President Yoweri Museveni has reaffirmed government commitment to promoting uganda’s unique tourism to the world a midst ebola outbreak in DRC Congo.
The President also revealed plans to improve tourism through friendlier visa arrangements.
“In the new government, we are going to extend visas for tourists and remove the short-term visa restrictions. Some countries give Ugandans three-year visas, so why should Uganda give very short stay visas?” he asked.
Speaking at the Official opening session of the 10th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) at Speke Resort Munyonyo,Museveni described Uganda as one of the most unique countries in the world because of its rare combination of equatorial location and high altitude.
Addressing tourism stakeholders, international delegates, investors, and government officials in Kampala, the President further said,“Uganda is unique. There are only three points on the globe which are like this — Uganda and two others. It is unique because we are right on the equator.”
Museveni also praised Uganda’s cultural heritage, saying the country remained largely isolated from foreign influence until the 19th century.
“If you are looking for the original Africans who have remained very much isolated, here they are. The first non-Black person we saw here was in 1841.”
Uganda’s tourism sector is a cornerstone of the economy, driving significant foreign exchange earnings and generating over $1.28 billion annually. The industry is celebrated for its rich biodiversity—most notably housing half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas—and serves as a major source of formal employment and conservation funding across the country.
Permanent Secretary- Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Doreen Katusiime, welcomed the President and credited the country’s tourism growth to peace and stability established under his leadership.
She said restoring peace in previously conflict-affected regions and securing Uganda’s borders had significantly boosted tourism.Katusiime also noted that investments in infrastructure, including road networks, had improved access to tourism sites across the country.
“Your Excellency, I am happy to report that tourism has recovered strongly after the pandemic and we are on the right trajectory,” she said.
She added that international events hosted by Uganda such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit and the G77 + China Summit, as well as preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), continue to showcase Uganda’s potential globally.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board, Juliana Kagwa, thanked President Museveni for supporting the tourism industry
“The day you accepted to grace our tourism expo was the day we achieved critical mass,” she said.
Kagwa noted that Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo remains one of Uganda’s flagship tourism events aimed at marketing the country as a preferred destination and bringing together tourism stakeholders, investors and international buyers.
The Chairperson-Board of Directors of the Uganda Tourism Board Pearl Hoareau Kakooza, said Uganda was ready for expansion within the tourism sector following an increase in the tourism budget by 12 percent.
She revealed that visitor numbers from Europe had increased and expressed optimism that AFCON would significantly boost tourism arrivals.
The President of the Uganda Tourism Association Yogi Biriggwa, also thanked President Museveni for maintaining peace and stability.
“It is peace that creates the right conditions for tourism to thrive,” she said.
She noted that tourism continues to contribute significantly towards employment creation, revenue generation and private sector development.
