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License to Thrill: Uganda’s Safari Secrets That Belong in a Spy Movie

License to Thrill: Uganda’s Safari Secrets That Belong in a Spy Movie There are safaris, and then there’s Uganda—where the wild doesn’t just unfold around you, it pulls you into its untamed narrative with the drama of a Bond film and the heart of an epic adventure novel. Imagine this: golden savannas stretching endlessly under a sky so vast it humbles you, mist-laced jungles where silverback gorillas hold court like kings of an ancient realm, and rivers so alive with hippos and crocs that you half-expect Indiana Jones to come crashing through the reeds on a rickety boat. This isn’t just wildlife viewing; this is a full-sensory, pulse-raising, soul-stirring expedition into the planet’s last great wild frontiers—and you’ve got a front-row seat. Fact 1: Uganda is Where Africa’s Most Elusive Spy-Level Encounters Happen If safaris were a spy thriller, Uganda would be the scene where the hero stumbles upon something so rare, so extraordinary, that even the villains would pause in awe. Take the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha—a phenomenon so bizarre it feels like a classified secret. While lions elsewhere laze on the ground like overgrown house cats, Uganda’s big cats defy logic by lounging in fig trees like they’ve attended some secret feline mountaineering school. Then there’s Kidepo Valley, a place so remote and untouched that spotting a cheetah sprinting across the plains feels like intercepting a coded message meant for someone far more important than you. And let’s not forget Bwindi’s gorillas—meeting them isn’t just a wildlife encounter; it’s a privileged audience with nature’s most powerful royalty, where one wrong move (like sneezing too loudly) could get you side-eyed by a silverback weighing more than a grand piano. Fact 2: The Landscapes Are So Dramatic, They Should Come With a Soundtrack Close your eyes and picture this: You’re standing at Murchison Falls, where the Nile—after lazily meandering through the savanna—suddenly remembers it’s the world’s longest river and explodes through a six-meter gap in the rock with the fury of a thousand storms. The roar is deafening, the spray kisses your skin, and the raw power of it all makes your bones vibrate. Cut to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where the Kazinga Channel glitters under the sun, its waters teeming with hippos yawning like grumpy old men and elephants drinking with the elegance of aristocrats. Then there’s Lake Bunyonyi, a mirror of stars at night, so serene you’ll wonder if you’ve accidentally wandered into a dream. Uganda doesn’t just show you scenery; it orchestrates it like a blockbuster director—every frame more cinematic than the last. Fact 3: The Adrenaline Here is Unlicensed and Unapologetic Forget bungee jumping off some tame bridge—Uganda’s thrills are next-level, borderline-illegal-feeling, and guaranteed to make your adrenaline glands work overtime. In Jinja, the Nile River doesn’t just flow—it rages, tossing rafters through Grade 5 rapids with names like “The Bad Place” and “Vengeance” like it’s personally offended by human bravery. One minute you’re paddling, the next you’re underwater, spinning like a sock in a washing machine, only to pop up laughing like a maniac because holy hell, you just survived that. Prefer your thrills airborne? A hot-air balloon safari at dawn over the savanna is like floating through a living postcard—except this postcard has lions stalking below and elephants trumpeting greetings as the sun paints the sky in fire. And if that’s not enough, there’s chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, where you’ll scramble through dense foliage only to lock eyes with a chimp who looks at you like you’re the weird one for not knowing how to swing from a vine. Final Mission Briefing: Your Invitation to the Wild Side Uganda doesn’t just give you a safari—it gives you a license to thrill, a passport to the extraordinary, and stories that’ll make your friends back home question their life choices. This is where you trade Wi-Fi for wildlife, deadlines for dawn choruses, and comfort zones for heart-stopping, awe-drenched, laugh-until-you-cry adventures. So, agent of adventure, the question isn’t “Why go?” It’s “What are you waiting for?” The wild is ready. Are you?

