How Ugandans Combine Tourism with Charity

A group of Ugandan travelers has turned tourism into a charitable effort, helping less privileged communities near tourist destinations. Led by Jimmy Dombo, the group donates essentials like clothes, sugar, and soap, focusing on areas such as Karamoja.

Dombo explained that they aim to create a small but meaningful impact on the communities they pass through during their trips. Even those not traveling contribute to the cause.

Tour operators like Scovia Natumanya of Sukie Tours have embraced the initiative, adding donation drives to trip plans. For example, when visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park, they bring extra vehicles to deliver donations to nearby communities.

Others, like Dinah Kansiime, make creative contributions, such as baking cakes shaped like local manyattas to connect with the regions they visit.

Barham Kagunga, a lawyer and traveler, highlighted plans to expand the initiative by teaching life skills and launching community projects with local leaders.

Lilly Ajarova, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, praised these efforts, saying they encourage communities to protect natural attractions while benefiting from tourism. The initiative complements government programs like the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s revenue-sharing scheme, which allocates 20% of park earnings to nearby communities.