Some years ago while Aidah Nalubega was still a student of Mariam High School in Kisaasi, her parents inquired to know what her career dream was.
Without any haste, she said she wants to work in the tourism industry as a tour operator due to her love for nature as well as traveling. It wasn’t the best expectation from her parents, who hoped their daughter would pursue a career in law or journalism. However, Nalubega was so convinced with her passion she refused to settle for anything less.
Fast forward to today, she is the proud owner of a tour company, Upendi tours, whose sole employee is herself. That may seem weird on the surface but there is more to Upendi than meets the eye.
A GO-GETTER
In appearance, Nalubega is a devout Muslim judging by her outfit but then again, she flaunts an outgoing and cheerful character which I couldn’t resist at the recent Birding expo in Entebbe.
As much a fan she is about birds, she was also there to woo potential clients and, of course, learn more about the tourism industry. Nalubega is a gifted orator whose aggressiveness and persuasion skills are adorable for such a young lady in a men-dominated industry.
The start was rocky after completing her bachelor’s degree in leisure and hospitality at Makerere University Business School (Mubs). “I had nowhere to start from,” she said. “I realised I needed to get a job in the meantime before embarking on my dreams.”
Indeed, her first job was a customer care manager at International Contact Uganda before she joined Hotel Africana in the same capacity three years ago. It was at Hotel Africana last year that she realised that the only way to achieve her dream is to become self-employed.
“It was the toughest decision of my life because the pay was good,” she recalls. “But I had to quit in spite of the little start-up capital, Shs 5m to be precise.”
Nalubega initially endured a barren spell with Upendi tours without any business but with dedication and determination, things eventually fell into place.
“I spent the first few months keenly studying the industry, networking and also getting a feel of what it takes to be in the shoes of my potential clients,” she said.
SEEN IT ALL
Experience is the best teacher in this field and she seized every opportunity to traverse the country’s top tourist sites, even if it meant digging deep into her pockets. “I’ve been to Mweya, Ssese Islands and Murchison Falls but Kidepo Valley national park in Karamoja stands out due to its untapped potential,” she said.
With such thorough knowledge of Ugandan tourism, Nalubega was good to go. Having already set up a website, she started to get bookings.
DOMINO EFFECT
Nalubega is cagey about how much she makes a month as a tour operator but you only need to see her plush office in Lungujja to know life is, indeed, bliss for her.
She admits her success is a consequence of one client setting off a chain of others to use her services. “Most of my new clients are recommended by those that I have worked with and I go to deep lengths to ensure they achieve satisfaction,” she said.
That, however, hasn’t been without dark days. “There were a few situations when I booked hotels only for clients not to turn up, thereby losing my money,” she said.
“It is also a bit unfortunate that many Ugandans aren’t yet sold to tourism. This is an indictment on the sector planners and they should do more to get Ugandans love their country.”
At the moment, Nalubega operates her company in Lungujja, with her phone and laptop being her biggest companions. Upendi tours coordinates tours around Uganda, from city tours, chimpanzee tracking, gorilla tracking, and adventurous sports trips to boat cruises.
Nalubega also organize customized private safaris and group tours. “I have a good working relationship with leading tour operators, hotels and lodges in the country while organising tourist destinations around the country,” she said.
“Sometimes I don’t even need to physically meet the clients due to outsourcing of my services but my job includes assistance with hotel reservations, airport pickups and drops.”
DEEPLY RELIGIOUS
Being young, female and Muslim in the industry is a rare thing but she has never felt challenged because of religion or sex.
“I never go out without my hijab and I do pray five times a day,” she said. “But I do respect everyone I meet and freely mingle with them to offer the utmost trust and comfort.”
Looking back, Nalubega has some important message for other youths out there. “Persistence and dedication are the key virtues in the tourism industry,” she says.
“I’ve had to endure all sorts of challenges and distractions to be where I am today.”
For now, the sky is the limit for the ambitious Nalubega.
bamulanzeki@gmail.com