoes National Park.

SOUTH AFRICA: South African Tourists In Zimbabwe Decline,Weak Rand To Blame

Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi

South African tourist arrivals in Zimbabwe have declined sharply by about half — and the weak rand was to blame, Tourism minister Walter Mzembi has said.

Mzembi at the African Union summit in Kigali, Rwanda, over the weekend said that Zimbabwe used to have about 2,1 million tourists arrivals in the country, of which almost 1,5 million were South African.

“It went down by almost 50%, and that is not assisting the struggling economy,” he said of the economic situation in the country.

“The bullish United States dollar has made Zimbabwe as a destination uncompetitive for South Africans and anyone not using US dollars,” he said.

Mzembi said Zimbabwe’s economy “has been gliding through a recession some time” on the back of declining productivity as well as the “bullish” US dollar — which is the main currency in use in Zimbabwe.

He said 70% of Zimbabwe’s imports were from South Africa, and 77,8% of its exports went through the country and about two million lived in South Africa “as part of our Diaspora”.

“You can’t disregard or wish away umbilical relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe,” he said.

Mzembi said recent measures by Zimbabwe to curb imports from South Africa were adopted to arrest the country’s decline in productivity, but he admitted the measures “could have been conceived better”.

He said, for instance, the ban on the importation of South African goods that were also being manufactured in Zimbabwe also counted for ordinary travellers carrying household goods, and these have now been exempted.

“You want to allow space for the travelling public to be able to import within duty remit,” he said.

Other issues related to the ban, including the concerns raised by small traders who protested against it earlier this month, would be discussed “on a bureaucratic” level with South Africa’s trade and industry department, he said.

Asked how the country would deal with traders exporting goods from South Africa to other countries via Zimbabwe, Mzembi said the implementation of this still needed to be finalised.

“All the unintended consequences have been acknowledge. The current exercise is to review and smoothen the implementation,” he said.

“If there are any issues that need to be escalated at a political level, politicians will be engaged,” he said, adding that it wasn’t at this stage yet.

KENYA: Country Citizens That Can Visit Kenya With No Visa

As tourist visas in East African Community countries increase by day, there is still good news. If you are from the countries below, you are still safe. The Kenyan government started the system of issuing visa online where a user has to first register. This system together with the paper system will work until the 31st August 2015. There after, all the applications will have to be made online.

The following countries have concluded visa abolition agreement with Kenya:

- Ethiopia
- San Marino

Visa fees for Kenya
a) Single entry $50.00
b) Multiple entry $100.00
c) East African $100.00 – allow travel between Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda with the same multiple entry visa.The holder of the East Africa Tourist Visa shall enter the region from the country that issued the visa and move within the two other countries without applying for another visa or paying another visa fee.
d) Transit Visa $20.00
e) Administrative fee for referred visa $10.00

Persons aged 16 years and below will require a visa to enter Kenya.
Diplomatic, Official, Service and Courtesy visas will continue to be issued Gratis.

East Africa Single Tourist Visa

Since East Africa’s single tourist visa was launched in February last year, 4,000 visas have been issued. This is a month-on-month improvement from an average of 156 visas sold in the 10 months to December last year, to 305 this year. With the visa, foreigners can visit attractions in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda on paying a fee of $100 (Sh10,600); Tanzania and Burundi are not party to the deal.

Chief tourism officer of Rwanda Development Board said this illustrates that easing the visa process can significantly increase the uptake of the region’s tourism products. “Kenya and Uganda had to revise their visa fees in favour of the harmonised visa charges. It takes political will for that to happen and it’s good that our three leaders are committed to the process,” she said.

Carmen Nibigira, the regional co-ordinator for the East Africa Tourism Platform, added: “We tour over a dozen countries in Europe using the Schengen visa. There is no reason East Africa should have restrictions when visiting all five countries.” Kenya Association of Hotel Owners and Caterers CEO Mike Macharia called on regional airlines to lower fares to enable more passengers take advantage of the new visa regime.

