Associationof Uganda Tour Operators

24/07/2015

ATTENTION: REVITALISING AUTO SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEBSITE AHEAD OF AUTO@20

As a way of improving social media communication with effect from today, we kindly request that you like our official page along the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Association-of-Uganda-Tour-Operators/424409131081757

The official Whatsapp account is https://twitter.com/TouroperatorsUG

Visit our revamped website: www.auto.or.ug

All existing pages of AUTO will be shut with effect from Monday. We regret any inconveniences caused!
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AUTO is Uganda’s leading tourism trade association, representing the interests of the country’s leading and experienced professional tour operators.

16/07/2015

AFTERNOON NEWS: July 16, 2015

ADVENTURE CYCLING,THE NEW FUN EVENT IN KAMPALA

Kampala's entertainment calendar registers yet another event, targeting tourists and cycling fans from across the world.

Dubbed ‘Kampala Adventure Cycling,' the event, will be the first adventure cycling event in Uganda where people with a passion for leisure and adventure cycling will come together for fun but with a key message of transforming Kampala into an Eco-friendly city. They will also raise money for charity.

The event, slated for August 16th, is a brain child of Palm Travel Bureau, Uganda Tourism Board and Kampala Capital City Authority.

Patrick Mulindwa, the Operations Director at Palm Travel Bureau says they will use the cycling event to market Kampala and promote tourism sites within the city. He says the idea was born out of experiences from Nordic countries.

Professional and amateur cyclists from Nordic countries, about 150 resident foreign nationals and more than 500 Ugandans will compete in the 15km cycling, the 25km and Mountain Biking races which will start from Kampala and end up at Lake Bunyonyi, Kabale, in Southwestern Uganda.

Mulindwa says the organizers will also dedicate a day ahead of the event to set up a free bicycle repair clinic.

Mulindwa says that through the initiative, they hope to raise up to 100 million Shillings. He adds that about 80 per cent of the proceeds will go towards helping children born to inmates at Luzira Maximum Security Prison.
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15/07/2015

MORNING UPDATE: July 15, 2015

MOUNTAIN GORILLA CENSUS SET FOR SEPTEMBER IN VIRUNGA MASSIF

A new census of the mountain gorilla population in the Great Virunga Massif is set for September, 2015 the Greater Virunga Trans boundary Collaboration- GVTC has said.

The massif includes Uganda's Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park, Virunga National Park in DR Congo and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

With the last census conducted in 2010, other censuses have been conducted in 2006, 2002 and 1997. The last figures showed that the three countries have a population of 880 Gorillas, with more than half of them in Uganda.

James Byamukama, the Programme Manager at GVTC says the exercise, which should have started earlier, was delayed by the insecurity in DR Congo. He however adds that they are set to conduct the census in September starting in Virunga National Park.

Byamukama says with the census, the collaboration will be able to plan for future conservation efforts and the emerging trends of threats to gorilla population.

Aggrey Rwethsiba, the Senior Monitoring and Research Coordinator at Uganda Wildlife Authority, says f***l samples and DNA analysis will be the key method used to determine the numbers.

For the past Gorilla censuses, they depended on the sweep method, where teams traverse each marked sector of the park in a zigzag manner looking for fresh gorilla trails till their nests are found and counted. But Rwethsiba says the system was not effective because it created incidences of double counting and underestimation in some cases.

Rwetshiba says since 1997, the number of the gorillas has been increasing. He says currently Bwindi alone has about 400 Gorillas and the Virunga that includes Volcano National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga in DRC has about 470 mountain gorillas.

He says Mgahinga has an estimated number of 37 gorillas, resident while the rest move between the three countries.

Mountain gorillas stand out from the three other gorilla subspecies because of their thick coats, which insulates them from the cold of their cloud forest homes. There are only two places on Earth where mountain gorillas exist: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Volcanoes in the equatorial African nations of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Though gorillas have few natural predators, they are endangered due to the loss of habitat and forest clearing. They also fall victim to hunting for the wildlife trade, and through accidental snaring by poachers who are targeting antelopes for meat. Diseases that affect humans also pose a threat to apes and can spread quickly in such small populations.
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13/07/2015

AFTERNOON UPDATE: JULY 13, 2015

NEW PAYMENTS OF CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION

The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control has published new fees for:
1. Visas = $100
2. Passports
3. Work Permits

The above fee was introduced mainly for the purpose of making applicants commit themselves while applying for work permits and successful applicants would have to top up, while those who are unsuccessful would forfeit it.

The Work Permit categories affected by this new measure are;
Class of Work (Entry) Permit Pre Payment (Non Refundable)
Class B (Agriculture) USD 1500
Class C (mining) USD 1500
Class D (Business and trade) USD 1500
Class E (Manufacturing) USD 1500
Class F (Professionals) USD 1500
Class G (Expatriate employment) USD 1500

This is therefore, to inform the public that effective 1st July, 2015, inform our esteemed clients and the general Public that the new fees and payment system shall apply.

