Uganda’s tourism industry flourishes with UGX 5.6 trillion revenue
During the 2024 Manifesto Week held at the Office of the President, Tourism Minister Rtd. Col. Tom Butime celebrated the strides made in infrastructure, tourism promotion, and wildlife conservation.
Uganda’s tourism sector continues to soar, contributing over UGX 5.6 trillion to the economy in 2023, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities.
The revenue has bolstered foreign currency reserves and improved the country’s balance of trade, signaling the industry’s growing importance.
During the 2024 Manifesto Week held at the Office of the President, Tourism Minister Rtd. Col. Tom Butime celebrated the strides made in infrastructure, tourism promotion, and wildlife conservation.
He highlighted achievements such as the establishment of regional museums in Soroti and ongoing projects in Fort Portal and Arua to promote cultural tourism nationwide.
Global recognition for Uganda’s beauty
The “Explorer Uganda” campaign earned international accolades, winning three prestigious film awards and securing a spot for Uganda on CNN’s list of top African destinations in 2023.
These achievements have amplified Uganda’s global tourism appeal, drawing more international visitors.
Wildlife Conservation and Community Impact
To strengthen wildlife conservation, the ministry signed an agreement with WWF Uganda. This partnership aims to foster sustainable tourism and wildlife management while benefiting local communities.
The tourism industry has directly and indirectly created over 536,000 jobs, significantly improving the livelihoods of Ugandans.
Resilience Amid Challenges
Despite challenges, Uganda’s tourism sector displayed remarkable resilience in 2023, with tourist arrivals increasing by 56.4%. Minister Butime attributed this growth to the reopening of major tourism markets in Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa.
“The future of Uganda’s tourism is promising, and with the full reopening of international markets, we are confident of achieving our 2024 manifesto goals,” Butime stated.
A Bright Future for Tourism
With continued investments in infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and global marketing, Uganda’s tourism sector is poised to contribute even more to the economy.
The government’s commitment to promoting cultural heritage, wildlife conservation, and sustainable tourism ensures a brighter future for the industry and the communities it serves.