Bwindi Gorilla family
Blog, Gorillas, National Park

“Wooo Wooo” is the Sound of Gorillas – And Your Life is About to Change

“Wooo Wooo” is the Sound of Gorillas – And Your Life is About to Change You’ve seen the videos. You’ve read the blogs. But nothing—absolutely nothing—prepares you for the moment you hear it in real life. A deep, guttural “Wooo wooo” rumbles through the misty jungle. The hairs on your neck stand up. Your heartbeat syncs with the rhythm of the forest. And then—you see them. A 400-pound silverback gorilla, chest pounding, eyes locked onto yours. A curious baby tumbling through the vines. A mother grooming her little one with gentle, deliberate fingers. This isn’t a nature documentary. This is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. And you? You’re not just a spectator anymore. You’re part of the family. Why Gorilla Trekking is the Ultimate Soul-Shaking Experience Let’s be clear: This isn’t a zoo encounter. There are no barriers. No safety glass. Just you, a guide, and a family of wild mountain gorillas going about their day—while you try not to ugly-cry from sheer awe. The Silverback’s Gaze: When he looks at you, it’s not fear you feel—it’s recognition. Like he’s sizing you up and deciding, “Alright, you can stay.” The Playful Juveniles: These little chaos agents will somersault, swing, and occasionally crash into each other (or you) like toddlers hyped up on sugar. The Sounds: The grunts, the chest beats, the leaves rustling as they move—it’s a symphony of wildness you’ll replay in your head forever. And then, just when you think it can’t get more magical… a gorilla walks right past you. Close enough to touch (but don’t—they’re wild, not pets). Close enough to smell the earth in their fur. Close enough to rewire your understanding of nature. “But Is It Safe?” (Spoiler: Yes, Unless You Do Something Stupid) Gorillas aren’t the bloodthirsty monsters movies make them out to be. They’re gentle giants who’d rather nap and munch on bamboo than mess with you. But they do have rules: Don’t stare too long (rude in gorilla culture). Don’t run (triggers their “play chase” instincts). Don’t sneeze directly at them (yes, someone tried this. The gorilla looked very unimpressed). Your guide will teach you the gorilla etiquette. Follow it, and you’ll be fine. Unless you panic and trip over your own feet—then you’re just entertainment for the gorillas. The Trek Itself: A Muddy, Sweaty, Worth-It Adventure Before you meet the gorillas, you’ve got to earn it. The Hike: Steep. Slippery. Occasionally brutal. You’ll question your life choices. The Mud: It will win. Your shoes will lose. Embrace it. The Altitude: Bwindi isn’t called “Impenetrable” for nothing. Thin air + uphill climbs = legs of fire. But then—you hear it. That first “wooo wooo.” Suddenly, the sweat, the mud, the burning thighs—none of it matters. Because you’re here. So… When Are You Going? The gorillas aren’t waiting. With only 1,000 mountain gorillas left on Earth, every year counts. Every trek matters. This is your sign. Stop saying “someday.” Stop worrying about the mud or the hike or the cost. Someday is now. The gorillas are calling. Can you hear them? “Wooo wooo.” Check Out Our Packages today https://pumbaadventures.com/packages/ #VisitUganda #GorillaTrekking #UgandaSafari #TravelAfrica #WhiteWaterRafting #AfricanAdventures #UgandaTravelPackages #ExploreUganda

Adventure Daycation
Blog, City, Destination, Jinja, Uganda

Can you really raft the Nile?

