Tourism event organisers seek share of government’s Shs10 billion support package

The National Tourism Events Organisers Federation (NTEOF) has petitioned Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, seeking inclusion in the government’s Shs10 billion financial support package for event organisers, arguing that tourism event promoters were unfairly left out despite their significant contribution to Uganda’s tourism industry and economy.

In a petition addressed to the Prime Minister, the federation said it welcomed the government’s intervention to support the events industry but expressed concern that tourism-focused event organisers were excluded from the list of beneficiaries.

“While we commend the Government of Uganda for supporting the events industry, we are deeply concerned that tourism events organizers under NTEOF were not included among the beneficiaries of this intervention,” said Peter Sebulime, the federation’s president.

The appeal follows a recent consultative meeting convened by Prime Minister Nabbanja with event and concert promoters to review the utilisation of the initial Shs3 billion already disbursed and to establish a framework for releasing the remaining Shs7 billion under the government’s support programme.

The federation argues that while the package is intended to strengthen Uganda’s events industry, tourism events, which play a critical role in promoting the country’s attractions, culture and local economies, have been overlooked.

NTEOF brings together 45 major tourism event organisers responsible for staging some of Uganda’s leading tourism festivals, cultural celebrations, sports tourism activities and community tourism experiences. The federation’s leadership includes Vice President Aly Allibhai and Chairman Amos Wekesa.

According to the petition, member events generate an estimated Shs70 billion annually through tourism expenditure, hospitality, transport, entertainment and employment, particularly among young people.

The federation noted that tourism events have consistently complemented government efforts to market Uganda as a preferred destination, attract investment and stimulate economic activity across different regions of the country.

“Tourism events have consistently complemented Government efforts to market Uganda, attract investment, create jobs for young people, and stimulate local economies across the country,” the petition states.

Although the government has identified tourism as a key pillar of socio-economic transformation under the Attractions, Tourism, Minerals and Science (ATMS) strategy, NTEOF says tourism event organisers continue to be excluded from targeted government support programmes.

“We respectfully request that NTEOF be recognized and included in the current Shs10 billion allocation and in all future government interventions targeting event organizers,” the federation said.

The organisers cautioned that the current arrangement risks creating the impression that the entire events industry is benefiting from government support, yet a significant segment remains excluded.

“We are particularly concerned that the current arrangement may create the impression that all event organizers in Uganda are adequately represented and benefiting from government support, when in reality a significant segment of the industry remains excluded,” the petition reads.

NTEOF has urged the Office of the Prime Minister to review the allocation framework to ensure fair representation of tourism event organisers in both the current funding package and future government interventions.

The federation reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with government to position Uganda as a competitive tourism destination through events that promote culture, conservation, adventure tourism and domestic travel while contributing to national economic development.