Every country in the World has unique cultural practices that are held dearly by the people, hence a foreign tourist visiting any destination has to learn and respect the cultures of the people. Sometimes it will be a cultural shock when you see some of them but don’t always see it as inferior because the culture that seems superior to you also appears inferior to people new to it hence the reason to respect other people’s cultures.
For Uganda, it is always important for you as a tourist to fit into the cultures of the country to avoid making mistakes and angering the Hosts. Ugandans are generally the friendliest and warm people you will ever encounter in your lifetime but always ensure that you are culturally sensitive when dealing with the locals and trust me, you will love the country and the people to the fullest.
Therefore, this information offers some of the common cultural mistakes you must avoid to have memorable Uganda safaris and these tips are guided by ecotourism standards;
Know how to deal with emotions like anger
You should always know how to control your emotions so that they don’t go out of hand because sometimes things may not go to your expectations. All you need to do is to sometimes adjust where necessary. Exploding after being irritated is a great cultural mistake to avoid during Uganda safaris. You are therefore advised to avoid venting your feelings or emotions when someone has annoyed you, for instance in a restaurant or bar but instead quietly express your dissatisfaction to the waiter or waitress and this will cost you nothing.
Ugandans are relational
There is a saying in Uganda that the child belongs to the community and not to the parents alone hence it always takes an entire village to raise a child in this country. If you visit Uganda, you will discover that even when a child stays in the urban center, he/she has to return to his/her roots-grandparents, aunts and uncles and sometimes to other members of society such as the church or mosque. This is slightly different with the Western World where a family lives alone.
Public affection
Oh yes, this is very important during Uganda safaris. Unlike where you come from, kissing in public or any other form of affection and conversation about intimacy while in Uganda is weird and can draw a lot of attention. People in Town might write it off because you are a foreigner but it is not right in a Ugandan culture. Ugandans mainly hug or hold hands but nothing beyond that.
Meeting and greeting is important among Ugandans
In this country, meeting and greeting is done by shaking hands and both men and women can freely shake hands. Not only that, friendship between men and women is shown through holding hands lightly but children are expected to kneel when greeting elders. This is a sign of respect but you don’t have to kneel when greeting someone but don’t meet someone in Uganda without greeting them.
Engage in meaningful conversations and always be willing to share or learn
You have to always communicate freely with Ugandans and enjoy some of the Ugandan stories. Share your own experience of where you come from and also be willing to learn from the people. Therefore, meaningful conversations allow you to learn and appreciate people’s mindset, principles and values.
What to always wear while in Uganda
Indecent dressing is one important thing you should avoid during Uganda safaris. Skimpy dresses, mini-skirts and shorts should be avoided because most Ugandans are still conservative hence expect women to dress decently especially skirts and dresses that are below the knee. You can only wear jeans, shorts and leggings when going to the nightclubs and bars because in such places such dressing is normal. Culturally, women wear Gomesi/Busuuti and men wear Kanzu for functions (weddings, introductions and Parties) and interestingly, Alicia Keys wore a Gomesi during her visit to Uganda.
Taking photographs
Taking photographs of public buildings and people without permission is not allowed in Uganda. Therefore, you are advised to first seek for permission because some people don’t want their photographs taken. However, photographs of other places such as events, streets and markets can be taken without prior permission.
Respect for elderly persons
Elderly people in Uganda are always celebrated and when you meet them, you have to greet them with utmost respect. Also engage in meaningful conversations with them because you will get to learn a lot from them.