Source:
The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control
http://www.immigration.go.ug/media/new-fees-and-payment-system-services-directorate-citizenship-and-immigration-control

The Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development under the Finance Act, 2015 makes provision for: i. Increase of passport fees and introduction of passports process in two working days under section 3 of the Finance Act No 10 of 2014.Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act, CAP 66

03/07/2015

AFTERNOON NEWS: July 3, 2015

GOVT UNVEILS PLANS TO ESTABLISH REGIONAL CULTURAL CENTRES

The Uganda National cultural Center –UNCC has revived its plan to set up regional centers across the country as part of a drive to preserve local cultures.

The move is in line with the objective to promote and popularize Uganda's cultural heritage which formed the basis for the establishment of Uganda National Cultural center in 1959, Francis Peter Ojede, the UNCC Executive Director says.

He explains that the regional center for Busoga region will be hosted by Jinja Municipality. Other centers will be set up in the areas of Teso and Bugisu in eastern Uganda.

One such facility – Igongo Cultural Center is already in place in Biharwe-Mbarara, Western Uganda with an avid representation of the Ankole culture.

“We want to redevelop the regional cultural centers. We want to be partners with Jinja municipality whereby they provide us with land so that we build a modern cultural centre which will also be a revenue base for the municipality,” Ojede said.

Chief Yasin Waguma Ntembe of Butembe chiefdom of Busoga welcomes the move saying that many cultures have suffered due to lack of documentation on beliefs, norms and values.

He hopes that the establishment of a cultural center would address the shortfall and improve cultural bonds between cultural leaders and their subjects.

Jinja municipality Mayor Mohammed Baswari Kezaala equally welcomes the initiative saying they would identify the land for the construction of the facility.

Uganda National Cultural Center is working with the Embassy of Turkey to implement the plan. The Turkish Ambassador to Uganda Sedef Yauuzaclp is optimistic that the documentation of cultural information on Busoga will boost the works of artists, playwrights and filmmakers.
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30/06/2015

AGM ALBUM 2015 LOADED

The AGM was well attended. Excellent organisation and good deliberations.

29/06/2015

AFTERNOON UPDATE: JUNE 29, 2015

UGANDA TO HOST FIRST EVER-BIRDING EXPO TO PROMOTE TOURISM

The bird-watching community in and outside Africa is being invited to attend the three-day event, including people who sell birding gear, cameras, binoculars and guide books, along with international travel writers, celebrities, the media, the public and other exhibitors.

The event is being held at the Entebbe botanical gardens, where scenes were filmed for the 1940s Tarzan films starring Johnny Weissmuller. The gardens are close to accommodations and area attractions.

The Uganda Tourism Board and Uganda Tourist Association is sponsoring the event, which was inspired by the annual British Bird Watching Expo, fondly described as the “Birders Glastonbury,” that Uganda has participated in since 1997, eTurboNews reports.

Ugandan clubs and organizations will be there including Wildlife Clubs of Uganda, Nature Uganda, Uganda Society, Uganda Young Birders’ Club, and Uganda Women Birders’ Club.
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- See more at: http://afkinsider.com/98722/uganda-hosting-first-ever-birding-expo-to-promote-tourism/ .PsEgUDTF.dpuf

Uganda is trying to get the message out that it has birds. Lots of them. To that end the country will play host to its first-ever African Birding Expo.

24/06/2015

EVENING UPDATE: JUNE 24, 2015

NOTICE OF AGM

The Annual General Meeting of AUTO will be held at Kampala Serena Hotel on Thursday, 25 June 2015 at 2.00 p.m.

Only companies that renewed their membership 2015 are invited to attend.
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18/06/2015

MORNING UPDATE: June 18, 2015

HOTEL OWNERS PLEAD FOR VAT SUSPENSION

Hotel owners are calling for a halt to the collection of Value Added Tax in upcountry hotels in order to boost the performance of the Tourism and Hospitality industry.

Government reintroduced 18 percent VAT on upcountry accommodation facilities during the financial year 2014/2015, six years after it was suspended. The move affected about 100 upcountry facilities.

Gary Segal, the General Manager of Wild Places Africa, the company that owns a string of accommodation facilities in National Parks, says that most of the facilities recorded losses over the last one year because they could not recover resources spent following the decision.

Segal argues that by the time VAT was reinstated, he had signed contracts with foreign operators covering a period of about 5 years. As a result, he paid taxes without increasing the cost of accommodation.

He adds that the problem was compounded by the retrospective tax assessment which covered the previous six years, creating confusion in the industry.

