COBATI was a nominee of the CBC- African Business Awards 2008 in the category of leader in Social Innovation.
COBATI's Founder Maria Baryamujura was recognized among the “Ugandans Making a Difference” and received an award of recognition from the New vision for outstanding contribution to improving the lives of others for a better Uganda. The award was presented on 9TH June 2008, a day reserved for Heroes in Uganda.
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Achievements
Maria Baryamujura – Founder COBATI was accorded a “Tourism Excellency Award” by the Government of the Replic of Uganda on World Tourism Day for her contribution towards Tourism Development and Women Empowerment in Uganda.
COBATI activities appeared /covered in International media (The July 2007 copy of ODE, a Dutch Magazine which stands for one cause – “possibilities for the future” published in the Netherlands and United States.)
Maria made a member of ODE Magazine Blog. (www.odemagazine/blog)
Nominated by Ashoka to participate in the Rolex Award 2007 competition in the conservation category.
Included among Fellows in the news –Ashoka October Newsletter.
Re - elected Board of Trustees –Uganda Wildlife Education Center.
Member of Sub committee on Tourism for CHOGM 2007. ( Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting)
Technical Advisor to local women’s groups providing handicraft to CTPH (Conservation through Public Health) Telecenter which was officially opened by HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh on 23rd November as part of CHOGM 2007 activities. CTPH founder Gladys Kalema is an Ashoka Fellow.
COBATI was a Finalist in the World Bank Innovative competition Development Marketplace 2000.
COBATI was a lead consoltant for SNV Uganda and UCOTA during the first ever tourism expo in Uganda (Destination Uganda Tourism Expo - DUTE Dec 2005) in Jinja Uganda.
Maria Baryamujura founder of COBATI was interviewd on SABC (South Africa Broadcating Corporation) Time Line program in July 2005 on community tourism.
COBATI has also worked closely with individuals, local and international NGO's and Institutions; has so far conducted training for:
FAO/MBIFCT – Training community guides of Buhoma Village Walk around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park ;
UNDP/PSDP – Training of communities in the districts of Bushenyi and Soroti in tourism awareness and appreciation.
AWF/IGCP- Training of Board Members of Nkuringo Conservation Development Foundation in Kisoro district; and
Mbarara District Economic Council among others.
Linking tourism to conservation, cultural heritage and sustainable rural development to improve community livelihoods
