BY K MALE: In a bid to attain exponential growth in the tourism sector, the government is planning major infrastructure developments to improve connectivity and increase tourist arrivals, aimed at boosting the economy. Speaking at the Third Annual Tourism Development Programme Performance Review Conference held in Kampala, Tom Butime, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, highlighted key government initiatives, including the construction of over 250 kilometers of tourism roads, the expansion of Entebbe International Airport, and the ongoing development of Kabalega International Airport.
He also noted that preparations are underway to build an international airport at Kidepo in Karenga District, Karamoja, which will open up remote but rich tourism regions to both international and domestic travelers. He noted that such developments will significantly increase accessibility to Uganda’s unique tourism products and are expected to result in a marked increase in tourist arrivals.
However, Minister Butime acknowledged the challenges that have plagued the sector, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted tourism activities for several years. He also echoed other persistent challenges such as inadequate funding, slow product development, and encroachment on protected and heritage sites.
Despite these challenges, he said the government has maintained its commitment to making tourism a key driver of economic growth. Butime revealed that Uganda has set an ambitious goal of increasing its GDP from USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion by 2040, with tourism expected to contribute USD 50 billion in foreign exchange earnings within that period.
“To achieve this, we are investing in vital infrastructure, diversifying our tourism offerings, building the capacity of our workforce, and ensuring quality standards across the tourism value chain,” Butime remarked. Robinah Nabbanja, the Prime Minister and the guest of honor, lauded the Ministry of Tourism for its steady progress in implementing the Tourism Development Programme, citing strong performance and strategic alignment with national development goals. She emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the tourism sector.
The conference, which brings together government ministries, departments, agencies, and private sector players, is part of the National Development Plan (NDP) IV process and focuses on identifying challenges, sharing lessons, and setting priorities for the upcoming financial year.
Highlighting tourism as a vital driver of economic growth, Nabbanja reiterated the sector’s importance in the country’s broader development agenda. She underscored government efforts to improve the enabling environment for tourism, including investments in infrastructure such as roads, aerodromes, internet connectivity, and water transport, particularly in rural and regional areas.
“We are deliberately decentralizing tourism development to ensure rural actors can access services and technical support. We aim to transform regional cities into vibrant tourism hubs,” Nabbanja said.
Irene Birungi Mugisha, the Coordinator of the Presidential CEO Forum, said that Uganda’s tourism sector is not just a contributor to the economy but a powerful expression of national identity, culture, and heritage. She emphasized that tourism holds the potential to transform Uganda through job creation, investment attraction, innovation, and sustainable development.
“In Uganda, tourism is more than just an industry. It reflects who we are as a nation and how we intend to present ourselves to the world,” she noted. Birungi stated that CEOs are committed to building a globally competitive and inclusive tourism ecosystem in partnership with the government and development actors. She added that CEOs are ready to mobilize the private sector through associations such as the Uganda Tourism Association, to champion innovation and serve as a vital bridge between government and industry.
Uganda manages over 32 protected wildlife areas, in addition to ten wildlife sanctuaries and community conservation areas. These conservation efforts are being complemented by an expansion of the country’s tourism product offerings, aimed at enhancing visitor experience and satisfaction.
Uganda recorded 1.3 million international tourist arrivals in the past year, with over 95% of them staying for at least one night. The average length of stay increased to 7–8 nights, up from previous years. The country also attained a 26% growth in tourist expenditure, rising from UGX 3.8 trillion in 2023 to UGX 4.8 trillion in 2024, with each tourist spending an average of USD 953 during their stay. This spending typically covered transportation, accommodation, food, and personal services.