Jean Byamugisha, the Executive Director of Uganda Hotel Owners' Association describes the problem as huge since less than 30 percent of the hotel rooms can now be occupied. Byamugisha adds that the trend is not good for the sector considering that cost of visiting Uganda has already been high compared to other East African Countries with similar attraction.

Byamugisha adds that several requests have been sent to the Finance ministry, URA and other government units to suspend the tax. However, government has not yet responded to their requests even as the new budget is presented to the country today.

Local tour operators have also said they are losing business because of the reinstatement of VAT.
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16/06/2015

EVENING UPDATE: JUNE 16, 2015

MEET THE ETIHAD AIRWAYS GENERAL MANAGER

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has appointed Toyin Alaran as its new General Manager for Uganda, following the launch of its new services between Entebbe and Abu Dhabi on 1 May 2015.

http://www.redpepper.co.ug/etihad-airways-appoints-general-manager-for-uganda/

Home Business ETIHAD Airways Appoints General Manager For Uganda ETIHAD Airways Appoints General Manager For Uganda By Our Reporter - Jun 12, 2015 0 SHARE Facebook Twitter Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has appointed Toyin Alaran as its new General Manager for…

16/06/2015

MORNING UPDATE: June 16, 2015

TOUR OPERATORS QUERY EXCLUSION OF KEY ROAD IN 2015/2016 BUDGET

Tour operators in Jinja district are upset by the absence of Amber court – Lubanyi – Kamuli to Kagulu road on the list of priority projects outlined in the 2015/2016 financial year budget.

The 2015/2016 budget provided for the continued construction of Musita – Majanji road and Iganga – Kaliro road as key projects to be covered in the districts of Jinja and Kamuli. However, it ignored the 140-km stretch from Jinja to Buyende district. The road leads to a number of tourist attractions like Itanda falls, Bujagali, Iyongo and Kagulu hill.

Timothy Lusala Batuwa, a resident of Kagoma in Jinja district says that it's intolerable that despite its contribution to the tourism sector in Uganda, the road, filled with galleys and potholes, remains an unfunded priority for the country.

Lincolin Myeera, a travel consultant at the tourist centre in Jinja says the road network in Jinja has had a negative impact on tourism. Myeera adds that the road from Amber Court through Lubanyi to Kamuli needs to be fixed in order to reduce stoppages and inconveniences to tourists.

Gloria Magomu, a tour guide blames the drop among tourists in Busoga region to poor roads that are so costly to people in the tourism industry. She says a journey meant to cost 120,000 Shillings now takes another 50,000 Shillings due to bad roads. A lot of time is also lost on the roads, she adds.

Viola Namanya a travel consultant at African Expedition Safaris says due to bad roads, a significant drop has been recorded in the number of tourists visiting the area.

She says poor roads in tourism areas are a general problem throughout the country and government must prioritize construction of roads in tourism areas.

The 2015/16 budget approved 30.8 billion shillings for improving the tourism sector and 3,328.7 billion Shillings to improve transport infrastructure.

Uganda Bureau of Statistics reports that tourism became Uganda's top export in 2014 fetching USD1.4 billion, up from USD 1.1 billion in 2013. This has increased since 2011 when Uganda fetched USD800 million from tourism.
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11/06/2015

AFTERNOON UPDATE: June 11, 2015

TOURISM IN THE NATIONAL BUDGET 2015/2016

62. Madam Speaker, Government has developed a 10 year tourism master plan and a 5 year sector Development Plan to guide the implementation of critical activities to drive tourism growth in the country. Consequently, a holistic tourism promotion strategy that builds on our comparative tourism advantage is being implemented by the Uganda Tourism Board. In addition, visa costs for tourists have been reduced with the introduction of the Single Tourist Visa to promote tourism through easing cross border transits within East Africa. This should increase tourist numbers, generate higher foreign exchange inflows and enhance the employment potential of the Tourism and Hospitality industry.

63. Madam Speaker, in order to diversify tourism products based on communities, Regional Tourism Clusters were formed in Buganda, Busoga, Kigezi, Bugisu, Bunyoro, Toro, Northern Uganda and West Nile. These clusters identify, develop and market region-specific tourism products with close support of the Uganda Tourism Board. Further efforts are being made with the development of Satellite Wildlife Education Centers in Fort Portal and Mayuge and the construction of a Regional Museum at Soroti.

64. Madam Speaker, Government actions to revitalize the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in the medium term will include the following:-

65. Undertake skills development to meet world class requirements for high standard of performance in the hospitality industry;

66.Complete the rating and ranking of hotels and restaurants;
•develop strategic tourism infrastructure in partnership with the Private Sector;

1. Enact and enforce sector regulation to ensure the maintenance of sector standards at internationally acceptable levels.

65. Madam Speaker, an allocation of Shs. 30.8 billion has been approved towards the Tourism sector to implement these activities.