CategoriesCompany Insight By glaubetourstravel@gmail.com

Kabaka’s Mengo Palace – A Journey Through History with Glaube Tours

The Kabaka’s Mengo Palace in Kampala is more than just a royal residence; it is a living testament to Buganda’s history, culture, and resilience. Every corner of this iconic site holds stories of power, unity, and survival, making it a must-visit destination for travelers eager to connect with Uganda’s heritage.

Walking through the palace grounds with Glaube Tours and Travel, you’ll be guided through the wonders and hidden tales that make Mengo Palace unforgettable.

  • The Twekobe: Built in 1922 during the reign of King Daudi Chwa, this main palace building embodies unity, with its name meaning “to work together.” While visitors cannot enter the interior, the restored facade stands as a proud symbol of the Buganda Kingdom’s strength and tradition.

  • The Royal Mile: This ceremonial road stretches from the palace to the Buganda Parliament (Bulange). Lined with clan totems, it paints a vivid picture of Buganda’s clan system and cultural identity.

  • The Fire Pit: At the palace gate, a traditional fire burns endlessly, symbolizing that the Kabaka is alive and reigning. This sacred flame is only extinguished upon the king’s passing, marking a powerful cultural ritual.

  • The Torture Chambers: Beneath the palace lies a haunting reminder of Uganda’s turbulent political past. Visitors can explore the underground tunnels where Amin and Obote once held and executed political prisoners. The chilling concrete cells, separated by an electrified water channel, still bear prisoner messages etched into the walls.

  • Remains of Mutesa’s Rolls Royce: Scattered across the grounds are the rusted remains of Kabaka Mutesa II’s Rolls Royce, destroyed during Idi Amin’s regime. The relic stands as a solemn reminder of the struggles faced by the kingdom.

A visit to Mengo Palace is not just a tour—it is an immersion into the history and resilience of the Buganda Kingdom. With Glaube Tours and Travel, you’ll experience these stories firsthand, guided through the cultural landmarks and historical depths that make the palace an unforgettable journey.

CategoriesCreative By glaubetourstravel@gmail.com

Arua to Host Uganda’s World Tourism Day as Sector Records 24% Growth

Arua, Uganda — Uganda’s tourism sector is riding on strong momentum, growing by 24% in the first half of 2024, and this year’s World Tourism Day celebrations are set to reflect that optimism. For the first time, the national festivities will be held in Arua City, the commercial hub of the West Nile region, shining a spotlight on one of the country’s most underexplored tourism frontiers.

Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the celebrations will run throughout September with a series of activities including cultural showcases, conservation initiatives, and campaigns aimed at boosting travel to northwestern Uganda.

Speaking during the official launch at Faraway Hotel last week, State Minister for Tourism Martin Mugarra said the choice of Arua aligns with this year’s global theme: “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”

“By bringing the celebrations to Arua City, we want to showcase the tourism opportunities of the West Nile region and integrate the region more strongly into the national tourism development agenda,” Mugarra said.

The minister emphasized that tourism growth must be inclusive and regionally balanced, ensuring that communities in less-visited areas like West Nile also benefit from the sector’s expansion.

Uganda received 678,811 visitors in 2023, and arrivals have already risen by 12% this year. Revenue trends are equally promising, with tourism earnings in the first half of 2024 hitting Shs 2.68 trillion, up from Shs 2.16 trillion in the same period last year.

For Arua and the wider West Nile, hosting the national event is both symbolic and strategic. With its rich cultural diversity, proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, and untapped natural attractions, the region is poised to benefit from increased visibility and investment.

As Uganda joins the rest of the world to mark World Tourism Day later this month, industry leaders are optimistic that the Arua edition will not only celebrate past achievements but also pave the way for more inclusive and sustainable tourism growth across the country.

CategoriesLifestyle By glaubetourstravel@gmail.com

Digital Skills Key to Unlocking Uganda’s Tourism Growth – Experts Tell Sector Leaders

Fort Portal – Uganda’s dream of multiplying its tourism sector tenfold hinges on equipping trainers with the skills to integrate technology into teaching and learning, a move experts say will prepare a new generation of service providers ready to compete globally.

Speaking at the 6th Bi-Annual Private Sector Tourism Retreat at Mountains of the Moon Hotel in Fort Portal, Mr. Richard Kawere, Principal of the Hotel and Tourism Training College (HTTC) Jinja, stressed that without digital competence, Uganda risks falling behind in customer service excellence and innovation.

