Uganda is LP's No.1 Travel Destination 2012

When Uganda quits terrorizing its gay and lesbian citizens, and deposes its corrupt government, then I will think about visiting it. AccessKla's reference to "Gay Propagandists" indicates precisely the level of homophobia that pervades the entire society. When Ugandans take responsibility for their actions, then people of conscience might consider visiting the country. Until then, anyone who values human rights should avoid it. (And the UK and the US should end all aid to the country until it stops the persecution of gay men and lesbians.)

I definately agree that Uganda is worth the visit - It is an incredible country and one of my favourites. I was there a few years ago and am planning another holiday there in March next year.

To all 1st time visitor and returning friend of Uganda, I say Habari Muzungu (means hello traveller), Karibu (means welcome) to the pearl of Africa. Your feedback has been heard loud and clear

Great food, miles of smiles, the Nile (Crocs, white water rapids, spectacular water falls), the savanna with an array of big cats and antelope, mountain Gorillas, snow capped mountains, the rift valley, equatorial forests, bird life to make bird watchers flap their hands in envy can I hear a hallelujah from JJ.
On top of all this the region is the cradle of the human race as we know it today. It is in these parts that our great homosapien ancestors came down from the trees probably to explore the beauty of the land and stood up on their hind legs. So when you come to Uganda it is a home coming and we will roll out the red carpet for you.

I waffle on because I am so proud, please JJ don't rain on our parade. Number 1 destination in 2012, We have beaten some heavy weights like Britain with the up coming Olympics and really the secret ingredient is the Ugandan people themselves.

To Jayson I say "YES WE CAN" yes we can defeat divisive bills in our Parliament, yes we can fight the scourge of corruption and yes we can welcome everyone to our beloved corner of the world.

Until then HAKUNA MATATA (means no worries) and big love from UG.

While homophobia may be common in a lot of countries (including the US) I cannot think of another country whose government would debate a bill involving execution of certain citizens over their sexual orientation or sexual acts among consenting adults. The fact that this bill is even being debated tells me and millions of other gay people that we are not welcome in Uganda unless we travel in the closet. No thanks. We know that the closet is a dangerous place to be. FYI AccessKia - Homosexuality does not equate to rape of underage boys. Homosexuality is a sexual orientation. Rape is rape. Perhaps you have listened to too much "Christian propaganda"?

Hi stevenjv,
by rape, AccessKia is referring to what is stated in the proposed bill
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uganda_Anti-Homosexuality_Bill

"Aggravated homosexuality", according to the bill, includes homosexual acts with minors, people who are HIV-positive, homosexual acts perpetrated by parents or authority figures, acts perpetrated upon people with disabilities, repeat offenders, or acts perpetrated by intoxicating someone with the intent to perform homosexual acts on them. "

also you state
I cannot think of another country whose government would debate a bill involving execution of certain citizens over their sexual orientation or sexual acts among consenting adults.

sadly Iran, Mauritania, the Republic of Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen have the death penalty for homosexual behaviour.

Thank you Graney for your clarification and letting me know of the other 5 countries where it is too dangerous for gay people to travel. It would make me equally as sad and angry if Lonely Planet had picked one of those countries as their #1 travel destination. Please substitute the words "aggravated heterosexuality" in what you wrote and let me know if that would bring the death penalty also.

You make a good point Steve, Both aggravated heterosexual and homosexual rape should carry the same sentence how ever I am opposed to the death sentence at all levels.

Unfortunately the American (neo-colonial) evangelistic movement has shifted their anti-gay agenda front line form wastern nations were they have lost public credibility to the poorer / vulnerable nations of the world through heavy investment and political lobbying.

Steve I can assure you by putting such obnoxious colonial and neo-colonial extremist religious agendas up for debate they shall be defeated in the court of public opinion.
Far from being anti gay a majority of the Ugandan population is being exploited due to education levels and poverty with such extremist indoctrination.

Instead of declaring Uganda a no go zone you should come down, so through example we will see and learn that gay and heterosexuals can live side by side in a normal society.

Up until recently in the Philippines there has been a legal black hole were divorce was outlawed as a result of their colonial past. Now they are currently debating an anti divorce bill in their parliament that has put this unsustainable status quo on the nation agenda and so this problem is now being dealt with democratically.

Peace & Love from UG

It is quite amazing to read some of these comments. LP has done an extraordinary thing, by choosing a poor, African country as its top 2012 destination. The natural world is full of exceptional beauty, and Ugandans are in no delusion about the fact that whilst their country is beautiful, it is in very good company the world over. Singling it out in this way, only intensifies its international stature, which in turn will create greater impetus for Government accountability in all aspects of the socio political spectrum. Besides which, it cannot hurt a poor country to gain such high visibility, indeed, the accolade has energized the country's tourism industry, whilst starting the process of awakening astonished Ugandans to the fact that many people outside of their country, think so well of its natural and social endowments. Nothing could have been more instrumental in making Ugandans aware of the imperative responsibility they now have, to protect their heritage for the benefit of both themselves and humanity.

