As Uganda and the rest of the world fully recovers from the adverse effects of the Corona virus pandemic, the tourism sector is one docket that is steadily picking up.
According to a report from the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Uganda’s tourism revenue in 2024 was expected to reach about $1.5 billion, surpassing even the pre-pandemic levels.
For Uganda’s rich flora and fauna, coupled by the friendly people, good security, tasty food and weather, a number of tourists have flocked the country deservedly christened as the “Pearl of Africa”.
Besides the numerous wonder physical features, a number of push factors has lured the tourists to visit the country; including the lucrative sports tournaments and events.
One case in point has been the annual lucrative Uganda Squash open hosted by the Uganda Squash Rackets Association (USRA).
Normally, a number of players from across the divide come and participate in this tournament.
Besides the host country Uganda, players have always come from Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Pakistan, India, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa, among others.
For the last couple of years, the Uganda Squash open has been hosted at the lavish Rock Classic Hotel Squash courts in Tororo, Eastern Uganda.
As the players travel to Tororo, it is a platform to tour the numerous tourists’ sites, meet and mingle with the local people.
Tororo itself is home of the gigantic beautiful Volcanic plug that has been magnificent to lure local and international visitors.
During one of the break-days at the 2025 edition, the players and officials reserved off time to execute a road trip and visit the famous Sipi falls in Kapchorwa district.
Sitting on the edge of Mountain Elgon, with the distant views of Karamoja, the Sipi falls is one place to unwind, named after the Sipi River, lying at an altitude of 1,775 metres above sea-level.
Far from the main travel circuit, the Sipi falls remain a beautiful landmark in Uganda’s rugged East.
“The Sipi falls is a unique place to visit. They remind me of the Zambezi falls back home. I will definitely return on my own for another visit” Dr Lucky Millo, president of the Africa Squash Federation, from Zimbabwe stated.
Sports tourism is a fast-growing trend in Uganda and the rest of the world.
Delegations from the foreign legion come forth with forex that definitely transcends positively the local communities where they live and visit during their tenure of stay.
As the 2025 Uganda Squash open concludes on Saturday, 22nd February at Rock Classic Hotel in Tororo, there is plenty to reflect about.
“We have been able to host over 100 players from the different countries in the world. They were also taken out to tour the different parts of the country and this is sports tourism, that comes with its benefits. It is a raw deal and we shall continue to do so” Shifa Nantambi, general secretary of Uganda Squash Rackets Association remarks.
The expenses from the over 100 players and officials on hotel fares, air-tickets, domestic transport, data and airtime, purchase of items, essential commodities and other are much appreciated that positively transform the tide of Uganda’s economy.
Of course, the total cash kitty of 6,300 USD (about Ug.Shs 22,000,000) staked by the Uganda Squash Rackets Association is also enviable and a key luring factor that positively influenced the influx of international players to Uganda, Tororo in particular.
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