Can You Really Raft the Nile? (Ofcourse Yes—And Here’s Why You NEED To) Let’s cut to the chase: Yes, you can absolutely raft the Nile—and not just any lazy river float. We’re talking about Grade 5 rapids, swirling whirlpools, and drops so wild they have names like “The Bad Place” and “Vengeance.” This isn’t a water ride at Disneyland. This is the Nile River at its most untamed, and it’s calling your name. But before you picture yourself clinging to a raft like a scene from The Perfect Storm, let’s break it down. Because rafting the Nile isn’t just an activity—it’s a full-blown, heart-pounding, laugh-until-you-cry adventure that you’ll brag about for the rest of your life. Why the Nile? Because Ordinary Rapids Are for Cowards Most rivers have rapids. The Nile has liquid chaos. Imagine this: You’re in Jinja, Uganda—the adventure capital of East Africa—where the Nile is fresh out of Lake Victoria, young, restless, and pissed off. It hasn’t mellowed into the slow, historic river you read about in textbooks. No, this stretch of the Nile is raw, unchained, and ready to flip you into next week. The rapids have names like horror movie villains: “The Dead Dutchman,” “Silverback,” “Overtime.” The water isn’t just fast—it’s furious. Huge waves crash over you, whirlpools spin you like a washing machine, and at some point, you will get thrown in. (And you’ll love it.) The scenery? Lush green banks, tropical birds flying overhead, and the occasional local fisherman shaking his head at you like, “These crazy tourists…” This isn’t just rafting. This is a battle between you and Mother Nature—and losing is half the fun. What Happens When You Wipe Out? (Spoiler: It’s Awesome) Here’s the truth: You will flip. You will get tossed into the Nile. And when you do, it’ll be one of the most exhilarating moments of your life. Picture this: You’re paddling hard, screaming with laughter, when suddenly—BOOM. The raft tips. You’re underwater, spinning, limbs everywhere. For a split second, you think, “Wait, where’s up?” Then you burst to the surface, gasping, only to hear your guide howling with laughter. The safety kayakers? They’re already there, grabbing you before the Nile decides to take you on an unplanned detour. Your group? Half still in the raft, half in the water, all screaming with joy. Your adrenaline? Through. The. Roof. And then—you do it all again. Because once you survive your first flip, you’re hooked. But What If I’m Not an Adrenaline Junkie? (Good News: You Don’t Have to Be) Think rafting the Nile is only for extreme sports fanatics? Think again. For thrill-seekers: Go full send on the Grade 5 sections—where the Nile throws its biggest punches. For the cautious: Opt for a half-day trip or a milder stretch where the rapids are fun but not face-melting. For the “I just want to party on the water” crowd: Try a family-friendly float with a cooler full of drinks and a guide who’ll make sure you don’t do anything too stupid. No matter your comfort level, there’s a way to experience the Nile that’ll leave you grinning like an idiot. The Real Magic? The Stories You’ll Tell Forever Rafting the Nile isn’t just about surviving the rapids. It’s about the ridiculous, unforgettable moments in between. The time your friend screamed like a banshee the entire way down “The Bad Place.” The post-rafting beers at the Nile River Explorers’ campsite, where everyone’s swapping wipeout stories. The moment you realize you just rafted the freaking Nile—something most people only dream of. This is the kind of adventure that sticks with you. The kind that makes you feel alive. So… When Are You Going? The Nile isn’t getting any tamer. The rapids aren’t getting any softer. And your excuses aren’t getting any better. This is your sign. Stop watching videos of other people doing it. Stop saying “maybe someday.” Someday is now. The Nile is waiting. Are you ready to answer the call? https://pumbaadventures.com/packages/ #VisitUganda #GorillaTrekking #UgandaSafari #TravelAfrica #WhiteWaterRafting #AfricanAdventures #UgandaTravelPackages #ExploreUganda

running from cows
Blog, Destination, Uganda

Is Uganda Safe for Safari? (Spoiler: Yes…Unless You Run from Butterflies)