TANZANIA: East Launches First Travel Document

President John Magufuli will be joining his four counterparts from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi in launching the first community travel document here on Wednesday.

The new digitalised and machine- readable East African Passport replaces the old EAC travel document, which was restricted to just the five member states. Apparently, the proposed new one is going to be as international as the current Tanzanian booklet passport, which means it will be accepted all over the globe.

Arusha will be hosting five Presidents from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and Tanzania who are set to converge here for their Heads of State Summit on Wednesday the 2nd of March 2016.

According to the Head of Communications at the East African Community Secretariat, Mr Richard Owora Othieno, the five East African presidents are converging here for their 17th Ordinary East African Community (EAC) Heads of State Summit.

The five presidents, including for the first time at the summit, Dr John Magufuli, will have several items on the agenda, including the launching of the new electronic East African Passport and discussion of the possibilities of adding new members, including South-Sudan into the Arusha-based, community.

The Summit will also address the consideration of reports by the preceding EAC Council of Ministers on: the negotiations on the admission of the Republic of South Sudan into the Community.

The Head of State will also be addressing Sustainable Financing Mechanisms for the EAC; and the EAC Institutional Review. Tanzania will be handing over the Summit Chair to the next country, possibly Burundi despite conflicts in the country.

The meeting will also consider the council's reports on the Model, Structure and Action Plan of the EAC Political Federation; Implementation of the Framework for Harmonized EAC Roaming Charges and Modalities for Promotion of Motor Vehicle Assembly in the region.

They will talk about the Reduction of the Importation of Used Motor Vehicles from Outside the Community, and; the Promotion of the Textile and Leather Industries in the region, and stopping importation of Used Clothes, Shoes and Other Leather Products from outside the region.

The Summit is also expected to deliberate on a report by the Council on the verification exercise for the admission of the Republic of Somalia into the EAC. The Heads of State are expected to launch the new International East African e-passport (electronic-passport) during their meeting.

The Summit will be preceded by a meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers that had been taking place at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha between 27th, February 22 and Sunday.

Meanwhile, President Magufuli arrived in Arusha yesterday where he will among other activities, lead the 17th Ordinary East African Community (EAC) Heads of State Summit on Wednesday on Wednesday.

At the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), President Magufuli was received by various government and political party leaders. Dr Magufuli, who is the current EAC Chair, will also hold talks with EAC head of States before the Head of States Summit.

On Thursday, President Magufuli and his Kenyan counterpart, President Uhuru Kenyatta, will lay a foundation stone for construction of the Arusha-Holili-Taveta-Voi road linking Tanzania and Kenya. The road is under EAC development plans, being implemented by EAC member states.

ETHIOPIA: Ethiopia On Her Way To Become Chain Hotel Hub

Ethiopia is ranked among the top 10 leading markets in Africa for international chain hotel developments while Egypt leads the group with 18 new hotel chains being developed. Currently, Ethiopia gripped 8th position with 84 per cent hotel development pipeline and under construction disclosed the survey presented at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in Addis Ababa.

The hotel business boom in Africa is topping the global market. Taking its share from the African market, Ethiopia has eight new global brand hotels under pipeline. Across the continent, 270 hotel chains are in the pipeline with the expected number of rooms, exceeding 30,000. Egypt is followed by Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Libya, Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda. Although the leading nations are mainly from northern Africa, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are gaining momentum in hotel development projects.

The information obtained from Bench Events indicates that, out of the top 10 global hotel operators, Hilton Worldwide leads with about 7,250 rooms in new hotels. However, Marriott leaps forward, leading with the development of 36 new hotels across the continent. Hotel Partners Africa also identified the top ten opportunities for investors keen to develop hotels in Africa. In West Africa, Nigeria presents the biggest opportunity, with the strongest economy on the continent with 34 branded hotel bedrooms per million population. Ghana with 59 bedrooms and Cote D’Ivoire with 61 bedrooms also present great opportunities with very strong demand.

