Conflict and Tourism in Uganda

I am looking into the relationship between conflict and tourism. I will specifically focus on the case study of Uganda in East Africa. Uganda has a strong history of conflict and a reputation of violence. The country has undergone multiple well-reported tragedies. After colonization, the country had to rebuild and suffered a lot of strife. The conflict was seen by the world. Aid is sent, but the country is still working to end all violence. Uganda is seeking the tourism industry to help the economy. The tourism industry has a lot of backing by economists and developers as a way of increasing incoming money and foreign investment. The Ugandan government set up a group officials create and market tourism in the country. They are using methods such as branding to promote the industry. The country must create a new perception of safety to finally stray away from the violent reputation and reinvent tourism to interest outside investors and travellers. They use various methods and focus on different national aspects in order to make gains in this economy. Background/Introduction Much of Africa has experienced an extensive and harsh history. It has been an obstacle course of colonialism, violence, political strife, economic instability. These and other issues create a difficult environment to grow an economically and socially stable government and country. There are many methods countries look to to grow their economies and increase foreign investment; one of these methods is through the tourism industry. In 2012, worldwide tourist arrivals exceeded the one billion mark for the first time (UNWTO 2013 3). International tourist receipts reached US$ 1,075 billion worldwide in 2012 (UNWTO 2013 3). As the tourism industry grows, developing countries are able to use it to expand their economy. Despite publicized conflict situations and instability, countries still can achieve vast growth in their tourism industry and serve as a valuable example for other developing countries. Many newly independent countries a stabilize their governments. Various aspects of these economies were not developed in colonial times, and as countries fought for independence, they soon realized that they must build these economies in order to be self-sustainable. Due to colonialism some economies are based on agrarian societies. African economies are known for developing raw goods and exporting raw supplies to outside investors. Some industrial sectors are not as advanced and it is now inte competitive to become a major player in that section of the economy. Countries are finding other ways to develop and contribute to the global economy while bringing in foreign investment to build their country, freeing themselves of a colonial legacy Tourism in Uganda has suffered from a 40 year legacy of violence. Uganda has suffered through many violent conflicts throughout its history and is still struggling against many conflicting sources within the country. In history beginning in 1971, Idi Amin led a coup that overtook the President at the time, Milton Obote. He established a new military government, but many Presidents surrounding as well as the Organization of African Unity (OAU) refused to recognize it as a legitimate government (Military Rule Under Amin, 1975). Amin favored military tribunals over civil law and posted military officials and soldiers around the country to govern. There re now struggling to build their economies and