Is Uganda Safe for Safari? (Spoiler: Yes… Unless You Run from Butterflies) So, you’re dreaming of gorillas, lions, and epic jungle adventures—but a tiny voice in your head is whispering: “Wait… is Uganda actually safe?” Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Yes, unless you panic and sprint away from a warthog like it’s a T-rex. Let’s break it down—with hilarious real-life tourist freak-outs to prove that the wild is only scary if you make it scary. 1. The Animals: Less Scary Than Your Overactive Imagination Gorillas: Gentle Giants (Who Don’t Care About Your Instagram) People worry gorillas will rip their arms off. Reality? They’re basically hairy, 400-pound yoga instructors—chill, peaceful, and way more interested in eating leaves than you. True Story: One tourist screamed when a baby gorilla playfully rolled near her feet. The guide sighed. “Madam, that’s a toddler. It just wants to nap, not fight you.” Lions: The Ultimate Lazy Cats Uganda’s lions are so relaxed, they climb trees to avoid effort. You’re more likely to see one yawning than hunting. Tourist Panic Moment: A man once dropped his camera (RIP lens) because a lion farted loudly. The lion didn’t even wake up. Hippos: Grumpy Water Cows (Just Don’t Hug Them) Yes, hippos kill more people than lions. But only if you try to pet them. Stay in your boat, and they’ll just glare at you like you owe them money. Actual Safari Guide Quote: “No, sir, you cannot take a selfie with that hippo. It’s not your uncle.” 2. The Real Danger? Overreacting to Harmless Creatures The Warthog Scare Warthogs look tough but are basically wild pigs with bad haircuts. They’ll sprint away—unless you sprint first. Then they’ll chase you just to see why you’re running. Embarrassing Confession: A grown man once climbed a guide’s back like a koala because a warthog glanced at him. The warthog was eating grass. Monkey Mayhem Vervet monkeys are tiny, cute, and shameless thieves. They’ll steal your sandwich, but they won’t mug you. Classic Tourist Move: A woman shrieked and threw her banana at a monkey… who caught it mid-air and bowed. 10/10 performance. Butterfly Terror Yes, someone once ran from a butterfly. A butterfly. In their defense, it was “coming right at them!” 3. Safety Rules (So You Don’t End Up in a Funny Story) Listen to Your Guide – They know more than Google. If they say “don’t poke the buffalo,” there’s a reason. Stay in the Vehicle – Lions don’t jump into jeeps. But if you jump out, you become the snack. Don’t Run – Sprinting triggers predator instincts. Unless you’re Usain Bolt, you won’t win. Zip Your Tent – Monkeys will raid your snacks. A rogue baboon once stole someone’s underwear. (No one knows why.) 4. The Only Thing to Fear? Your Own Imagination Uganda’s wildlife isn’t out to get you. But your brain might be. That “log” in the water? Probably just a log. (But yes, sometimes it’s a croc.) The rustling in the bushes? A bird. Or a squirrel. Or your guide, laughing at you. The “roar” at night? Lions. But they’re far away. (Or it’s your friend snoring.) Final Verdict: Uganda is Safe… Unless You’re Scared of Butterflies You’re more likely to: Laugh at a gorilla burping than get attacked by one. Trip over your own feet (watch out for tree roots) than be chased by a lion. Get roasted by your guide for screaming at a harmless lizard. So pack your sense of humor along with your safari hat. The wild is waiting—and it’s way less scary than you think. https://pumbaadventures.com/packages/ #VisitUganda #GorillaTrekking #UgandaSafari #TravelAfrica #WhiteWaterRafting #AfricanAdventures #UgandaTravelPackages #ExploreUganda