Rwanda, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia present 29, 48, 63, 79, 122 bedrooms respectively. Despite the existence of great development potential in the region, the political and other risks tend to suggest that new international investment will be limited in the near future. However, Libya continues to attract investors despite the political unrest. Project returns also identified to bring high revenue.

Hotel values in the majority of these locations have been strongly growing. In African countries, 76 per cent of hotel investment returns have been higher than combined averages across other property investments. African countries have shown significant annual growth over the last six years including Zambia and Ghana at 6.5 per cent, Tanzania 6.3 per cent and Angola 6.2 per cent from the most under-supplied opportunity markets. Ethiopia is also listed among the top markets with several deals in process and new chain hotels venturing into the untapped hotel development. Hilton signed a deal for upscale Hilton Awassa Resort & Spa which is expected to open in 2020. Marriott International in partnership with Sunshine Business, opened Africa’s first Marriott Executive Apartments in Ethiopia’s capital.

“Hotel developments prove that it’s an exciting time for Ethiopia which is being transformed from the traditional market to a much developed and less riskier business environment. Investment by major operators evidenced that luxury is coming to the growing nation,” said Estelle Verdier, Managing Director of Jovago East and Southern Africa.

On the other hand, hosting the glamorized and biggest AHIF, which was attended by major global industry players and policy makers, placed Ethiopia in a better position to attract more investments. During the event, major brand operators such as Wyndham Group, Ramada Addis, Inter Continental Group, Accor Group, Western International Inn linked management agreements to run star-rated hotels which would open doors between end 2015 and 2018. The AHIF has also been seen as fresh negotiations expected to bring more chain hotels to Ethiopia.

RWANDA: Medical Tourism, Turkish Airlines Bridges Gap Between Rwanda And Turkey

Turkish Airlines has launched a new initiative to boost medical tourism between Rwanda and Turkey.

The initiative seeks to support the exchange of knowledge, experience and technology on medical aspects to boost medical tourism between the two countries, Omer Faruk Korkmaz, the airline’s General manager for Rwanda said, yesterday.

The initiative is also designed to promote bilateral and economic relations between Rwanda and Turkey.

“We are already organising exchange orientation trips for doctors, experts and medical professors from both countries, so they can be able to come up with agreements on how they can work together,” Korkmaz said.

We have already contacted the Turkish Association of hospitals who are willing to send doctors to Rwanda to champion this cause, he added.

The airline operates daily flights between Kigali and Istanbul in Turkey.

Rwanda is also cooperating with Turkey in areas of trade, investment and security.

Regional Airlines Talk On Way Forward

The four partner states in the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIP) – Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan - have finally come to appreciate that the proliferation of airlines in the region will sooner or later bring about a waste of scarce resources unless cooperation supersedes national narrow-minded ego trips, mostly by people with their own agenda.

It was welcome news, therefore, when after the last meeting of the NCIP countries in Kenya, information began to emerge that in particular South Sudan – though not a member of the East African Community but nevertheless a part of the NCIP group – and perhaps more reluctantly Uganda, came on board and agreed to promote both RwandAir and Kenya Airways to provide for the air travel needs of their respective citizens.

Bureaucrats in the national aviation regulatory offices have been tasked to create a single airspace area for the four countries, effectively preparing the way for RwandAir and Kenya Airways – Uganda and South Sudan do not have national airlines – to operate without any restrictions across the region.

RwandAir is presently operating flights from Entebbe to/from Juba and from Entebbe to/from Nairobi under fifth freedom rights. The Rwandan national airline in particular, after announcing their order for four more brand-new aircraft due to be delivered next year, including two Airbus A330s, will offer Ugandans the option to travel across the region and the continent via Kigali while expanding destinations to China, India, and Europe next year.

Similar to operations by Brussels Airlines and KLM, both of which fly from their hubs via Kigali to Entebbe, RwandAir could route their wide-body flights via Entebbe, too, subject to sufficient passenger numbers boarding and de-boarding, or else provide more feeder flights out of Entebbe to Kigali.

