Uganda Assures Tourist Safety Ahead of 2026 Elections
“Uganda is peaceful, and we are working to maintain that even during the forthcoming elections,” Nakalema said.
As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, officials are moving quickly to reassure the international community particularly investors and tourists that the country remains safe and open for business.
Col. Edith Nakalema, head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), has emphasized Uganda’s stability, assuring visitors that electoral activities will not disrupt tourism or threaten public safety.
“Uganda is peaceful, and we are working to maintain that even during the forthcoming elections,” Nakalema said during her keynote address at the 2025 Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo held at Speke Resort Munyonyo on May 22. She encouraged tourists to continue planning trips to the country and dismissed fears of election-related unrest often seen in other nations.
Unlike regions where political seasons trigger tourism slowdowns, Uganda, Nakalema stressed, remains committed to ensuring a seamless experience for travelers. “Tourists are a critical part of our economy, and protecting them remains a top priority,” she noted.
Nakalema also highlighted ongoing collaborations with the National Information Technology Authority (NITA-Uganda) to harness digital tools for enhancing tourist safety. She pointed out that Uganda’s dedicated tourism police force and closely monitored national parks are vital to maintaining law and order, especially in safari zones.
“Tour operators are informed about the political calendar and will adjust itineraries where necessary to avoid disruptions,” she added.
Her comments come as political parties gear up for what is expected to be a competitive but peaceful democratic exercise. The ruling NRM party has already begun internal election processes, setting the stage for broader national campaigns.
Also speaking at the event, Doreen Katusiime, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, urged investors to capitalize on Uganda’s stability and rich natural endowments.
Meanwhile, Uganda Tourism Board member Amos Wekesa emphasized the country’s unmatched tourism assets from mountain gorillas to the roaring Murchison Falls but acknowledged that challenges remain in matching the global competitiveness of regional peers like Kenya and Tanzania.
Despite recent gains including revenue growth from UGX 110 billion in 2017/18 to UGX 156.5 billion in 2023/24, and a surge in tourism-related employment to over 610,000 Uganda’s foreign exchange earnings at $1.025 billion still fall short of the pre-COVID-19 peak of $1.6 billion.
Wekesa noted that improved infrastructure, like expanded tourism roads and the near-completion of Entebbe Airport, has bolstered progress. However, inadequate funding, limited marketing, and climate challenges continue to slow momentum.
Veteran tourism consultant Herbert Byaruhanga urged a strategic rethink to elevate Uganda’s global tourism status. “We must learn from more successful models and position Uganda as a premier destination. Prioritizing tourism in the national budget is key,” he said.
Tourism continues to be a major economic pillar for Uganda, directly contributing 3.64% to GDP in 2023 and employing 1.6 million people 14.7% of the national workforce. Last year alone, inbound tourists spent UGX 4.58 trillion, with domestic tourism adding UGX 2.97 trillion.
As election season nears, Uganda’s leadership hopes to send one message loud and clear: the Pearl of Africa is not only beautiful and bountiful, but also peaceful, prepared, and open to the world.
