UCC and UTB forge landmark partnership to propel Uganda towards tourism powerhouse status
The synergy, spearheaded by UTB's Chief Executive Officer, Juliana Kagwa, and UCC’s Executive Director, Nyombi Thembo, signals a concerted effort to engage both private and public entities in exploring Uganda’s rich tourism offerings.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) have forged a strategic partnership aimed at leveraging digital transformation to catapult the nation into a globally competitive tourism powerhouse.
This inter-agency collaboration seeks to unlock Uganda’s full tourism potential, with an ambitious goal of contributing 10% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2040.
The synergy, spearheaded by UTB’s Chief Executive Officer, Juliana Kagwa, and UCC’s Executive Director, Nyombi Thembo, signals a concerted effort to engage both private and public entities in exploring Uganda’s rich tourism offerings.
Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director of UCC, underscored the pivotal role of connectivity in enabling tourism. He revealed that UCC is actively working to ensure seamless communication across Uganda’s diverse heritage and tourism sites, as well as during iconic events.
Key initiatives include developing a vibrant digital marketplace for tour operators and robustly addressing connectivity gaps within national parks.
“The future of tourism is undeniably digital, making Uganda visible and accessible to the world in real-time,” Thembo stated during the recent meeting. He further outlined ambitious plans, including the development of innovative floating resorts on Lake Victoria and empowering a new generation of digital storytellers.
Thembo also stressed UCC’s commitment to tackling challenges head-on, citing swift actions against cyber fraud and the launch of comprehensive digital skilling programs.
“This isn’t just talk,” Thembo asserted. “It involves actionable steps, clear key performance indicators (KPIs), and a steadfast commitment to our objectives.”
Juliana Kagwa, the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board, articulated strategic pillars for this synergy with UCC. These include fostering stronger collaboration among government entities, telecom providers, and tourism stakeholders; utilizing digital tools to meticulously package and market diverse tourism products; boosting Uganda’s online visibility; and ensuring seamless travel experiences through tourism-focused applications and platforms.
Echoing this sentiment, Pearl Kakooza, Chairperson of UTB, stressed the imperative for strong digital foundations to firmly position Uganda as “The Pearl of Africa.” She highlighted that improved connectivity would not only significantly enhance visitor experiences but also empower local communities to actively participate in and benefit from the entire tourism value chain.
Both agencies expressed unwavering confidence in the partnership’s potential. Nyombi Thembo’s concluding remarks encapsulated the shared ambition: “Our goal is clear: to achieve 10% of Uganda’s GDP from tourism by 2040. With the strength of digital transformation, innovative ideas, and unwavering partnerships, this future is not just a dream; it is our destiny.”