The same principle applies to Kenya Airways’ flights in equal terms for Juba and for Entebbe, to connect passengers from these two points of origin into their regional, African, and intercontinental network.

It is understood that the opening of the airspaces might well be restricted to the respective national carriers leaving other airlines, in particular those privately owned in Kenya out of the equation who will have to compete as designated airlines for point-to-point traffic.

The ministerial working group will submit their findings and recommendations to the next NCIP Head of State Summit which was postponed due to East Africa’s presidents attending the UN General Assembly in New York, making a postponement of the Nairobi NCIP Summit necessary.

Mr. Barry Kashambo, formerly the head of CASSOA and now Regional Director for ICAO based in Nairobi, was quoted to have said that such a move was bound to bring airfares down and increase the number of frequencies connecting the region.

The new deal could become effective, provided that in particular the notorious Kenyan regulators are kept on a tight leash, as early as the first quarter of 2016 and then provide passengers out of Entebbe and Juba with additional flights operated by Kenya Airways and RwandAir.

Left out of this development are Burundi, the worst-connected country in the East African Community and also almost shunned due to recent political events, and Tanzania, which opted to stay out of the fast-track cooperation entered into by Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, and Kenya.

Subsequently Tanzania’s airlines will not benefit from these additional opportunities which are now beckoning on the horizon, leaving that country to ponder what new path to embark on after a new president comes into office following the upcoming elections.

Aviation industry organizations like IATA and of course AFRAA, the African Airline Association based in Nairobi, have for long promoted the concept of closer cooperation instead of constant fragmentation to see more viable airlines emerge which have the capacity to withstand the competitive pressures of not just the European legacy airlines but in particular the emerging mega airlines from the Gulf and from Turkey.

What is need in East Africa, in fact across Africa, is a sound mix between full-service airlines and low-cost airlines. The latter has, and I give you Jambojet in Kenya and Fastjet in Tanzania as an example, brought a whole new segment of travelers to go by air instead of using buses or trains.

However, the former will equally have a place because of connectivity through their hubs rather than point-to-point traffic. If existing and well-operating airlines like Kenya Airways and RwandAir can be given full access to the market in Uganda and South Sudan, it will benefit travelers as much as the airlines.

What the countries must, however, watch out for is that limits are set on fares to avoid exploitative ticket prices, because that would kill this concept instantly.

TANZANIA: SITE Tourism Exhibition Opens In Tanzania

The second edition of the Swahili International Tourism Expo (SITE) has kicked off in Tanzania’s capital city of Dar es Salaam attracting participants across the world.

Some 103 companies are participating the three-day event. Companies from key African destinations are participating at SITE while trade visitors from several African countries have shown up.

Countries which have brought their representatives to SITE are the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Russia, South Africa, Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Seychelles, Germany, China, and Spain.

This year’s SITE has so far attracted 43 International Hosted Buyers made up of tour operators, package safari makers and planners, and travel agents rated as wholesalers. About 2,000 trade visitors are attending as well and are expected to visit the SITE exhibition hall.

The President of the United States Tour Operators Association, Mr. Terry Dale, will address the SITE participants Friday morning on the second day of the exhibition.

Mr. Dale has arrived in Tanzania and has confirmed to this eTN correspondent of his participation at the event and that he will address the event participants.

KENYA: East African Safari Classic Rally

The Kenya Airways sponsored East African Safari Classic Rally went underway over the weekend with local favourite Ian Duncan first off the starting ramp.

This rally, often dubbed as the world’s greatest, is a modern day replica of the once upon a time World Championship event, which was raced every year over Easter, giving hundreds of volunteers in those days the opportunity to help and support a team of their choice. The change of dates for the Easter weekend however eventually became an obstacle for the international rally organization and the then Kenyan government’s failure to appreciate the PR value of keeping the event sealed the fate of the ‘Safari’ when it was dropped from the annual world championship race calendar.

