By Our Reporter
The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, led by Hon. Colonel Tom R. Butime, has provided an update on the progress and challenges in implementing the government’s 2021-2026 manifesto commitments.
While addressing reporters during the Manifesto Week, Col. Butime asserted that tourism plays a crucial role in Uganda’s economic growth and development while sharing key achievements and pending objectives.
Commitments and Progress
Of the 16 commitments outlined in the manifesto, two have been fully achieved, 11 are on track for completion, and three have underperformed.
The ministry aims to contribute $50 billion to the national economy by increasing tourist arrivals, enhancing expenditure and length of stay, and promoting domestic and inbound tourism.
Key developments include improved security, expanded electricity access, upgrades to Entebbe International Airport, the near completion of Kabalega Airport, and better tourism road networks, all of which have positively impacted the sector.
Economic Performance
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Uganda’s tourism sector has shown resilience:
- Non-tax revenue rose from UGX 110 billion in FY 2017/18 to UGX 156.5 billion in FY 2023/24, recovering from a low of UGX 31 billion in FY 2020/21.
- The sector generated UGX 5.5 billion in FY 2023/24, slightly below the UGX 5.6 billion recorded in FY 2019/20.
- Annual foreign exchange earnings reached $1.025 billion in FY 2023/24, compared to $1.6 billion in FY 2019/20.
- Employment in the sector increased from 200,000 to 610,806 jobs.
- National park visits grew from 323,861 to 387,914, while the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) recorded a rise in visitors from 383,398 to 610,806.
Key Initiatives
To position Uganda as a premier global tourist destination, several initiatives have been launched:
- Branding campaigns: Programs like Explore Uganda, Tulambule, and Experience Uganda have boosted the country’s visibility, earning it recognition among the world’s top 23 tourism destinations and as a leading African MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) hub.
- Airline partnerships: Collaborations with airlines such as KLM, Brussels Airlines, Emirates, and Uganda Airlines have improved international connectivity.
- Increased funding: The tourism budget has grown steadily, from UGX 193.7 billion in FY 2020/21 to UGX 297.88 billion for FY 2024/25.
Infrastructure Developments
- Upgraded six key tourism roads, totaling 251.5 km.
- Entebbe Airport expansion (98% complete) and Kabalega Airport construction (92% complete).
- Development of aerodromes in Gulu, Kasese, Arua, Kidepo, and Pakwach.
- Rehabilitation of 20 marine piers on Lake Victoria.
- Secured 11 acres in Entebbe for the Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre.
- Construction of the Mbale UWEC Satellite City, funded with UGX 7 billion and located on 60 acres.
Sector Capacity and Community Engagement
- Expanded accommodations through 12 concessions to private investors.
- Allocated UGX 1.9 billion to local governments for tourism-related activities.
- Enrolled 1,103 Ugandans in apprenticeship programs for FY 2024/25 to enhance workforce capacity.
Challenges and Future Plans
Despite notable progress, significant hurdles remain:
- Inadequate funding, with only 19% of the UGX 1,036 billion required over three years released.
- Gaps in infrastructure development.
- Impacts of natural calamities and climate change.
- Limited marketing and advertising resources.
- Health-related challenges affecting tourism recovery.
To address these challenges, the Ministry plans to finalize a review of the Tourism Act 2008 by 2024 and improve access to affordable credit through the recapitalization of the Uganda Development Bank. Tourism continues to be a vital pillar of Uganda’s economy, with ongoing efforts to overcome challenges and harness the nation’s unique attractions to achieve the manmanifesto’s goals.