TAKEAWAYS

• Tyrese Gibson says Uganda’s warm and genuine welcome has made a strong impression on him.
• The Hollywood star has met President Museveni and CDF Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
• His visit is focused on coffee tourism, investment, culture and exploring ways to create lasting impact.

American Hollywood star and musician Tyrese Gibson has revealed how deeply impressed he has been by the warm welcome he has received in Uganda, saying his visit is about more than simply coming to the country for publicity.

The Fast & Furious franchise star jetted into Uganda on Tuesday, August 25, for a three-day visit centred on coffee tourism, tourism promotion, investment and cultural experiences. He was welcomed at Entebbe International Airport by Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) CEO Juliana Kagwa, among others.

Gibson has since held high-level engagements, including a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni, where they discussed creative arts, tourism and the historical and cultural ties between Africa and African Americans.

He also met Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who encouraged him to consider Uganda a second home and help attract more visitors from the African diaspora.

Speaking during his Uganda engagements, Gibson praised the reception he had received since arriving, saying it was different from the treatment he has experienced in many other countries.

“I want to say thank you for welcoming me on such a beautiful and genuine level,” Gibson said, adding that he had travelled to many countries but had not always encountered the same warmth and genuine affection.

The Hollywood star said he had felt particularly welcomed from the moment he landed at Entebbe, joking that he had wanted to remain at the airport longer after being received with music, traditional performances and Ugandan hospitality.

Gibson also spoke about his desire to make his Uganda visit meaningful, rather than simply being another celebrity appearance.

“I am not here to do anything selfishly, thinking about me and myself,” he said. “I want to understand the people of Uganda. I want to understand what you want.”

He said he hoped to work with Ugandan leaders and other stakeholders to explore ways of changing lives, adding that the discussions underway could lead to ambitious projects.

The visit is linked to the Explore Uganda Coffee Tourism campaign, a joint initiative involving UTB, Kampala Capital City Authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Africa Coffee Park. The campaign seeks to promote Uganda’s coffee culture, value chain and tourism experiences to international audiences.

Gibson is also expected to take part in activities connected to Uganda’s coffee sector, including interactions with coffee farmers and other tourism experiences during his visit.