The event back then, in the early years often including sojourns into neighbouring countries Uganda and Tanzania, was one of the most grueling but a magnet for foreign drivers wanting to match themselves and their machines against the rough tracks across unforgiving terrain. Weather too played an often crucial role as heavy rains regularly turned sections of the rally route into a mud quagmire from which few escaped unscathed.

The modern day replica now takes place every two years and only permits those classic rally cars of the olden days to participate, again drawing in former world champions and rally greats. It was local racing legend Mike Kirkland who eventually brought the ‘Safari’ back on the agenda and gave this event a new lease of life, albeit in a different format.

The rally, once again a crowd puller, has been made possible by the support of many sponsors and supporters, including the government of Kenya which now sees the event as a major opportunity to generate positive publicity for the country. The sponsors, led by national airline Kenya Airways, which flew in rally cars, spare kits and crews from Europe but also officials from South Africa, also include Sarova Hotels which has for several years now partnered with the rally organizers and KQ to make the event happen.

UGANDA: Pope Francis Visit To Attract Religious Tourism

The Uganda Tourism Board has launched a campaign to promote Uganda’s heritage across Africa anchoring it on Pope Francis’ visit to the country on November 27. “We are ready and have already designed posters to different African countries pending distribution at different churches. We hope to talk to the priests to publicise the Pope’s visit and also use social media,” said John Ssempebwa, the deputy UTB Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The visit is seen as an opportunity to boost faith-based tourism. Some of the countries being targeted are Nigeria, Rwanda, Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo which has the highest Catholic population in Africa.

“We are going to break the global world record of the number of people attending the Pope’s mass. The current record of six million people is held by Philippines, which invested about $40 million in publicity. We don’t need that. We are collaborating with the Catholic Church and we are going to break that record mark this year,” Mr Ssempebwa said.

Currently, Uganda receives more than 3,000 pilgrims on June 3 every year for the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations in Namugongo.

“We have never advertised Martyrs Day in any of those countries. This is a one-off and importantly we are treating this as faith-based tourism. For the first time we have the Protestants and Muslims on board,” he added.

BURUNDI: Burundi Releases Rwandans, Complains Its Citizens Held In Kigali

Burundi has released some Rwandans held incommunicado after Kigali appealed to the Bujumbura government, while accusing its northern neighbour of detaining its citizens on similar suspicions of espionage.

Dozens of Rwandans are being held in Bujumbura and Cibitoke on suspicion that they were spying for the Rwandan government. 14 of the more than 30 Rwandan nationals who were arrested in Burundi were released last week.

Burundi in turn says Rwanda is detaining its citizens on similar accusations. At least 29 Burundians are thought to be held by Rwandan authorities on suspicion of spying for Bujumbura.

The Burundian ambassador to Rwanda Alexis Ntukamazina confirmed to The EastAfrican that Burundian nationals are being detained in Rwanda but said that the two governments are working together to see how they can be released.

“Yes, I can confirm that we are aware of some Burundians who are detained in Rwanda and we are working to see how this matter can be resolved,” said Mr Ntukamazina, without specifying the number or reasons they were arrested.

“As you might have seen in the media, some Rwandans who were detained in Burundi have already been released. I am confident the remaining ones will be released too. We are brothers and sisters and we believe this matter will be resolved in a short time,” he added.

The Rwanda National Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Celestin Twahirwa could not confirm the development, instead referring to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to sources, the Burundians were arrested between April and August after they were suspected of spying for the Burundian government.

“Most of them came in masquerading as refugees, but they would later be suspected or found to be spies or members of Imbonerakure (a pro-government militia group) who were sent to spy on fellow countrymen seeking refuge in Rwanda,” a Burundian refugee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

Diplomatic ties between Rwanda and Burundi have not been good over the past months after Kigali expressed concern over the violence in the country.

Burundi in turn accused Rwanda, which is hosting over 70,000 Burundian refugees, of allowing opposition members a safe haven to regroup and wage war against the government.

