Kampala, Uganda — Uganda’s tourism industry has made notable strides, with the sector contributing significantly to the country’s economy. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, the industry generated over 5.6 trillion Ugandan shillings in 2023, supporting foreign currency reserves and improving the balance of trade.
The ministry showcased its achievements during the Manifesto Week 2024, held at the Office of the President’s conference hall. Rtd. Col. Tom Butime, the minister in charge, highlighted the progress made in infrastructure development, tourism promotion, and wildlife conservation partnerships.
The ministry has opened new regional museums in Soroti and started projects in Fort Portal and Arua, aiming to enhance cultural tourism across the country. The “Explorer Uganda” campaign has gained international acclaim, winning three film awards and featuring Uganda on CNN as a top African destination in 2023.
The ministry has also signed an agreement with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Uganda to bolster wildlife conservation efforts. This partnership is expected to support sustainable tourism and wildlife management, leading to increased tourism revenue and benefits for local communities.
The tourism industry has created over 536,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, improving the living standards for many Ugandans. Despite challenges, Uganda’s tourism sector showed remarkable resilience in 2023, with tourist arrivals increasing by 56.4%.
According to Rtd. Col. Tom Butime, the future for Uganda’s tourism looks bright, thanks to the full reopening of major tourism markets in Europe, North America, Asia, China, Japan, and Africa. He expressed optimism that these developments would help achieve the goals outlined in the 2024 manifesto.
Overall, Uganda’s tourism industry has made significant progress, and with continued efforts, the sector is expected to contribute even more to the country’s economy.
