Sikhupe – Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has left Eswatini with glowing praise for the kingdom, saying the country’s beauty, hospitality, food and golf courses left a lasting impression on him during his first-ever visit.
Tayebwa, who also serves as Member of Parliament for Ruhinda North County in Mitooma, was in the country for meetings of the Eastern Africa Regional Parliamentary Group of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States ahead of the OACPS–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.
Speaking to Swazi24 at King Mswati III International Airport before his departure, the senior Ugandan lawmaker did not hold back his admiration for the kingdom. 
“It’s my first time in the Kingdom of Eswatini and I’ve had a very, very lovely time here,” he said. “The hospitality of the people and to me that is always very, very important. How hospitable are the people even if the country is as beautiful as well.”
He described the landscape as nothing short of extraordinary, crediting both nature and the Swazi people for its upkeep.
“I think God spent some extra time doing the architecture of this beautiful kingdom. And then the people have shaped it very well by keeping it green. So I love the fact that it’s green everywhere. And this is a lesson that I’m taking back to my country that we must ensure that we green our area.”
Tayebwa said the food was another standout experience, with his fellow delegates remarking on the quality of the local cuisine throughout the visit.
“My colleagues and other delegates have been telling me the food is exceptional. It’s a real African food. I think I’ve had the best steak. I’ve not been a fan of steak, but the best steak I found it in a safari.”
He said he was so impressed by the dish that he spent time asking chefs how it was prepared.
The deputy speaker also made time for golf during his stay, visiting two courses in the country. He was particularly taken by one near the Ezulwini convention centre.
“The best was I think your Royal Golf Course near the conference centre, convention centre. It’s a marvel. It’s a marvel. Me who does golf tourism and very many other colleagues, we are planning to come back here in a big way to have a tournament between some parliaments. We usually do this with the Kenyan parliament. So I’ve already sent the pictures and everyone is really not believing what marvel you have here.”
Tayebwa also praised the country’s security, recounting how he jogged alone in the evenings without any concern for his safety.
“It’s a very, very beautiful country. Very secure. I could jog around. I was jogging around even in the evening. I see the kind of security I have in my country. Now I was just jogging alone and having that peace. I had a very, very good moment.”