flavor safari
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Flavor Safari

What’s the Food Like in Uganda? A Flavor Safari You Won’t Forget! Forget everything you think you know about African cuisine—Uganda’s food scene is a vibrant, hearty, and delicious surprise waiting to explode on your taste buds. This isn’t just sustenance; it’s an adventure for your mouth. So, buckle up, foodie explorers—we’re taking you on a flavor safari through Uganda’s most mouthwatering dishes, street eats, and must-try treats! 1. The Ultimate Ugandan Breakfast: The Mighty Rolex No, not the watch—the legendary street snack that fuels adventures! Picture this: A crispy, golden chapati wrapped around fluffy scrambled eggs, fresh tomatoes, onions, and sometimes cabbage or avocado. Rolled tight, sliced, and served hot from a roadside stall. Why it’s iconic: Cheap (about $1), filling, and perfect for eating on the go. Best place to try: Any bustling street corner in Kampala or Jinja. Fun fact: The name comes from “rolled eggs”—say it fast, and you’ll get it! 2. Matooke: Uganda’s Green Gold The dish so beloved, it’s practically Uganda’s national treasure. Steamed green bananas (yes, bananas!) mashed into a soft, savory heap and often served with: Groundnut (peanut) sauce – Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Beef or chicken stew – Slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices. Why it’s a must-try: It’s the ultimate comfort food—like Uganda’s answer to mashed potatoes, but way more interesting. Pro tip: Eat it with your hands for the full experience! 3. Luwombo: A Royal Feast Wrapped in Banana Leaves This isn’t just food—it’s a culinary masterpiece with history. Imagine tender chicken, beef, or goat, slow-cooked with veggies and spices, then steamed inside banana leaves until the flavors explode. The result? A smoky, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth delight. Why it’s special: Originally a dish for Buganda royalty, now a must-try for food lovers. Best enjoyed: At a local restaurant or homestay where it’s made traditionally. 4. Street Food Heaven: Grasshoppers & Muchomo For the bold eaters—Uganda’s wildest snacks! Grasshoppers (Nsenene) What? Yes, fried grasshoppers. Crispy, crunchy, and surprisingly tasty (like salty popcorn with legs). When? Best during rainy seasons when they swarm—locals catch them in nets and fry them up with onions and spices. Muchomo (Grilled Meat on a Stick) Think: Succulent skewers of goat, beef, or pork, grilled over charcoal and served with spicy sauces. Where? Night markets, roadside grills, and bus stops (perfect road trip snack!). 5. The Sweet Side: Mandazi & Gonja Because every great food journey needs dessert! Mandazi (East African Donuts) Light, fluffy, and slightly sweet—best dunked in tea or coffee. Perfect for: Breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Gonja (Roasted Plantains) Caramelized, smoky, and addictive. Often sold by street vendors wrapped in paper. Bonus: Try it with roasted peanuts for extra crunch! 6. The Ultimate Ugandan Drink: Waragi & Local Coffee Toast to Uganda in style! Waragi (Uganda’s Gin) A potent local spirit, often mixed with soda or tonic. Popular cocktail: “Uganda Waragi & Lime” (refreshing but dangerous!). Ugandan Coffee Some of the world’s best Arabica beans grow here. Must-try: Sipi Falls coffee—smooth, rich, and freshly brewed. Final Verdict: Ugandan Food is an Adventure This isn’t just eating—it’s exploring, tasting, and falling in love with flavors you never knew existed. So, are you ready to: Take a bite of a Rolex at sunrise? Feast like royalty with luwombo Dare to crunch on grasshoppers? Uganda’s food scene is calling. Will you answer? Tag your foodie friends and start planning your Ugandan flavor safari! https://pumbaadventures.com/packages/ #VisitUganda #GorillaTrekking #UgandaSafari #TravelAfrica #WhiteWaterRafting #AfricanAdventures #UgandaTravelPackages #ExploreUganda

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Why Visit Uganda?

Why Visit Uganda? The Land Before Time There are places that feel untouched by the modern world—where nature still rules, time moves differently, and adventure whispers through the trees. Uganda is that place. This isn’t just a destination. It’s a portal to Earth’s wildest, most primal self—a land where misty jungles hide families of mountain gorillas, where the Nile River thunders through ancient rock with the force of a thousand storms, and where lions climb trees like house cats lounging in the afternoon sun. Welcome to the Land Before Time. Step Into a World That Time Forgot 1. Where Gorillas Rule the Jungle Imagine trekking through emerald forests so dense, sunlight barely touches the ground. The air hums with insects, birds, and the occasional crack of branches. Then—you see them. A family of mountain gorillas, moving with quiet power through their kingdom. A silverback locks eyes with you, and in that moment, you’re not just a visitor. You’re a guest in their world. There’s no zoo glass, no barriers—just raw, unfiltered nature. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the last places on Earth where this happens. 2. The Nile’s Wild Heart The Nile River doesn’t just flow in Uganda—it rages, roars, and dares you to ride it. In Jinja, the river transforms into a liquid rollercoaster, with rapids so fierce they have names like “The Bad Place” and “Vengeance.” White-water rafting here isn’t just an activity—it’s a battle between you and untamed water. And if that’s not enough, stand at Murchison Falls, where the Nile—calm just moments before—explodes through a six-meter gap in the rock, shaking the ground beneath your feet. This is nature at its most powerful. 3. Lions That Break All the Rules Lions are supposed to laze on the savanna, right? Not in Uganda. In Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector, they climb trees—perched on fig branches like giant, lazy house cats. Watching them sprawl in the canopy, tails flicking as they survey their kingdom, you realize: Uganda’s wildlife doesn’t follow the rules. 4. The Last True Wilderness Most safari destinations feel discovered. Uganda? It still feels wild, uncharted, and utterly free. In Kidepo Valley National Park, you’ll find landscapes so untouched, you’ll swear you’re the first human to see them. Herds of buffalo stretch to the horizon, cheetahs sprint across golden plains, and rugged mountains frame it all like something out of a dream. This is Africa as it was meant to be. 5. A Land of Myth & Magic Uganda isn’t just about wildlife—it’s about moments that feel stolen from a legend. • Sipi Falls, where three waterfalls cascade down cliffs, surrounded by coffee plantations so lush, you’ll think you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. • Lake Bunyonyi, a mirror of stars at night, where the only sounds are frogs and the gentle lap of water against dugout canoes. • The Rwenzori Mountains, nicknamed the “Mountains of the Moon,” where glaciers glint above mist-shrouded valleys. Ready to step into the wild? Share this with someone who needs adventure, and let’s start planning your journey to Uganda’s untouched wonder.• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: https://pumbaadventures.com/destination/bwindi-impenetrable-national-park/ Murchison Falls: https://pumbaadventures.com/destination/jinja-adventure-city/ Queen Elizabeth National Park: https://pumbaadventures.com/destination/queen-elizabeth-national-park/ Kidepo Valley National Park: https://pumbaadventures.com/destination/kidepo-valley-national-park/ Check Out Our Packages today https://pumbaadventures.com/packages/ #VisitUganda #GorillaTrekking #UgandaSafari #TravelAfrica #WhiteWaterRafting #AfricanAdventures #UgandaTravelPackages #ExploreUganda

