The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ugandan Embassy to the Russian Federation have welcomed a delegation of top Russian influencers for a cultural and tourism immersion experience designed to showcase Uganda’s beauty, warmth, and adventure to global audiences.
The visit, spearheaded by the Ugandan Embassy in Moscow, marks a historic milestone in the mission’s efforts to position Uganda as a premier travel destination for Russian tourists.
Led by Ambassador Moses K. Kizige, the Head of Mission, alongside Ambassador Gideon M. Rutazindwa, Deputy Head of Mission, and Ms. Georgina Nakawombe, First Secretary, the Embassy has launched a 2025/2026 campaign to aggressively market Uganda’s tourism, cultural heritage, and investment potential across major Russian cities through workshops and roadshows.
This initiative represents a strategic shift in Uganda’s public diplomacy, leveraging digital storytelling and influencer marketing to enhance the country’s visibility and brand appeal internationally.
The visiting influencers — a blend of lifestyle creators, travel vloggers, and digital storytellers including Linzie Camara, Ksenia Mezentseva, Irina Belousova, and Vladimir Pozhidaev — arrived in Kampala on November 9, 2025, and were treated to a warm Ugandan welcome during a private dinner at Jikoni Restaurant on Clement Hill.
The event, hosted by Lucy Bunyenyezi Mulira, Founder of Forking Around Kampala, brought together representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ugandan influencers, and key tourism and media stakeholders — creating a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and collaboration.
The setting at Jikoni, renowned for its authentic Ugandan cuisine, offered guests a vibrant introduction to the country’s rich culinary identity, featuring delicacies such as Luwombo and tilapia prepared Coastal-style.
“It was a fantastic way to introduce them to Uganda through food,” said Lucy Bunyenyezi Mulira. “Food tells you so much about a country. Jikoni did a great job of helping us share Uganda’s culinary story — what makes our food unique, rich in culture, nutrition, and health. There’s no better way to get to know people than through food,”Bunyenyezi said.
Representing Feliz Tropical Safaris, Russian lifestyle and travel blogger Linzie Camara said the group’s goal is to present Uganda to Russian audiences through an authentic lens.
“The entire point of this adventure is to show Uganda through the eyes of people who have never seen it — to truly introduce the country to the Russian market,” Camara explained. “Uganda has remained authentic and natural. As storytellers, we help people see the world differently, inspiring them to explore Uganda’s magnificent nature, culture, and kind people for themselves.”
The influencers’ itinerary includes visits to some of Uganda’s most iconic attractions — the Mabamba Swamp Shoebill site, Kazinga Channel, Murchison Falls National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking. Their experiences will be documented and shared across digital platforms to inspire Russian and international travelers to explore Uganda.
Expressing his excitement, Vladimir Pozhidaev described Uganda as a “hidden gem” for Russian travelers.
“I’ve travelled across Africa, but I finally made it to the Pearl of Africa. Uganda is exotic, friendly, and full of surprises. I’m especially looking forward to experiencing its wildlife and cultural richness,” Pozhidaev said.
Mrs. Margaret A. Kafeero, Head of the Department of Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised the collaboration as a key step in strengthening Uganda’s global image through modern diplomacy.
“We are implementing a comprehensive economic and commercial diplomacy strategy, with tourism as a key pillar,” she noted. “Influencers and creatives are vital in promoting Uganda’s image abroad. Our goal is to forge bonds that go beyond commerce, turning visitors into long-term partners and ambassadors for Uganda.”
The activation underscores the growing synergy between local and international influencers in shaping narratives that celebrate Uganda’s culture, cuisine, and natural beauty — reaffirming its position as the true Pearl of Africa.
