Czech Speaker names baby gorilla ‘Tomáš’ in Bwindi

The Speaker of the Czech Republic Parliament, Rt. Hon. Tomio Okamura, has named a newborn mountain gorilla “Tomáš” during his visit to Uganda, describing the gesture as a symbol of growing ties between the two countries.

Okamura proposed the name while trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda, where he was accompanied by Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa.

The Czech Speaker said the name carries cultural significance, linking his identity to Uganda through a shared linguistic connection. He noted that “Tomio” is Japanese, “Tomáš” is Czech, and “Thomas”—its English equivalent—is also Tayebwa’s Christian name.

“It should be a start, or a sign, of our friendship and help build our relations,” Okamura said, adding that the naming will remain a lasting reminder of his visit to Uganda.

Tayebwa welcomed the visit, saying it offers Uganda an opportunity to market its tourism potential to the Czech Republic and Europe at large.

He added that gorilla tracking remains a unique experience regardless of how many times one visits. “For me, it always feels like the first time whenever I come here. Every time I come, the experience feels new because we are interacting with our cousins,” he said.

Reflecting on the encounter, Tayebwa said observing gorillas—especially how they care for their young—underscores the importance of conservation. “We learn a lot from them, and every day they give us a reason to protect nature,” he added.

He urged Ugandans to prioritise domestic tourism, encouraging them to explore local attractions before travelling abroad.

“I urge Ugandans to come here and tour our country. I see very many going to Dubai—going where? First come and see the beauty of our country,” Tayebwa said.

He noted that Ugandans pay significantly less than foreign tourists for gorilla trekking permits, making it more accessible for locals to experience one of the country’s top attractions.

Tayebwa also revealed that Uganda will use upcoming international engagements to promote its tourism sector, including hosting the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)–European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly next year.

The event is expected to attract more than 500 delegates from Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, providing a platform to showcase Uganda globally.

“We hope to host the OACPS–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly next year in Uganda, where we will have over 500 delegates from across the world,” he said.

Okamura, meanwhile, highlighted the tourism potential in both countries, describing Prague and Uganda’s gorilla trekking experience as globally competitive attractions.

“Prague is a top tourist destination, and gorilla trekking is also world-class. These are two strong areas we can build on,” he said.

Tayebwa also commended Uganda’s embassy in Germany, particularly Ambassador Steven Mubiru and his team, for organising the visit.

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