POTENTIALS AND PROSPECTS FOR TOURISM IN JINJA TOWN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION

APPROVAL ii

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGMENT iv

KEY TERMS

ABSTRACT ix

CHAPTER ONE i

INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Background to the study 1

1.2 Statement of the problem 1

1.3 Purpose of the study 2

1.4 Specific objectives of the study 2

1.5 Research questions 2

1.6 Significance of thestudy 3

1.7 Scope of the study 3

CHAPTER TWO 4

LITERATURE REVIEW 4

2.1 Introduction 4

2.2 Potentials for tourism development 4

2.2.1 Ecotourism 4

2.2.2 Amenities 4

2.2.3 Culture 5

2.2.4 Accommodation and lodging 5

2.2.5 Political environment 6

2.2.6 Transport 6

2.2.2 Sunny and warm conditions 6

2.3 Limitations to the development of tourism 7

2.3.1 Vices 7

2.3.2 Degradation of the environment 7

2.3.3 Fall in the quality of community life 7

2.3.4 Disasters 8

2.3.5 Seasonal nature of tourism 8

2.3.6 Competition in the tourism industry 8

2.4 Ways ofpromoting tourism .9

2.4.1 Publicity of the tourism products 9

2.4.2 Development of the infrastructure 9

2.4.3 Conservation of tourism products 10

2.4.4 Capacity building in tourism 10

CHAPTER THREE 11

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 11

3.1 Introduction 11

3.2Areaofstudy 11

3.3 Research design 11

3.4 Target population 12

3.5 Sample framework and sample size 12

3.4 Data collection 12

3.4.1 Interviews 12

3.4.3 Observations 13

3.6 Data analysi~ 13

3.7 Limitations of the study 13

CHAPTER FOUR 14

DISCUSSION OF RESULTS 14

4.1 Introduction 14

4.2 Potentials for tourism in Jinja Town 14

4.2.1 Weather conditions 14

4.2.2 Social pleasantries 15

4.2.3 Cultural factors 15

4.2.4 Transport 16

4.2.5 Lodging and accommodation 16

4.2.6 Peaceful environment 17

4.2.7 Ecotourism 17

4.3 Limitations to the development of tourism in Jinja Town 18

4.3.1 Social problems 18

4.3.2 Degeneration of the environment 19

4.3.3 Inconvenience to local people 19

4.3.4 Political uncertainties 20

4.3.5 Fluctuations in the number of tourists 20

4.3.6 Competition and infrastructural bottlenecks 20

4.4 Promoting tourism in Jinja Town 20

4.4.1 Publicity of the tourism products 21

4.4.2 Investment in infrastructure 21

4.4.3 Conservation of the environment 21

4.4.4 Capacity building 22

CHAPTER FIVE 23

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 23

5.1 Conclusions 23

5.2 Recommendations 24

REFERENCES AND SOURCES 26

APPENDIX A 29

INTERVIEW SCHEDULE 29

APPENDIX B 30

OBSERVATION CHECKLIST 30

ABSTRACT 

The study examined the potentials and prospects for tourism in Jinja. This was after the realisation that the area had numerous tourist attractions centred on River Nile and Lake Victoria. The challenge was how to tap these potentials. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to identify the potentials for tourism in Jinja Town; to find out the limitations to the development of tourism in Jinja Town; and to examine the ways of promoting tourism in Jinja Town. To achieve the objectives, the study was guided by the following research questions: what are the potentials for tourism in Jinja Town? What are the limitations to the development of tourism in Jinja Town? What are the ways of promoting tourism in Jinja Town? The study design took the form of a case study design that involved an in-depth and holistic study of the potentials and prospects for tourism in Jinja Town. The study also involved purposive sampling in which the data sought were qualitative. A sample of 45 respondents was selected for the study. The sampl~ included visitors/tourists, transport operators, lodge, restaurants and hotel workers, mana~ers of tourist sites, academics, tour operators and opinion leaders. The data were collected using interviews and observations for primary data and documents analysis for secondary data. Data analysis began with the editing of the data of errors. This was then followed by the qualitative analysis of the data. This involved the literal description and narration of the emerging issues and quoting extensively in verbatim out of which authentic conclusions were made. The study established that the potentials for tourism in Jinja Town rested on both environmental [Lake Victoria and River Nile] and human factors [histoiical and cultural features, accessibility, accommodation, and political and economic stability] which motivate people to visit the area. The study also found out that the limitations to the development of tourism in Jinja Town were political, social, economic and environmental. Lastly, the study established that tourism promotion needed publicity, infrastructural development, conservation and capacity building. The study concludes by noting that the potentials for tourism in Jinja Town will for the years to come remain underdeveloped or even unnoticed not until those who wield power and influence realise that tourism can develop outside the national parks and also internalise the role of tourism in national development. The study notes that given the political and structural bottlenecks that ix infest the economy of Uganda as a whole, the sector of tourism will consistently develop at a pedestrian speed, keeping places such as Jinja Town at the peripheral of tourism in the country. The study also notes that Jinja Town could become a major destination for holiday makers if there was invest in the infrastructure, conservation, capacity building and publicity of the potentials of tourism. The study recommends the need for the marketing of the tourist attractions of Jinja Town and investment in the infrastructure so as to harness the potential that is largely unexploited. The study also recommends the need for a strong and effective body that promotes Uganda to the rests of the world as a major destination for holiday makers and investors. Lastly, the study recommends the need for conservation, consolidation of political stability and apprenticeship and training.