Bujumbura has accused Kigali of supporting rebel groups planning to wage war against President Pierre Nkurunziza’s government, accusations that the Rwandan government has vehemently denied.

The two countries previously shared warm relations and depended on each other for cross-border trade while social relations thrived.

RWANDA: 24 Baby Mountain Gorillas Named

Rwanda named two-dozen baby mountain gorillas in an annual ceremony Saturday that highlights the African country's efforts to protect the endangered animals, which attract large numbers of foreign tourists to the volcano-studded forests where they live.

The young gorillas, identified by trackers and researchers, were in their wild habitat nearby and not at the naming event Saturday in Kinigi, near the entrance to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. But Rwandan President Paul Kagame was among thousands of people who gathered there to celebrate the threatened population of mountain gorillas, whose image adorns numerous sculptures in Rwanda as well as a national currency banknote.

The Rwandan government hopes the naming ceremony, which began in 2005 and is based on a similar tradition among Rwandans, will highlight the importance of protecting mountain gorillas as well as promote the tourism industry, the country's top foreign currency earner. Researchers also refer to the names to identify gorillas and their families while conducting studies in the wild.

The names bestowed on the gorillas on Saturday included the words for "Power," ''Courage" and Conviviality" in the Rwandan language.

Rwanda's mountain gorillas live in the Virunga Massif, which spans Volcanoes National Park as well as parks in neighboring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Another population of mountain gorillas lives in a separate area of Uganda.

The numbers of mountain gorillas dropped dramatically in the last century because of poaching, disease and human encroachment on their habitats. The total population of mountain gorillas is currently an estimated 900; conservationists say the population has been increasing in recent years.

About Kwita Izina
Naming a newly born baby has been part of Rwandan culture and tradition for centuries. Given the remarkable efforts by the Government of Rwanda, through the Rwanda Development Board, and in collaboration with various conservation partners and local communities , to actively protect the Mountai n Gorillas and their habitat, the old naming century’s tradition was modelled on these species to get the national brand known as “Kwita Izina”.

Names attributed to the gorillas play a significant role in the on-going programme of monitoring each individual gorilla in their families and habitat. Kwita Izina, a uniquely Rwandan event, was introduced in 2005 with the aim of creating awareness of conservation efforts for the endangered mountain gorilla.

For three decades prior to the first official gorilla naming ceremony, the naming of baby gorillas was carried out with little awareness amidst the public by the rangers and researchers that closely monitor these unique animals on a daily basis.

Kwita Izina has been attended by thousands of international, regional and local participants over the recent years. The Government of Rwanda and conservation partners have donated substantial resources to gorilla conservation and continue to do so. Each year new born gorilla babies are celebrated in an exciting event at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains .

Tourism that focuses on natural environments is a large and growing part of the tourism industry in Rwanda. While it can contribute in a positive manner to soci o-economic development and environmenta l protection, uncontrolled tourism growth can also cause environmental degradation, destruction of fragile ecosystems, and social and cultural conflict, undermining the basis of tourism. Therefore, considering that natural forests constitute 8.7% of the national territory, conservation continues to play a crucial role in the country’s development.

Eleventh Annual Kwita Izina 2015

On 5th September, 2015, the Rwanda Development Board hosted the eleventh Kwita Izina, naming 24 baby gorillas, the newest arrivals born after last year’s ceremony.

This year’s Kwita Izina will take place as we embark on carrying out another g eneral census of the gorilla population in the Virunga Massif following the one that was carried out in 2010. In 2010, the gorilla population registered a 26,3% growth in a period of 7 years from 2003.

The theme for Kwita Izina 2015 is conserving now and for the future

The private sector has explored expansive business opportunities around conservation efforts that have been harnessed into ongoing profitable and viable business ventures. As a result, the tourism sector has registered continued growth through attracting international hospitality brands and businesses .

Since 2007, tourism has been the leading sector in foreign exchange earnings for the country. The objective is to grow tourism revenues by 25% per annum as projected in the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy 2.