Today, the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park welcomed Rt. Hon. Tomio Okamura, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, who travelled to Uganda and experienced one of the country’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters: gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
He was joined by Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa.
For Uganda’s tourism industry, the visit comes at a particularly welcome moment.
Uganda has just emerged from its 2026 Ebola outbreak after successfully completing the required 42-day monitoring period without a new case. The country has officially declared the outbreak over and remains open to tourism.
Against that backdrop, the decision of a senior European political figure to travel to Uganda, enter Bwindi’s forest and experience its mountain gorillas first-hand carries a simple but powerful message:
Uganda remains a destination worth travelling to.
Seeing Uganda first-hand
The visit was not a diplomatic meeting held in a conference room. It was a journey into the forest.
In Rushaga, the two leaders experienced gorilla trekking within Bwindi’s remarkable ecosystem and came away deeply impressed by Uganda’s wildlife and natural beauty.
There is a difference between hearing that a destination is ready to welcome visitors and seeing respected international visitors experience it for themselves.
Mr. Okamura’s visit provides precisely that kind of reassurance. He did not simply speak about Uganda.
He travelled to Uganda. He trekked in Bwindi. He experienced the destination.
And he left pledging to become an ambassador for Uganda, sharing the country’s unique tourism experiences with the world.
Why Bwindi leaves such an impression
For a luxury traveller, gorilla trekking is not simply another item to tick off an itinerary.
It is an experience of place.
Bwindi’s ancient forest, steep terrain, expert trackers and guides, and the anticipation of encountering a mountain gorilla family create a sense of connection that is difficult to reproduce elsewhere.
The experience is also highly personal. There is no substitute for being there.
This is one reason Uganda has become increasingly important for travellers looking beyond the traditional safari circuit.
A journey that connects tourism and conservation
The visit also carried a conservation message.
Both Rt. Hon. Tomio Okamura and Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa planted trees during their visit — a lasting symbol of their shared commitment to conservation.
Rt. Hon. Tayebwa also pledged support for community initiatives in Nkuringo and reaffirmed his commitment to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
That matters because Bwindi’s future cannot be separated from the communities around it.
The forest protects one of the world’s most important mountain gorilla populations. Tourism helps create the economic value that supports conservation, employment and local enterprise.
For thoughtful travellers, this is part of what makes a gorilla safari meaningful.
A reassuring moment for travellers
For anyone who has been watching Uganda from a distance over the past few months, today’s visit provides a welcome image.
A senior European political leader has travelled to Uganda. He has entered one of the country’s most important protected areas.
He has experienced its wildlife. He has seen its natural beauty. And he has left wanting to tell others about it.
That is a powerful endorsement of Uganda at a time when traveller confidence matters.
At Nandi Adventures, we believe reassurance should come from facts and experience rather than slogans.
Uganda has officially ended its Ebola outbreak. Tourism is open.
And today, Uganda welcomed an international visitor who experienced one of its greatest natural treasures first-hand.
Uganda is ready to welcome you
For travellers considering Uganda, this is an invitation to look beyond the headlines and discover the country for yourself.
Gorilla trekking can be the centrepiece of a journey, but it need not be the whole story.
A private Uganda safari can combine Bwindi with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the landscapes of Murchison Falls, exceptional birding and carefully chosen lodges.
The result is not simply a safari.
It is a deeper introduction to Uganda.
Come for the gorillas. Leave with a deeper connection to Uganda.
