Uganda’s tourism sector has made notable progress in delivering on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto commitments despite facing challenges such as limited marketing, poor infrastructure, and conservation threats. Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Hon. Tom R. Butime, shared these updates during a presentation to stakeholders, emphasizing the government’s efforts to position Uganda as a top tourism destination.“We have achieved significant milestones in infrastructure development, conservation, and skill enhancement, but there are critical areas that still require attention,” Butime stated.
Key Achievements
Infrastructure DevelopmentOne of the sector’s notable accomplishments is the expansion of tourism infrastructure. The government has completed key projects such as the Crested Crane Training Application Hotel at the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) in Jinja and new campus blocks at the Uganda Wildlife Research and Training Institute (UWRTI) in Kasese. Additionally, adventure tourism has been enhanced through new facilities in Rwenzori Mountains National Park, including climbing ladders and boardwalks.
Wildlife Conservation EffortsProgress in wildlife conservation was another highlight. The government has recruited over 855 rangers to strengthen wildlife protection efforts and installed 106.7 kilometers of electric fencing to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. Furthermore, invasive plant species in protected areas are being cleared to restore ecosystems and improve biodiversity.
Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
Despite these successes, the tourism sector faces several challenges. Minister Butime identified limited marketing as a major issue, with Uganda’s brand visibility remaining low compared to regional competitors. To address this, the government is developing a national tourism marketing strategy aimed at boosting the country’s global appeal.Poor road networks and insufficient internet access in protected areas have also hindered the sector’s growth. However, improvements are underway, with 22 out of 65 designated tourism roads already paved. Additionally, the nearly completed Kabalega International Airport is expected to improve accessibility to key tourism destinations.Other challenges include an unfavorable tax regime and a shortage of skilled personnel, which continue to affect the industry’s competitiveness. The government is exploring strategies to provide more training opportunities and create a favorable tax environment for tourism operators.
Future Outlook and Commitment
Minister Butime concluded by affirming that Uganda has fully achieved two manifesto commitments and made significant progress on 11 others, though three commitments face delays due to budgetary constraints.“The NRM government remains dedicated to unlocking the full potential of Uganda’s tourism sector. We will continue investing in infrastructure, conservation, and product diversification to attract more visitors and boost tourism revenue,” he said.As Uganda strives to position itself as a leading tourism destination in the region, stakeholders are optimistic that continued investment, policy reforms, and enhanced marketing will further strengthen the sector’s contribution to national development.