Blog, Destination, Tour, Uganda

Uganda Did WHAT to My Bucket List?

Uganda Did WHAT to My Bucket List? The Unexpected Magic That Rewrote My Travel Dreams I arrived in Uganda with a neatly organized bucket list—gorilla trekking, safari game drives, maybe a quick boat cruise. But this country doesn’t just check boxes—it erases them and hands you a whole new list written in wild ink. By the time I left, my travel priorities had been joyfully upended, and I realized something profound: Uganda isn’t just a destination. It’s a state of mind. 1. Gorilla Trekking Was Just the Opening Act Yes, standing mere feet from a mountain gorilla in Bwindi’s misty jungle was life-changing. But what shocked me? The unexpected moments around it: Village kids teaching me Luganda phrases between treks (“Webale!” still makes me smile) A Batwa elder showing me how to light fire without matches—then laughing when I failed The lodge chef surprising me with a “well-done chapati cake” after I raved about breakfast The gorillas were the headline, but Uganda’s people turned it into a full-blown love story. 2. The “Slow Safari” Revolution I thought safaris were about ticking off the Big Five. Uganda whispered: “Relax. Let the wild come to you.” Spending 45 minutes watching a giraffe eat acacia leaves—no rush, no jeeps jostling for photos Picnicking by the Nile as kingfishers dive-bombed for fish like living jewels Realizing a “boring” birding walk was actually a masterclass in mindfulness Turns out, safaris don’t need adrenaline to be unforgettable. Sometimes the magic is in the stillness. 3. Food That Tasted Like the Land Itself I expected basic camp meals. I got: A rolex (Uganda’s iconic egg chapati wrap) made fresh at a roadside stall—the cook grinning as I burned my fingers Matooke steamed in banana leaves, tasting like earth and sunshine Fresh pineapple so sweet it ruined supermarket fruit forever Every bite felt like a delicious crash course in Ugandan joy. 4. The Hospitality That Felt Like Coming Home Check Out Our Packages today Ugandans don’t just say “you’re welcome”—they live it: A guide who detoured to show me his favorite sunset spot Market vendors tossing in free mangoes “for your journey” Lodge staff remembering my coffee order after one day This wasn’t service. This was friendship in action. 5. Your Turn to Be Ruined (In the Best Way) Uganda doesn’t just give you adventures—it gives you a new lens to see the world. And the best part? No scary moments required. Just open arms, open roads, and endless cups of spiced chai. Ready to rewrite your bucket list? The rolexes are hot, the gorillas are waiting, and the only risk is falling hopelessly in love. Check Out Our Packages today https://pumbaadventures.com/packages/ #VisitUganda #GorillaTrekking #UgandaSafari #TravelAfrica #WhiteWaterRafting #AfricanAdventures #UgandaTravelPackages #ExploreUganda

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