Uganda is ranked among the best tourist destinations in the world however, we still host fewer tourists compared to other countries. Furthermore, the few tourists that visit Uganda have shorter length of stay which negatively affects our revenue collection.
In 2024, Uganda welcomed 1,371,895 international visitors, while International tourism receipts recorded a notable rise to shs 4.8 trillion (USD 1.28 billion), a significant jump from the 2023 figure, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
However, the government’s decision to reduce the tourism budget by shs 135 billion-from shs 3l I billion in the 2024/25 fiscal year to shs I 75.9 billion to 2025/26 will have detrimental impact on the sector’s growth and contribution to national revenue. The current budget allocation is insufficient to promote Uganda as a global tourism destination.
The persistent funding gaps threatens the sector’s potential to contribute effectively lo Uganda’s economic growth yet government identified Tourism as key sector to achieve the10-fold growth in the economy by 2040.
As we prepare to usher in over 5,000 tourists, visitors and consumers, in the upcoming 9th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE), scheduled for 21st May 2025 there is need to strengthen Tourism Marketing and Branding campaigns to attract high spending tourists, leverage on digital marketing such as social media and travel influencers to ignite Uganda as best tourism destination.
Effective marketing and branding ore crucial for enhancing Uganda’s visibility as premier tourist destination. Targeted
marketing campaigns can attract diverse range of tourists, increase foreign exchange earnings and support local businesses. Enhanced marketing efforts are also vital for posl-pandemic recovery, as they can restore traveler confidence and stimulate demand.
The global tourism industry is increasingly adopting digital tools such as virtual reality, mobile Apps and Al-driven services, developing on integrated online tourism platform will improve visitor planning and experiences. Digital marketing strategies, including SEO optimization and social Medio engagement will enhance Uganda’s online presence.
Embracing digital technologies is essential for modernizing Uganda’s tourism sector. Digital platforms facilitate efficient marketing, online bookings, and virtual tours. expanding reach and accessibility. Investing in digital infrastructure aligns with global tourism trends and meets the expectations of tech-savvy travelers, thereby increasing competitiveness.
Secondly Robust infrastructure development in transportation (roads, airports), occommodolion, and visitor facilities enhance the overall tourist experience. Government has allocated $3 million to construct 100 high-end cottages in national parks to address o 50% bed shortage during peak seasons however upgrading roads like the Kobale-Loke Bunyonyi Road will improve accessibility to key attractions, further boost community tourism conservation and Wildlife Protection.
According to the World Bank, every US$l spent by a foreign tourist generates on overage of US2.57 of GDP- both directly and indirectly along the value chain. This means the tourism sector has higher returns on investment, compared to the USD 2.3 of GDP generated per US$1 earned from traditional exports from Uganda.
Despite these, the tourism development progromme constituted only 0.3% of the program allocations of the F/Y 2025/26
The Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) allocation for the Tourism Development Progromme (Ministry and its Agencies) for the next FY 2025/26, is UGX 175.98 billion against the NDP lV indicative planning figure of UGX 464 billion. This leaves funding gap of UGX 288 billion for the progromme to deliver on its mandate and contribute to the Tenfold Growth Strategy of the Government.
Based on the World Bonk’s calculation of investing in Tourism and its returns, I recommend that the Tourism Development Programme be increased to at least shs I trillion per year for the next five financial years to generate the necessary increase to the government of Uganda target of USD 50 billion for the programme by 2040 but also to contribute to the ten-fold strategy of pushing Uganda’s GDP to US$ 500Billion by 2040.
The increase in budgetary allocation to tourism development will match regional competitors like Kenya and Tanzania to enhance international marketing strategies to boost Uganda’s global tourism
ranking.
This will prioritize infrastructure investments to make tourist destinations more accessible and incentivize private sector investment in sustainable tourism businesses.
In conclusion Uganda has immense tourism potential, but government inefficiencies, underfunding, and lack of strategic planning have hindered its growth. we therefore urgently need bold, well-funded, and people-centered approach to revitalize the sector by investing in marketing, infrastructure, conservation, and community empowerment so that Uganda can emerge as o leading global tourism destination,creat jobs, increase revenue, and preserve natural heritage for future generations.
FELIX OKETCHO IS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR
OF ELIX PROMOTIONS LIMITED 21ST MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION COMPANY