The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ugandan Embassy to the Russian Federation have welcomed a delegation of top Russian influencers on a cultural and tourism immersion experience aimed at showcasing the country’s beauty, warmth, and adventure to international audiences.
The visit, spearheaded by the Ugandan Embassy to the Russian Federation, marks a historic step in the embassy’s strategy to establish Uganda as a premier destination for Russian travellers.
Led by Moses K. Kizige, the Head of Mission, alongside Ambassador, Gideon M. Rutazindwa, Deputy Head of Mission and First Secretary, Ms. Georgina Nakawombe, the embassy has launched a proactive campaign for 2025/2026 to aggressively market Uganda’s unparalleled tourism appeal, profound cultural heritage, and high-potential investment climate through a series of workshops and road shows to different cities in Russia.
This initiative represents a pivotal moment in positioning Uganda on the global stage and underscores the growing influence of influencer marketing and digital storytelling in strengthening the country’s international visibility.
The influencers, a mix of lifestyle creators, travel vloggers, and content producers, including Linzie Camara, Ksenia Mezentseva, Irina Belousova, and Vladimir Pozhidaev, arrived in Kampala on November,9 and were treated to a warm Ugandan welcome at a private dinner hosted at Jikoni Restaurant on Clement Hill.
The event, hosted by Forking Around Kampala’s Founder, Lucy Bunyenyezi Mulira, brought together representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ugandan influencers, and key tourism and media stakeholders, creating a vibrant space for cultural exchange and collaboration.
The evening’s setting at Jikoni, celebrated for its authentic and sophisticated Ugandan cuisine, served as a powerful first impression, highlighting the country's rich culinary culture.
The menu featured sumptuous local delicacies like Luwombo and tilapia, served in the coastal style.
“It was a fantastic way to introduce them to Uganda through food. Food will tell you so much about a country. Jikoni did a great job of working with us to share Uganda’s culinary story: what makes our food so unique, and how rich it is in culture, nutrition, and health. They got to try everything, from our staple cuisines to the fruits we're known for. It was just such a wholesome evening. There’s no better way to get to know people than through food, and I believe that this was a perfect, memorable opening to introduce Uganda to the team," said Lucy Bunyenyezi, the founder of Forking Around Kampala.
Representing Feliz Tropical Safaris, Russian Lifestyle and Travel blogger Linz Camara, said the aim is to sell Uganda to the Russian market.
“The entire point of this adventure is to show Uganda through the eyes of people who have never seen it; to truly introduce the country to the Russian market. Uganda is one of the destinations that has truly stayed authentic and in its natural state. As storytellers, we make people see the world differently, opening a new chapter that compels them to experience the country’s magnificent nature, its culture, and its kind people for themselves. ”
The influencers will spend the coming days touring some of Uganda’s most iconic attractions, from a visit to the Mabamba Swamp Shoebill site and an evening cruise on the Kazinga Channel to a tour of Murchison Falls, game drives, and Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi. Along the way, they will document their experiences through social media, digital content, and live storytelling to inspire their global audiences to explore Uganda for themselves.
Vladimir Pozhidaev also shared his enthusiasm about the adventure ahead,
“I've travelled all over the continent, but I finally made it to the Pearl of Africa. Uganda is still like a hidden gem for Russian travellers; it's very exotic, friendly, and full of surprises. I'm especially looking forward to spotting Uganda’s unique wildlife in its natural habitat and immersing myself in the full cultural experience.”
Mrs Margaret A. Kafeero, Head of the Department of Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended the partnership, noting that such initiatives align with Uganda’s broader efforts to leverage creative industries and digital media to promote the country’s image abroad.
“We are operating a comprehensive economic and commercial diplomacy strategy, and tourism is one of its core pillars. We recognise that influencers and tourists are vital to our international recognition and diplomatic soft power. Our goal is to forge bonds that transcend commerce, turning total strangers into partners who can lay the foundations for sustainable partnerships with Uganda.”
The activation also highlights the importance of collaboration between local and international influencers in shaping narratives that celebrate Uganda’s diverse culture, culinary scene, and natural beauty.