UGANDA – Uganda’s tourism sector is set to receive significant backing as the government pledges increased funding to enhance its role in national economic development.
Speaking at the Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Awards 2024 in Kampala, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa emphasized the sector’s critical contributions and outlined plans for substantial government support in the next financial year.
“Tourism is a vital pillar of our economy,” Tayebwa said at the Sheraton Hotel event. “Even with limited resources, the sector has managed to attract visitors and generate significant revenue. This success shows that with greater investment, the potential is enormous.”
Tayebwa reiterated the government’s ambition to prioritize tourism alongside agriculture and minerals, collectively known as the “ATM” sectors.
Uganda’s tourism sector generated $1.4 billion in 2023, with the goal set to increase this figure to US$50 billion by 2050. Achieving such growth, Tayebwa said, requires strategic investments in marketing, branding, and infrastructure.
To improve connectivity, the government plans to build new airports, including a project in Kasese under a public-private partnership model. These measures aim to ease access to Uganda’s tourist attractions, from its famed wildlife parks to cultural sites.
Honoring individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the industry, the Ekkula Awards recognized President Yoweri Museveni with a Lifetime Achiever Award and celebrated Eliot Mugisha as a Sustainable Tourism Youth Champion.
“The future billionaires of Uganda will emerge from tourism,” Tayebwa predicted, emphasizing the wealth-generation potential of the sector.
The Deputy Speaker also underscored the need to revitalize Kampala as an attractive entry point for international tourists.
Efforts to decongest the city, modernize infrastructure, and ensure clean streets are underway, with the goal of creating a welcoming environment that enhances visitors’ experiences.
“Kampala must reflect the beauty and warmth that define our nation,” Tayebwa remarked, urging local authorities and stakeholders to collaborate in these efforts.
The recently concluded Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference 2024, held in Kampala, has further highlighted the sector’s potential through regional cooperation.
The event brought together industry leaders from both nations to develop joint tourism packages, blending Uganda’s wildlife and cultural heritage with Kenya’s coastal attractions.
“We’re creating seamless travel opportunities that showcase the best of both countries,” said Betty Achieng, a Ugandan tour operator.
The conference also promoted eco-conscious tourism through initiatives like “One Tourist, One Tree,” aimed at mitigating climate change and preserving East Africa’s natural beauty.
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