Growth and development of tourism activities at the source of the Nile- Jinja Municipality
Abstract
Tourism is a key driver of Uganda’s economy and represents a significant opportunity to the attainment of Uganda Vision 2040. The sector is Uganda’s largest services export, having provided direct contribution of US$ 979 million in 2013, and 2.8% of total employment in Uganda. The purpose of this study was to examine how tourism activities can be developed at the source of the Nile in Jinja Municipality. The specific objectives of the study were; 1) To assess the level of tourism development at the source of the Nile, 2) To propose the measures that should be taken to improve the tourism activities at the source of the Nile and, 3) To examine the impacts of tourism at the source of the Nile. The study used questionnaire and observations methods of data collection. The study used a sample size of 44 respondents including, 15 tourists, 15 Business persons, 4 Local leaders and 10 Tour guides. The study found out t hat; tourism development included activities like story telling, reptile watch, and horseback riding, cultural experience, golf, children recreation and pool table and facilities like craft and souvenir shops and catering facilities. Measures which can be taken to improve tourism activities at the source of the Nile are, establishment of a fence on the river banks, of enforcing of an emergency marine navigation unite, putting an enclosure or perimeter marker on the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, introduction of an amusement park for children and the historic monument of John Speke’s foot stump should also be kept in good conditions, adopting to a new and advanced marine vessels which hardly pours oil and petrol in the river, placement of more and modern ecobins and Enforcing laws and policies against river pollution. The impacts of tourism were; pollution, growth of a wide range of business like trade in fish, food stuff, alcohol and soft drinks and development of sex workers has also been identified among the effects of tourism. The study concluded that though there is growth of tourism activities at the source of the Nile, there is still room for improvement . The study recommended that ; shifting of the craft shops, a min zoo should be established other than just a reptile village to enable and give a chance to the students to see the wide range of animals and privatizing the entire source of the Nile.