Kampala, Uganda: Stanley Johnson, a British author, environmental advocate and father of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has praised Uganda’s economic momentum and wildlife conservation achievements, describing the country as a “model of conservation and national rebirth.”
Johnson, who is on a return visit to Uganda after several years, made the remarks while undertaking an Explore Uganda programme that combines wildlife tourism, cultural engagements and official events across the country.
“Uganda is a wonderful country, not just for the people, but for the wildlife as well,” Johnson said, noting what he described as a renewed sense of “vigour and dynamism” driven by economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Recalling earlier visits, Johnson said he previously travelled to Gombe Island and Kibale Forest to observe chimpanzees, experiences he described as both scientifically and personally significant. He noted that Uganda’s natural heritage remains one of its strongest global assets.
During his current visit, Johnson has toured several of Kampala’s major cultural and historical landmarks, including Lubaga Cathedral, the Muteesa I Catholic Memorial Museum, and the Gaddafi National Mosque, from where he admired the city’s expanding skyline and even recited verses from the Quran.
His itinerary also includes visits to key conservation areas such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, alongside industrial and tourism sites in Kapeeka, Jinja, and other parts of the country.
Johnson’s visit has been coordinated by the Uganda Tourism Board, working in partnership with the Uganda High Commission in the United Kingdom, Volcanoes Safaris, Jinja Sailing Club, the Mehta Group, Fairway Hotel, and Uganda Airlines.
Officials say the collaboration reflects ongoing efforts to position Uganda as a premier eco-tourism destination, leveraging high-profile international endorsements to attract global travellers.
Johnson also attended Uganda’s NRM Liberation Day celebrations following an invitation from Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, describing the gesture as an honour and an opportunity to engage with Uganda’s national story.
Global Recognition for Conservation
Accompanying Johnson for part of the tour was Nimisha Madhvani, Uganda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, who highlighted the country’s growing international profile in conservation and sustainable tourism.
“We’re preserving the environment. We’re growing the number of gorillas in the country. We’re world-renowned,” Madhvani said, citing increased global media attention on protected areas such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, mainly found in Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks. Recent census figures estimate the global mountain gorilla population at about 1,063 individuals, a remarkable recovery from critically endangered levels in previous decades.
Conservation experts attribute the growth to sustained investment in habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, community involvement and carefully regulated tourism.
Johnson said his visit reinforced the view that Uganda is attempting to balance economic development with environmental protection. “Uganda’s conservation framework is encouraging,” he noted, describing it as an example of how growth and nature can coexist.
Dr Gessa, Head of Public Relations at the Uganda Tourism Board, said Johnson’s endorsement carries global significance.
“Stanley Johnson’s visit and his praise for our gorilla conservation successes show the world that Uganda is protecting its biodiversity while empowering local communities and supporting sustainable economic growth,” Dr Gessa said.
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