So what's it to be: Spain or Uganda?

Spain is the world’s most popular tourist destination for many, many good reasons

Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni last week made the astonishing claim that Uganda should be sold as a “better tourist destination than Spain” during a rather odd attack on his country’s tourism board…

Accusing Uganda’s tourism representatives of underselling the east African nation, Museveni said that the country’s Tourism Promotion Board should be renamed the “Tourism Suppression Board”, and pointed out that there should be no reason why tourists do not flock to Uganda in their millions instead of jetting to Spain.

“The biggest problem with Uganda tourism is poor promotion,” he said. “In Europe, people go to the Mediterranean coast. I visited Spain, it is very hot and humid in the summer. I think Uganda would be a better destination than some of those destinations.”

And while Museveni attempted to paint a pretty picture of Uganda – “We have a high altitude with snow-capped mountains, a warm but mild climate that is very good for human beings” – the president rather conveniently overlooked the country’s poor record on human rights, poverty and the recent passing of an anti-homosexuality law that could have seen gay people jailed for life. Although that legislation was withdrawn in August, it is understood that the country’s politicians are intent on drawing up another, similarly harsh law.

The Ebola crisis, albeit centred in West Africa, also makes travel to Uganda a little off-putting for tourists keen to simply enjoy a little bit of sun and relaxation.

Spain, with its stunning beaches, excellent climate, cheap flights, affordable property, variety of hotels and leisure pursuits, family friendly resorts, wonderful countryside, superb health service and rich culture, cuisine and history, really does have it all – no wonder Uganda’s president is eyeing the country with envy.