The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities hosted the 2nd Annual Tourism Development Programme Review Conference for the Financial Year 2023/24, where Uganda’s tourism sector’s rapid recovery and future growth plans were showcased.
The event, held at Hotel Africana in Kampala, was attended by various government officials, including the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija, who highlighted the sector’s crucial role in transforming Uganda’s socio-economic landscape.
Minister Kasaija spoke strongly about the government’s commitment to supporting tourism, which has proven to be one of the key sectors in driving Uganda’s journey from a peasant society to a modern, prosperous nation as envisioned in Uganda’s Vision 2040.
He noted that the government has invested over Shs2.9 trillion in the tourism sector between FY 2020/21 and FY 2024/25. This investment has contributed to impressive growth, helping the industry bounce back from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Doreen Katusiime, echoed the sector’s positive trajectory.
By the end of 2023, Uganda had recovered 82.6% of its pre-pandemic international tourist arrivals, welcoming 1,274,210 visitors—up from 814,508 in 2022. This marked a remarkable recovery for the tourism sector, with international tourism receipts growing by 48.5%, reaching Shs3.819 trillion in 2023, compared to Shs2.57 trillion the previous year.
In 2023, Uganda’s tourism sector reached 88% of its pre-pandemic international arrivals. Uganda contributed significantly to the East African Community (EAC)’s tourism, attracting 18.6% of the 6.821 million tourists who visited the region. International tourism receipts for Uganda also amounted to USD 1.5 trillion.
The sector’s recovery has been a significant driver of Uganda’s economy, contributing USD 2.8 billion, or 5.5%, to the country’s GDP in 2023. Additionally, tourism directly generated 610,000 jobs, accounting for 5.7% of the nation’s total employment.
Katusiime further highlighted the increase in domestic tourism, with 1,115,169 Ugandans visiting tourism sites—exceeding the annual target of 531,668. Notable developments include the completion of the Kikorongo Equator Monument in Kasese District and ongoing construction of the Karamoja Regional Museum in Moroto District.
“We are successfully promoting Uganda as a premier travel destination,” Katusiime said, emphasizing the importance of the performance review conference as a platform for highlighting achievements and creating actionable plans for future growth.
Tourism Minister Tom Butime outlined plans to continue elevating Uganda’s status as a top-tier tourist destination. He cited ongoing initiatives aimed at strategic marketing and promotion, alongside the development of crucial infrastructure.
“We have made progress in improving our infrastructure and connectivity,” he said, pointing to the construction of new tourism roads, the introduction of new flight routes by Uganda Airlines, and the expansion of Entebbe International Airport.