The retreat, running under the theme “Transforming Uganda into a Preferred Tourism Destination: Enhancing Public-Private Sector Investment Infrastructure, Conservation, Digitalization, Product Diversification, Marketing and Tourism Safety,” has attracted policymakers, investors, and industry executives for three days of strategic dialogue.

Kawere emphasized HTTC’s focus on partnering with accommodation, food and beverage, and leisure enterprises to produce market-ready graduates who can match international service standards.

Organizers say the retreat seeks to chart pathways for boosting Uganda’s global visibility, diversifying tourism products, and strengthening collaboration between government and the private sector.

CategoriesTips & Tricks By glaubetourstravel@gmail.com

Uganda’s Tourism Environment: A Blend of Biodiversity, Culture, and Sustainable Growth.

Uganda’s tourism industry is once again flourishing, driven by its unparalleled natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant cultural heritage. From the misty peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains to the lush wetlands of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the country offers an unmatched blend of adventure, discovery, and community-centered travel.

At the heart of Uganda’s appeal is its remarkable biodiversity. Often called the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda is home to a variety of ecosystems—rainforests, savannahs, wetlands, and mountain ranges—that support a rich abundance of wildlife. The country hosts over 1,000 bird species and iconic animals such as lions, elephants, and chimpanzees. Yet, its greatest treasure remains the endangered mountain gorilla, found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, making gorilla trekking one of the nation’s top tourism draws.

Beyond wildlife, Uganda offers a deep cultural experience. From traditional dances and music to heritage sites that tell the story of its kingdoms and communities, cultural tourism continues to complement nature-based adventures. Destinations like Kasubi Tombs and vibrant local festivals give visitors a glimpse into Uganda’s rich cultural tapestry.

Adventure seekers also find plenty to explore, with activities ranging from mountain climbing on Mount Elgon, hiking in Kibale Forest, and bird watching in wetlands, to thrilling boat rides at the thunderous Murchison Falls. Such varied geographical features make Uganda a prime destination for eco-tourism and outdoor experiences.

Increasingly, sustainability lies at the core of Uganda’s tourism growth. Eco-lodges within national parks harness solar energy, use locally sourced materials, and employ community members to promote environmentally friendly practices while stimulating rural economies. Community tourism initiatives also ensure that local people benefit directly from visitors, strengthening livelihoods and cultural preservation.

The sector is also showing strong recovery from the global downturn in travel caused by the pandemic. International arrivals are steadily rising, with tourists spending more on wildlife safaris, cultural tours, and eco-friendly experiences. According to tourism stakeholders, this recovery is not only boosting revenue but also providing critical support for conservation, healthcare, and education in surrounding communities.

As Uganda continues to position itself on the global stage, its tourism environment stands out for its balance of biodiversity, cultural richness, and sustainable growth. With continued investment in eco-tourism and community engagement, the country remains one of Africa’s most compelling destinations for travelers seeking both adventure and meaningful connections

CategoriesUncategorized By glaubetourstravel@gmail.com

Entebbe Airport Expansion Set to Transform Uganda into East Africa’s Tourism Hub

Uganda’s ongoing expansion of Entebbe International Airport is more than an infrastructure project—it is a strategic investment aimed at repositioning the country as a premier tourism and business destination in East Africa.

Phase II of the upgrade, backed by a USD 125 million investment and scheduled for completion in 2025, will increase the airport’s passenger handling capacity from the current 2 million to 3.5 million travellers annually, with a long-term goal of 5 million by 2029.

The redevelopment plan includes expanded aprons, modern boarding areas, and streamlined passenger processing systems. These enhancements will not only ease congestion but also deliver world-class standards in comfort, safety, and technology—ensuring smoother, faster, and more enjoyable journeys for international visitors.

For Uganda’s tourism industry, the impact could be transformative. Improved air connectivity opens the gateway for more leisure tourists, conference delegates, and business travellers. This is especially timely as the country prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Kenya and Tanzania, an event expected to attract thousands of visitors.

By modernising its main aviation gateway, Uganda is positioning itself to compete effectively with regional tourism giants, showcasing attractions such as gorilla trekking in Bwindi, safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and cultural heritage tours.

Ultimately, the airport expansion consolidates Uganda’s role as a key entry point into East Africa—boosting visitor numbers, strengthening investor confidence, and driving economic growth through tourism and trade.

CategoriesUncategorized By glaubetourstravel@gmail.com

Uganda Charts Path to Sustainable Tourism Growth with Bold Infrastructure Investments

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now. Read More “Uganda Charts Path to Sustainable Tourism Growth with Bold Infrastructure Investments”