Ugandan Boy Who Went Viral with Park Knowledge Appointed Tour Company Brand Ambassador: "Golden Boy"
- Nicholas Tukwasibe, a 6-year-old boy with a passion for tourism, becomes a brand ambassador for a travel company
- The young boy impressed tourists with his knowledge of Queen Elizabeth National Park and ultimately landed a dream job with Home to Africa
- Known as the gateway to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Nicholas will now take care of his family
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Young Nicholas, Tukwasibwe, a boy who impressed netizens with his Queen Elizabeth National Park knowledge, has landed a brand ambassadorial deal with a tour and travel company.
Source: UGC
Regular at Queen Elizabeth National Park
The 6-year-old was known as the gateway to Queen Elizabeth National Park and his ambition, determination, and unwavering passion made him embark on journeys that greatly inspired netizens.
In an interview with YEN.com.gh, Bravo Shoes Company founder Yesigye Brian Bravo narrated that Nicholas used to stand at the strategic cliff of view near Park View Safari Lodge Kyambura signpost to wait for tourists.
“I am feeling much better and okay…” this is the new slogan from Nicholas and it was also experienced by those in the tourism circles, especially tourists frequenting Western Uganda in Rubirizi district to catch the gem while performing his unusual tour guiding services.
Nicholas was not born into privilege; his widowed mum worked her hands to the bone to feed her kids. His two older brothers resorted to manual labour to help put food on the table.
Source: UGC
Family struggling in Rubiziri
"It’s through this job that he will be able to feed his siblings and his ailing 46-year-old mother, Peninah Kyomuhendo. The latter sleeps in an old dilapidated single room near the Rubirizi – Kasese main road," he said.
"Despite his limited knowledge about the inner workings of the country's largest national game park, he never hesitated to seize any chance near his home to educate tourists. He mimicked and diligently memorised the introductory gestures and information typically delivered by professional tour guides," he continued.
Nicholas was going about his business at home when Bravo Shoes Community Support Organisation (BSC) learnt that he didn't go to school and went to look for him.
They picked the young lad to further his dream and also help him acquire a decent formal education.
Home to Africa Tour and Travel agency
The golden boy from Rubiriz impressed a lot and left many tourists mesmerised on his first assignment at the Home to Africa Tour and Travel agency.
Home to Africa, led by Nicholas Tukwasibwe and Zedius Dedya, guided the boy into the gentle, meandering river winds of Kazinga Channel.
They went through the pristine setting with a Siamese connection between Lake George and Lake Albert, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the azure skies above and the silent giants like hippopotami and crocodiles, as well as a few isolated buffalos taking showers along the riverbanks.
At the water banks, Nickolas, using his binoculars, found smooth, sun-warmed stones resting under the shades of trees that beckon one to sit and listen to the soothing sounds of nature.
Source: UGC
Nicholas, a big asset to tourism
Wildlife abounds in this sanctuary, with birds of every feather filling the air with melodious songs. Deer and other graceful creatures roam freely, adding to the enchantment of the place.
Nicholas’ expression and knowledge about the tourism subject left the public and social media world guessing which breed of tourist guide he had become and how best he maintained his God-given talent and skill.
After the success game drive, Zedius described Nicholas as the biggest asset to the tourism industry; he promised to improve him and make him a significant asset in the industry.
“He managed to spot most of the animals despite this being his first experience. He needs to visit the park regularly. To me, he is a great guide, and in case he improves on the language, he will be among the best tour guides we have in the country,” he described Nicholas.
Mbonye Mark Levis, the Rubirizi District Community Development Officer (DCDO), applauded Bravo Shoes Community Support Organisation’s visit to the district as a timely blessing.
He said that despite having Universal Primary Education (UPE), one of the government policy tools for achieving poverty reduction and human development, some children have not yet benefited from it due to different factors.
Source: UGC
“We end up having a big number of dropouts after P.7, and most boys join boda bodas, and girls turn out as housemaids and barmaids, and this is a big challenge because this number is increasing day by day. A few go for skilling in Mbarara, and the intervention by the government is minimal,” Mbonye added.
According to Mbonye, parents struggle to take care of their children due to constrained incomes, and casual labour is rewarded with sh5,000 to work from morning to afternoon.
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) commended Bravo Shoes Community Support Organisation and its partners for taking on Nicholas and highlighted that the gesture will add value to the tourism industry in Rubirizi district.
“We are trying to market our district; tourism is not generation much to the district but generating to individuals. We want to engage all the stakeholders so that the district can help in building the infrastructure,” he said after signing a memorandum of understanding with Bravo Shoes Community Support Organisation.
Nicholas Now Brand Ambassador
The company has experts in tailored safaris in East Africa, and Nicholas will be the brand ambassador at Home to Africa Tour and Travel. He is expected to set foot across the East African region of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, among other countries.
The collaboration between Home to Africa Tours and Bravo Shoes Community Organization represents a convergence of common values and objectives, with a shared commitment to elevate communities, empower the youth, and forge a brighter collective future.
Well-wishers buy shoes for barefooted boy
In 2021, Elvi Bwire's viral photo in which he was admiring a pupil with shoes touched many hearts among them Bravo.
The schoolboy was an orphan living with his grandmother.
YEN.com.gh learnt that well-wishers sponsored his education and he will not have any more issues until university.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
George Nyavor (Head of Politics and Current Affairs Desk) George Nyavor writes for YEN.com.gh. He has been Head of the Politics and Current Affairs Desk since 2022. George has over 9 years of experience in managing media and communications (Myjoyonline and GhanaWeb). George is a member of the Catholic Association of Media Practitioners Ghana (CAMP-G). He obtained a BA in Communications Studies from the Ghana Institute of Journalism in 2010. Reach out to him via george.nyavor@yen.com.gh.
Berlinda Entsie (Copy Editor) Berlinda Entsie is a Copy Editor at YEN.com.gh. She has worked as a proofreader and editor since 2016. Berlinda has over 5 years' experience editing and writing for leading publications in Ghana. She previously worked with Graphic Communications Group LTD, Business Insider SSA and Pulse.com.gh. She obtained a B.A in English Studies from the Methodist University College in 2016 and a Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the GH Media School in 2019. Reach out to her via berlinda.entsie@yen.com.gh
