Uganda’s tourism sector has recorded a full recovery, surpassing pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. A performance report by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA) shows that the industry has not only recovered but is also growing steadily.
According to the report, in 2025 Uganda hosted over 1.6 million international tourists, marking a 19.7 percent increase compared to the previous year and exceeding the 1.5 million arrivals recorded in 2019. With the increase in arrivals, earnings reached a record UGX 5.8 trillion (approximately USD 1.62 billion), representing a 21.3 percent increase.
“This growth means that Uganda is now earning more from tourism than ever before,” said State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Martin Mugarra during the report launch.
He noted that when the pandemic struck in 2020, global travel came to a near standstill. Uganda, like many other countries, experienced a sharp decline in tourist arrivals, hotel bookings, and tourism income. Jobs were lost, and many businesses struggled to survive. “These results confirm that Uganda is firmly back on the global tourism map,” Mugarra said.
Mugarra further underscored that the performance is a result of several deliberate initiatives in the sector. “As travel restrictions eased and confidence in global travel returned, Uganda began to rebuild its tourism sector,” he noted. “Government efforts such as promoting the ‘Explore Uganda’ brand, improving infrastructure, and working closely with the private sector have helped drive this recovery.”
Doreen Katusiime, the MTWA Permanent Secretary, echoed that the new data shows the sector is not only recovering but also becoming stronger and more competitive.
She noted that visitors are now staying longer in the country, with the average stay increasing to 8.8 nights, up from 8.7 nights. “This means tourists are spending more time exploring Uganda, which benefits hotels, tour operators, and local communities.”
The report indicates that, on average, each tourist spent about USD 986 per trip, while leisure tourists spent about USD 2,144. This suggests that Uganda is attracting higher-value visitors who contribute more to the economy.
Tourism contributes about 5.9 percent to Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supports over 876,000 jobs. This accounts for approximately 7.5 percent of total employment, making tourism a major source of livelihoods for many Ugandans. The sector is also a key earner of foreign exchange, contributing about 16 percent of Uganda’s total export revenues, making it one of the top contributors to the economy.
The report further highlights changes in the origin of tourists. While most visitors still come from within Africa—especially neighboring countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—there has been strong growth in long-haul travel markets.
Arrivals from overseas markets more than doubled, increasing their share to over 20 percent. Key markets include India, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and Germany. These visitors typically spend more, further boosting tourism earnings.
In terms of travel purpose, visiting friends and relatives remains the leading reason for travel to Uganda, followed by business and leisure tourism. However, high-value segments such as leisure tourism and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) are expanding and generating higher revenue per visitor.
Domestic tourism is also on the rise. In 2024, more than 3.2 million Ugandans traveled within the country, making about 20 million trips and spending over UGX 5.4 trillion. This indicates that local tourism is becoming an increasingly important segment of the industry.
Wildlife tourism remains a major attraction. Visits to national parks increased to over 467,000 in 2025, with Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks receiving the highest number of visitors. Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking also recorded growth, reflecting sustained global interest in Uganda’s unique wildlife experiences.
Despite these achievements, government officials acknowledge that challenges remain. These include limited infrastructure, a need for more quality accommodation, and seasonal fluctuations in tourist arrivals.
The government is now focusing on improving tourism infrastructure, increasing investment in high-quality experiences, and encouraging more Ugandans to travel domestically. Efforts are also underway to strengthen data systems through the Tourism Information Management System (TIMS) and the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), which are expected to provide more accurate and timely information.
Globally, tourism is also recovering strongly. In 2025, international tourist arrivals reached over 1.5 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Global tourism earnings are estimated at about USD 1.9 trillion, reflecting strong demand for travel worldwide. Uganda’s performance reflects this global trend while also highlighting the country’s growing competitiveness as a destination.
With rising arrivals and increased spending, the tourism industry appears to be on a solid growth path. If current efforts are sustained, Uganda is likely to further strengthen its position as a leading travel destination.