It is a great shame, that there are people who are willing to define an entire society by the attitudes of a few individuals. No Western society is a one issue society, so it remains deeply insulting, that some so called 'human rights' defenders, are so willing to reduce Uganda to the unfortunately perpetuated issue of Gay Rights, or the lack thereof.

It may come as a surprise to many, but for all the international volume that this issue has attracted, very few Ugandans indeed, spend even a half second, worrying about the pros or cons of Gay Rights. It is simply not a pertinent social issue, basic survival being the concern of most. Indeed, the tremendous influence in creating such melodrama internationally, has its origins in foreign based fundamental Christianity and Gay Activism. A well informed individual will know, that just as happened during the cold war, America's 'culture wars', are now raging in Uganda, to the great detriment and mischaracterization of the average Ugandan sentiment. It is plainly put, just another form of imperialism, and its destructive after effects are self evident.

And hypocrisy is never far from these matters. Gay Rights in the West have been hard won, and have only entered into the mainstream consciousness in very recent decades. It cannot be expected, that a poor African society, recovered but still emerging from decades of instability, with low literacy rates and poverty that most in the Western world cannot even imagine, should have mysteriously acquired the same level of social and political sophistication that exists in the West. How exceptionally unkind and unfair it is, to take such ruthless advantage of an essentially broken people, still vulnerable to every contradictory suggestion that comes from the western world. It is the same as if America declared war on Uganda, not exactly a fair or ethical contest, but there remain some who believe such would be an achievement. Why would it surprise anyone that widespread ignorance exists in so lovely yet historically tortured a place?

It is fantastic that LP has done what it has done, for just as with individuals, societies too need a vote of confidence, one that will encourage to reach for better and to become better. Attempting to sully that singular act of generosity, is beyond selfish, especially given the comparative opulence that overly sanctimonious and indeed ignorant folk fire their damaging salvos from. And in the end, who loses? the very people that the naysayers apparently advocate for, Gay people, for if there is one thing that is guaranteed to turn Africans belligerent, it is the idea that people from elsewhere are dictating terms to them which they are not ready to accept. How is that a useful thing?

Meanwhile, LP has got it so right and for the right reasons, Uganda is an extraordinarily beautiful country, with cultures of exceptionally warm and essentially peace loving people. It is brilliant that the word about this truth is now out there, as we embark on the still long road to transforming our international image, from being a brutish place, to being what we always were, though it became lost in our post independence mayhem, which is an African gem that must be shared with the rest of this at times, very lonely planet.

LP Uganda IS the right decision.
It IS the most beautiful country in the world "Africa Condensed into one country" I believe it was called and it couldn't me any more correct.

The issue of the gay rights bill is clearly awful. It is essentially extreme prejudice.
Now tell me a country in the world where there isn't prejudice?
for instance the BNP in the UK. every country has it's prejudice from the niave minority.

The post on this thread from Ugandans highlight the fact it IS a minority that support the anti gay bill.

My daughter and I recently returned from Uganda...and all I can say is-it was one of the most incredible experiences of our lives!!

The landscape is so varied and breath-taking, whether you are viewing the fields of sugarcane, the acres upon acres of tea growing on gentle slopes, the powerful and majestic Murchison Falls, the tranquility and splendor at the Source of the Nile or the quiet, wide open places of the Savannah that stretch for miles before you; each scene brought with it a sense of wonder and enchantment and also an anticipation...

The animal life we saw was truly a wonder-fruit bats migrating overhead, gigantic marabou storks perched on the tops of very tall trees, chickens and goats everywhere, whether you were out in the country or in the villages and towns. And how incredibly exciting to see African animals such as elephants and rhinos up close...so close that those moments seemed almost sacred, as even they welcomed us into their domain and allowed us to share in the wonder of their home, the place we call Uganda.

If that isn't enough to capture you, we were treated like royalty everywhere we went. People were welcoming, hospitable, kind and gracious. Even the poorest people were more than happy to have us in their homes and share a meal with us. How humbling. It truly is the people who are the luster on this tiny country, dubbed, "The pearl of Africa". They are this country's greatest resource and treasure. It is because of how we were treated that we will return. Uganda may be small in size-but the people have big hearts and are more than happy to welcome you with open arms.

Thank-you, LP, for nominating Uganda as the #1 spot to travel to in 2012. It is an enriching experience that everyone should have at least once in their life time!