President Yoweri Museveni joined filmmakers and tourism leaders on Wednesday for the exclusive screening of “Hidden Uganda,” a groundbreaking documentary by American journalist Peter Greenberg that spotlights the country’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures. The event at Speke Resort Munyonyo marked a significant moment in Uganda’s push to position itself as Africa’s next great travel destination.

Flanked by First Lady Janet Museveni and top government officials, the president beamed with pride as scenes of mist-covered mountains, rare wildlife, and vibrant cultural displays flashed across the screen. “We don’t need air conditioning here – nature gives us perfect weather just as it is,” Museveni told the captivated audience, encapsulating Uganda’s natural advantages in one memorable phrase.

The documentary reveals Uganda through the lens of a global traveler, showcasing everything from the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains to the adrenaline-pumping whitewater rapids of the Nile. But Museveni emphasized that the film only scratches the surface of what makes Uganda special. With the enthusiasm of a seasoned tour guide, the president delivered an impromptu geography lesson, noting how Uganda’s central position in Africa – “you could fit America into our continent four times!” – protected its cultural authenticity for centuries.

“Real Africa lives here,” Museveni declared. “When the British came, they only stayed seventy years. They left our traditions, our wildlife, our way of life largely intact.” He pointed to Uganda’s unique agricultural heritage as part of this living cultural wealth, singling out Ankole cattle with their distinctive yellow-fat beef as both a culinary treasure and health-conscious alternative to regular beef.

The presidential endorsement carries weight for Uganda’s tourism ambitions. Visitor numbers have been steadily climbing since pandemic restrictions lifted, but officials believe the country remains underrated compared to safari heavyweights like Kenya and Tanzania. Vice President Jessica Alupo stressed that films like Greenberg’s work provide the perfect vehicle to change international perceptions.

Greenberg, a veteran travel correspondent whose work reaches over 130 million viewers worldwide, confessed he initially came to Uganda with typical foreign misconceptions. “This film will show travelers experiences they never imagined possible,” he promised, thanking Museveni for the warm reception. The journalist’s footage of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel highlights exactly the kind of high-value tourism Uganda hopes to attract.

Private sector leaders see the documentary as a game-changer. Diana Museveni Kyaremera, whose Age Safaris company helped facilitate the project, made a playful appeal for the president to consider starring in a sequel. “Nobody knows Uganda’s stories better than you,” she said, proposing a “Royal Tour”-style documentary that could follow Museveni as he explains the nation’s history firsthand.

Infrastructure upgrades already in the pipeline aim to make these cinematic landscapes more accessible. Museveni revealed plans for new international airports at Kidepo National Park and Kanungu that would allow wealthy travelers to fly directly into wilderness areas – a move that could position Uganda as the ultimate luxury safari destination.

As guests sampled Ankole beef canapés after the screening, the buzz reflected Uganda’s growing confidence in its tourism potential. From the peanut farmers of northern Uganda to the coffee growers of the western highlands, the documentary offers ordinary Ugandans a chance to benefit from the global spotlight.

For Museveni, the project represents more than just economic opportunity. “This film shows the world what we’ve always known,” he said, gazing at a promotional image of mountain gorillas. “Uganda isn’t just a place to visit. It’s the Africa you’ve been dreaming of.” With international audiences set to discover Uganda through Greenberg’s lens, the country may soon need to prepare for many more visitors eager to experience these hidden gems for themselves.