Uganda’s rich natural heritage and bold strides in eco-tourism and sports innovation took center stage at the prestigious US-Africa Business Connect, hosted by the MIT Sloan Africa Business Club. Drawing global leaders, innovators, and policymakers to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the event offered a powerful platform for Uganda to showcase two standout initiatives: the Roosevelt Africa Trail and the Rwenzori Marathon.
These projects were spotlighted as transformative models of how Africa can reimagine travel, sport, and storytelling to boost tourism and cultural preservation. Their success resonated across a range of conference sessions, reinforcing Uganda’s emerging status as a top-tier destination for immersive, responsible, and high-impact tourism.
The Roosevelt Africa Trail: Bridging Past and Present
One of the most talked-about moments of the conference was the unveiling of the Roosevelt Africa Trail. This ambitious initiative retraces the path of US President Theodore Roosevelt’s famed 1909–1910 Smithsonian African Expedition. The trail winds through Murchison Falls National Park and leads to the shores of Lake Victoria, blending adventure travel with historical education and conservation.
Designed to promote eco-tourism, protect cultural landmarks, and stimulate community development, the Roosevelt Africa Trail was described by conference organisers as “a groundbreaking cross-continental effort to connect people, places, and history.” The initiative not only honors the legacy of exploration but also creates new economic opportunities for local communities by attracting heritage-conscious travellers and conservation enthusiasts.
Rwenzori Marathon: Sport Meets High-Altitude Adventure
Equally inspiring was the focus on the Rwenzori Marathon, an endurance race that carves a unique path across the equator and into the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. This high-altitude challenge has become a symbol of how sport can drive tourism, economic activity, and global awareness.
During the panel “Tech Synergies in Global Marathons: Boston & Rwenzori,” participants explored the role of sports tourism in shaping Africa’s narrative. Among the speakers were 2025 Boston Marathon winner John Korir and elite coach Ron Mann, who shared insights into how technology, training, and cultural integration are elevating marathons across continents.
Endurance athlete and digital influencer Matt Choi also joined the conversation virtually to announce his participation in the 2025 edition of the Rwenzori Marathon. “Running can drive global connection, community-building, and cultural storytelling,” he said, reinforcing the idea that sport is a universal language capable of drawing attention to Africa’s untapped destinations.
Telling Uganda’s Story: From Kapchorwa to the World
Uganda’s storytelling efforts extended into film with the screening of Born to Run: Kapchorwa to the World, a documentary celebrating the nation’s long-distance running legacy. The film offered a deeply personal look at how athletic excellence has become an essential part of Uganda’s identity and soft power.
Following the screening, a panel on cultural preservation and tourism brought together leading voices such as Taylor Jean-Jacques of NABU, Adrian Braka of Roosevelt Africa Safari Coffee, and Benon Kayemba of Uganda’s Embassy in Washington. They discussed how digital publishing, heritage coffee exports, and diaspora engagement are helping Uganda share its story with the world.
Digital Frontiers in African Tourism
Pushing the boundaries of what tourism can be, MIT XR+AI researcher Rus Gant delivered a keynote on the role of immersive technologies in redefining travel experiences. From virtual reality (VR) tours of national parks to AI-powered cultural storytelling, Gant underscored how cutting-edge tools can preserve Africa’s past while inviting global audiences to explore it in new ways.
“Digital innovation isn’t just a tool—it’s a bridge between generations, geographies, and global communities,” he said. The potential for Uganda and other African nations to use XR and AI to elevate tourism offerings sparked wide interest among attendees.
A New Narrative for Africa
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, closed the conference with a call to action: to empower African youth, tech entrepreneurs, and diaspora voices to shape a self-defined future for African tourism. She applauded Uganda’s showcase as an example of how the continent can lead with authenticity, innovation, and purpose.
In a celebratory finale, one lucky attendee won an all-expenses-paid trip to Uganda—including entry into the 2025 Rwenzori Marathon and a gorilla trekking adventure in the iconic Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Uganda on the Global Map
The spotlight on Uganda at MIT’s US-Africa Business Connect marks a new chapter for the country’s tourism industry. Through innovative initiatives like the Roosevelt Africa Trail and the Rwenzori Marathon, Uganda is proving that its parks, peaks, and people are more than just destinations—they are stories waiting to be told.
As the world seeks more meaningful and sustainable travel experiences, Uganda is rising as a beacon of eco-tourism, cultural resilience, and adventurous spirit.
