19 January 2024
Uganda and the East African tourism world has been left in shock and sadness as the news broke of the passing of Robert Davies, CEO of Bungee Uganda and Quad-Biking based in Jinja, the adrenaline capital of East Africa.
In a statement shared on her X account, CEO of Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Ms. Lilly Ajarova wrote: “It is with the great sorrow and sadness that I have learnt of the untimely passing on of @RobertDaviesA, the CEO of Bungee Jumping Uganda and Quad Biking Jinja. Robert’s contribution to Jinja’s Tourism development was immense thanks to his dedication and passion.
The Tourism Industry mourns the loss of a friend and a passionate promoter of destination Uganda. On behalf of @TourismBoardUg, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the Late Robert Davies. May His Soul Rest in Peace.”
In the same vein UTB also made a statement of their official X account: “It is with deep sadness that Uganda Tourism Board mourns the passing of Robert Allun Davies, a key figure in Uganda’s tourism sector. As the CEO of Bungee Uganda and Quad-Biking JINJA, he played a vital role in shaping Jinja as the adventure capital. Robert was a passionate advocate for destination Uganda.
“His dedication and love for the tourism industry will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire tourism community. May his adventurous spirit live on in the heart of the Pearl of Africa.”
Several people have also expressed their sadness at the passing of Robert Davies. Grace Madison wrote, “The news of the untimely passing of Robert Davies, the acclaimed CEO of Bungee Jumping Uganda and Quad Biking Jinja, has left us in a state of profound sorrow and terrible disappointment. We have received this news with deep sorrow and great regret. His sudden departure has left an indelible gap in the heart of Jinja’s tourism sector, where his unflinching dedication and enthusiasm were invaluable in defining the industry.
“His departure has left a void that will never be filled. The advancement of Jinja’s tourism environment was significantly aided by Robert Davies, who was not only a successful businessman but also a visionary leader who played a vital part in the process. The region’s appeal as a prominent destination for adventure seekers was increased as a result of his inventive achievements, which were highlighted by the founding and success of Bungee Jumping Uganda and Quad Biking Jinja.
“His dedication to the expansion and development of Uganda’s tourist business was unsurpassed, and as a result, he garnered the respect and admiration of both his colleagues and his rivals. At the same time as the news is spreading throughout the tourism industry, we are all mourning the loss of a good friend who was also a fervent champion for the destination Uganda.
According to Goodness Aborable, “The untimely death of Robert has left an indelible void in the landscape of Jinja tourism, signaling the end of an era defined by his unwavering dedication and boundless passion.
“Robert Davies was more than just a businessman; he was the driving force behind Jinja’s tourism development. His unwavering dedication to showcasing Uganda’s beauty and adventure through Bungee Jumping and Quad Biking has greatly increased the region’s allure, making it a sought-after destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. The tourism industry, not only in Jinja but throughout Uganda, mourns the loss of a true friend and passionate advocate for the country’s unique offerings.”
For Israel Jackson, “The news of Robert’s passing has cast a pall over Jinja and the broader tourism community in Uganda. His contributions to the development of tourism in the region were not merely professional; they were born out of a genuine love for the land, its people, and the boundless potential he saw in showcasing the beauty of Uganda to the world.
“Robert’s impact was felt not only in the adrenaline-fueled adventures he offered but also in the economic and cultural enrichment he brought to Jinja and Uganda as a whole. His passion for sustainable tourism, community engagement, and environmental preservation set a standard for responsible tourism practices that we hope will continue to inspire future generations in the industry.”
In a related development, Ms. Ajarova also mourned the passing of Hon. Cecilia Ogwal, on her X account. “The @TourismBoardUg is deeply saddened by the passing of Hon. Cecilia Ogwal, a woman activist and advocate for our nation’s beauty and potential. At the time for her passing she was a member of the Parliamentary Committee for Tourism and Trade where she exhibited unwavering support for tourism and marketing of destination Uganda. Rest in peace, Hon. Ogwal.”
Hon. Ogwal won Uganda’s first beauty pageant in 1969. She later joined politics, becoming an MP for Lira in 1996 and later her home district Dokolo in northern Uganda.
She earned the moniker ‘Iron Lady’ for her way of advocating for women’s rights and democratic principles during the making of Uganda’s Constitution in 1994.