Uganda, long dubbed the Pearl of Africa by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, continues to live up to that name—at least according to Hanani Ibrahim, a tour operator and influencer from Qatar who recently made her first trip to the country in May.
As Uganda intensifies efforts to attract international tourists through expos and diplomatic promotion, Ibrahim was among the first Qataris to experience what the country has to offer. And she was blown away.
“It was my first time in Africa. I never knew there was a country like Uganda,” she said, still visibly awed by the lush landscapes and warm reception.
“She has not been given what she deserves—there is more to Uganda.”
Beyond the iconic green scenery and wildlife, Ibrahim said it was the people that left the most lasting impression.
“The people are friendly, they speak good English, and the food is amazing. Anyone can eat it,” she added with a beaming smile.
That smile, Ugandan tour operators hope, will translate into more Qatari travellers visiting the East African nation.
With new partnerships taking root and positive testimonials like Ibrahim’s spreading online, Uganda's tourism sector is banking on such experiences to fuel growth.
In the 2025/2026 financial year, the Ugandan government has earmarked Shs 430 billion to bolster tourism, focusing on cross-border promotion and infrastructure development.
Stakeholders believe that firsthand accounts like Ibrahim’s, amplified through social media and professional networks, are crucial in positioning Uganda as a must-visit destination.
For now, Hanani Ibrahim’s glowing review is a reminder of the power of authentic experience. “Uganda has more to offer to the world,” she said. And she intends to help the world find out.