Tourism event organisers petition government over exclusion from UGX 7 billion support fund

The National Tourism Events Organisers Federation (NTEOF) has petitioned the government, seeking urgent intervention over what it describes as the exclusion of tourism event organisers from a proposed UGX 7 billion government support package earmarked for the events industry.

In separate letters dated June 29, 2026, addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, and the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, the federation requested an urgent meeting before the funds are disbursed, arguing that tourism event organisers have been left out of the allocation.

NTEOF, the umbrella body representing 45 tourism event organisers across Uganda, says its members have played a significant role in promoting the country’s tourism sector through festivals, sporting events, cultural celebrations and destination marketing initiatives.

The federation is headed by Sebulime Peter, Chief Executive Officer of the Vumbula Uganda Festival, as President, with Aly Allibhai, CEO of the Nyege Nyege Festival, serving as Vice President, and tourism entrepreneur Amos Wekesa, founder of the Rwenzori Marathon, as Chairman.

According to the federation, research by the Tourism Research and Development Centre estimates that member events contribute approximately UGX 70 billion annually to Uganda’s economy through tourism spending, hospitality, transport, entertainment, local business development and job creation.

The organisers welcomed the government’s continued support to the events industry but questioned why tourism-focused events had been excluded from the intervention despite tourism being identified as a key pillar under the government’s ATMS Strategy.

“Tourism events are among the country’s most effective destination marketing tools. They attract domestic and international visitors, stimulate local economies, create employment opportunities for young people and complement government efforts to market Uganda globally,” the federation said in its petition.

NTEOF argued that continued exclusion from government support programmes could undermine the growth of tourism events, despite their contribution to national development.

The federation is seeking formal recognition of the NTEOF SACCO and wants it included among the beneficiaries of the current UGX 7 billion allocation as well as future government interventions targeting event organisers.

The petition also raises concerns that the current support package reportedly caters for only three SACCOS associated with event promoters, saying this creates the impression that the entire events industry is benefiting while a substantial segment remains excluded.

In addition, the federation called for transparency in the management of the fund, alleging that there are claims of individuals attempting to influence the allocation process. It urged the government to ensure the distribution of the funds is fair, equitable and free from corruption.

“NTEOF remains committed to working with government to promote Uganda as a leading tourism destination, create employment, attract investment and contribute to the country’s socio-economic transformation,” the petition states.

Copies of the petition were also sent to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and the Uganda Tourism Board.

The government had not publicly responded to the federation’s petition by press time.