Ugandans Flood X to Invite Steve Harvey, Calling Uganda ‘Africa’s Best Kept Secret’
KAMPALA, Uganda — What started as a simple question from American TV host Steve Harvey has turned into a full-scale digital tourism campaign, with Ugandans — from individual citizens to the government itself — rallying to invite him to the “Pearl of Africa.”
On May 26, Harvey asked his millions of followers on X: “What’s the best kept secret in all of Africa?”
The response was immediate. Ugandan economist Mukisa Isaac replied with a pitch highlighting gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the views of the Nile at Lake Victoria, and Winston Churchill’s famous “Pearl of Africa” nickname. Harvey quickly responded: “Uganda sounds amazing, I’m sold!”
That single reply ignited a wave of enthusiasm. Media personality Douglas Lwanga urged fellow Ugandans to “spam Steve Harvey’s account” and bring him to Uganda “asap.” Safari operator Amos Wekesa followed up with a detailed thread: 367 mammal species, 20 primate species, two planting and rainy seasons, 165 lakes in a small area, 11% of the world’s bird species, an average annual temperature of 28°C, and the source of the longest river, the Nile, from Lake Victoria.
Even the official Government of Uganda account joined in, tweeting: “@IAMSteveHarvey, the Pearl of Africa is truly unique… majestic national parks… the mighty River Nile, crater lakes, towering mountains and endless green.”
While a few users raised security concerns and one skeptic from Rwanda pushed back, the overwhelming tone was celebration. The grassroots campaign coincided with Uganda’s ongoing tourism expo in Kampala, giving the country an unexpected social media boost.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Harvey has not confirmed any visit, but Ugandans continue to tweet under his post — hoping their “best kept secret” will soon have its most famous guest.
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