National Validation Workshop

On our journey to develop Uganda’s new tourist product Warrior Nomad Trail, we asked for input and buy-in from national stakeholders during a workshop in Kampala.

Participants

The workshop was attended by: Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Hotel Owners Association, Uganda Safari Guides Association, Uganda Community Tourism Association and also specialised associations like Mountain Club of Uganda and Mountain Slayers Uganda.

Action points and commitments

• Continue to build capacity of the regional tourism and hospitality workforce
• Improvement of quality of the hiking tourism products and equipment
• Emphasis on positively changing the image of the Karamoja region.
• Uganda Wildlife Authority will promote the Warrior Nomad Trail in Its communication.
• UKARIMU Academy to develop training programs based on market demand and local context.
• Mountain Club of Uganda to develop Rock Climbing and technical improvement of Hiking Trails.
• Mountain Slayers of Uganda and Jan Bakker to Train hiking guides and develop Hiking Trails.

Mapping exercise

The participants laid out the tourism opportunities in the Karamoja region, the current challenges faced in tourism development and possible solutions.

 

Opportunities	Solutions	Challenges
Mountain Hiking Rock Climbing Cultural Tourism Arts and Crafts Accommodation investment for mid-range and high-end market Landscape suitable for adventure and eco-tourism like homestays and cycling tourism Community activities and stopover facilities to shorten the long journey Tourism as alternative source of income Birding tourism with 60% of Uganda’s bird species Endemic and rare wildlife species	Sensitisation of communities Skilling and certification of youth in tourism and hospitality Exposure visits and product development, and access to startup financing Infrastructure development Packaging of Karamoja as a destination/experience Conservation of Biodiversity and Cultural Heritage at the centre	Relative peace Unskilled population Undeveloped tourism products Insufficient marketing of the region Poor road network Lack of mid-high-end lodging Limited food options Degradation of Biodiversity

The Warrior Nomad Trail

The initiative aims at bridging the gap between local tourism and hospitality initiatives and the growing tourist demand for adventure activities, the natural environment and cultural experiences. The Warrior Nomad Trail is an initiative of Kara-Tunga and supported by Adventure Tourism Uganda.

 

Consent of the participant to join the Warrior Nomad Trail