At COBATI, we link tourism to conservation, cultural heritage, and sustainable rural development to enhance livelihoods and enrich Uganda’s tourism product. With support from the MTN Uganda Foundation, COBATI initiated a Homestay Model Homes Program whereby selected homes are upgraded to a level where they can host tourists. The family is trained in visitor handling, nutrition, hygiene and sanitation, and waste disposal. It is expected that community tourism will economically empower families and provide cross-cultural exchange between hosts and visitors.
Maria Baryamujura’s work takes her to many areas in rural Uganda where she meets people in their communities. The majority perceive their villages and homesteads as underprivileged and themselves as without opportunity. Due to a lack of sufficient information and exposure, many people do not see the potential in their environment, indigenous knowledge, and culture. The unfortunate trend is that many move to towns and cities in search of economic opportunities, leaving behind women and the elderly.
But some families have not given up and are not waiting for government to improve their circumstances. In a bid to survive, they have become innovative. COBATI identifies these deserving families and trains them to include tourism in their homestead activities. The homesteads become part of the COBATI “Homestead Tourism” program, giving visitors the opportunity to share the extraordinary experience of these rural achievers.