When alarming headlines dominate the news cycle, it is completely understandable for travelers to feel uncertain about visiting a destination. Recent reports about Ebola in the region, combined with additional U.S. travel requirements for passengers returning from Uganda, have understandably caused many people to pause and reconsider their plans.
What often gets lost in these headlines, however, is the profound impact that a decline in tourism has on the ordinary people and community organizations that depend on it. Across Uganda, countless families, guides, lodge staff, artisans, and local non-profit organizations rely on tourism not only for employment, but for the funding of vital community programs. While travelers must always make decisions that feel right for them and their families, postponing a trip rather than canceling altogether can make an enormous difference to the communities that depend on tourism income.
One organization especially close to our hearts is Ride 4 a Woman in Bwindi, Uganda. Victoria made us aware of the organisation when she visited Uganda several years ago. We wanted to provide an update on this incredible women-led initiative that we are proud to support. Founded in 2009 by Evelyne Habasa and Denis Rubalema, Ride 4 a Woman empowers women in the local community through skills training, employment opportunities, education, and social support. Evelyne’s inspiration came from watching her own mother overcome tremendous hardships to raise and educate eight children, and she has dedicated her life to creating opportunities for other women facing similar challenges.
The name Ride 4 a Woman reflects the organization’s humble beginnings, when bicycles were rented to tourists to generate income for local women. In 2011, Evelyne began teaching a group of 16 women sewing and weaving skills. Those women then trained others, creating a ripple effect that continues today. More than 100 women have now been trained, with approximately 60 working at the center daily creating beautiful handmade products that help sustain the organization while providing meals, salaries, and a safe, supportive environment.
Today, Ride 4 a Woman has more than 300 members across 11 villages and supports a wide range of community initiatives, including microfinance programs, educational sponsorships, clean water projects, and solar power installations for families without electricity.
As a result of African Portfolio‘s contributions in 2025, the women voted to use the funds to renovate and upgrade their communal kitchen. Susan had the opportunity to visit the project in March and see the early progress firsthand. The improved kitchen will not only provide a better space for the women who gather there daily, but will also support meal programs that benefit local families and schoolchildren in the surrounding community. It is a wonderful example of how tourism dollars can create lasting impact far beyond a safari experience.
A visit to Ride 4 a Woman is one of the most rewarding experiences for travelers visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Guests have the opportunity to meet the women, learn about their work, watch demonstrations of their crafts, purchase handmade products, or simply make a donation. A highlight of Susan’s recent visit was watching the women perform traditional Bakiga folk dances. The energy of the performance was infectious, and she couldn’t resist joining in. It serves as a powerful reminder that conservation and tourism are deeply connected to the well-being of the communities that live alongside these extraordinary wildlife areas.
Every client who travels with African Portfolio and visits the Bwindi region has the opportunity to visit Ride 4 a Woman. Especially during times when tourism faces challenges, these visits and the support they bring matter more than ever.
