Uganda Eyes US$5.2bn from Tourism
Uganda is revising to realize tourism boost up to $5.2 billion in revenue generation by 2028 targeting 3.5 million visitors a year over the next five years from the current which is 1.5 million visitors.
It’s a plan which is part of the big strategy to see Uganda positioned on one of the top global tourist destination.
Some of the Key initiatives in this effort is the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE), this strategy was launched in 2024, and is still happening this year 2025 starting from 21st to 24th May.
Poate serves as Uganda’s flagship tourism event which is aimed at creating a platform for networking, investment, and displaying several of Uganda’s unique travel experiences. The expo collects both local and international buyers with more than 5000 trade visitors.
Alongside the expo, the government has introduced familiarization trips (FAMs) to give global buyers first-hand experience of Uganda’s landscapes and attractions. These trips bring wind flash landscapes, rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and also generating organic and credible endorsements that will drive more travelers to Uganda.
To boost domestic tourism boost, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), launched the Tell Your Story campaign, encouraging Ugandans to share personal travel experiences via social media. The initiative aims to highlight hidden gems and cultural heritage, amplify local voices and attract new visitors to Uganda’s diverse offerings.
According to Lilly Ajarova, outgoing executive director of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), these efforts are crucial for building Uganda’s global tourism reputation. “Poate…serves as an essential bridge connecting Uganda’s tourism offerings with the world, facilitating collaboration, investment, and long-term partnerships,” she said.
Beyond marketing, UTB chairperson Pearl Kakooza says the country is also working to attract investors to its national parks, with plans to offer new concessions as many leases expire. The move is in line with the country’s broader ambition to boost tourism’s contribution to GDP tenfold from the current 3.6 percent.
Doreen Katusiime, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, underlines the government’s commitment: “We are focused on driving real investments and creating new partnerships to ensure the sector’s growth.”
These analyzed strategies ranging from international marketing and promotional campaigns to investment facilitation and infrastructure development Uganda is making a concerted effort to achieve its tourism ambitions. If successful, this initiative will not only boost revenue but also create employment opportunities, promote conservation efforts, and position Uganda as a premier travel destination on the global map.
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Uganda Airlines Launches Direct Flights to Gatwick London
Uganda Airlines officially has declared the inauguration of direct flights between Entebbe and London Gatwick, with operations set to begin on May 18, 2025.
The landmark announcement was made during a high-profile event attended by Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, alongside key stakeholders in Uganda’s aviation and tourism sectors.
Speaking at the event, the CEO of Uganda Airlines, Ms Jenifer Bamuturaki, expressed her excitement and pride in achieving this milestone, marking a new chapter for the airline as it celebrates its fifth anniversary.
“This route marks the end of our establishment phase and sets us on the course for long-term growth and expansion. It follows meticulous planning, preparations, and many setbacks, but finally, we are there,” she said.
She highlighted the challenges the airline faced, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed initial plans for the London route. However, she noted that Uganda Airlines had successfully navigated these obstacles to secure landing rights in the UK.
Ms Bamuturaki emphasized that the new route would significantly enhance Uganda’s connectivity with Europe, boosting trade, tourism, and business ties.
“Besides shortening travel times for our passengers, this route also provides a more efficient pathway for exporters of fresh products to the UK. Uganda’s exports to the UK last year were worth $22.6 million, and we are confident that our cargo capacity on the Airbus A330-800neo will support the rapid growth of Ugandan exports,” she explained.
With four weekly flights to London, Uganda Airlines aims to optimize its network, providing seamless connections for travelers transiting to North America and other parts of Europe. The airline also plans to expand its African network, ensuring convenient onward connections across the continent.
The CEO reiterated the airline’s commitment to making Entebbe International Airport a key regional hub, with Uganda Airlines now operating 77 weekly departures, the highest among airlines at Entebbe. The addition of the London route will increase this number to 81 weekly departures.
She further reassured passengers of a premium travel experience on the state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo, which offers Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class cabins with top-tier comfort and service.
Ms. Bamuturaki expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Ministry of Finance, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), and the British High Commission, all of whom played crucial roles in securing the necessary approvals for the London route.
“We would not have reached this point without the active guidance of the Uganda Airlines Board, management, and staff, who have worked tirelessly to ensure this route is added to our network,” she acknowledged.
She concluded her remarks by inviting the public to visit the airline’s booking portal and reserve tickets for London and other destinations Uganda Airlines serves.
Passengers eager to travel on the Entebbe-London Gatwick route can now begin booking their tickets ahead of the inaugural flight on May 18, 2025.
With this strategic expansion, Uganda Airlines is positioning itself as a major player in international aviation, strengthening Uganda’s presence on the global travel map.
Read MoreTips for a Successful Self Drive in Uganda
Having a successful self-drive in Uganda will be the best thing you will never forget about your Ugandan safari. It is very interesting and awesome to have as elf drive in Uganda most especially when the car is in good condition. The first thing for you to have a good successful drive in Uganda is to book for the car you shall use in advance. This is considered very important most especially if you are traveling in very high seasons. These high season include the period of Christmas days which is usually through the month of December and Easter days. Booking the car in advance will make you have a high bargaining power before you finally start yourself drive holiday in the country- Uganda.
When you book the car in advance, it will make you choose the best and perfect accommodation options which will be based on your interests and your savings. Usually you will receive different quotation from different accommodation facilities and it will be up to you to choose the best alternative in regard with your budget or savings. For you to choose the right car, it will depend on the destination you wish to travel that is where you wish or want to go. It will also depend on the number of days you are going to spend during your holiday and the number of people you are traveling with in a group. This may be a family or any group which may not necessarily be a family group.
In case you are traveling within the cities of Uganda, you may not necessarily need a 4X4 to tour around these cities. Here any car is recommended for you to travel with in the cities of Uganda since most the roads within these cities are in good condition. However in case you are traveling or where your safari is upcountry which may include visiting national parks within the country, here the best recommendation is to hire a powerful or strong car. This powerful or strong car must have a 4X4 wheel drive and will help you drive through the roads within the national parks of Uganda. These parks may include; Murchison falls national park, Kidepo valley national park, Queen Elizabeth National park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Lake Mburo National park and Elgon national park. When you are driving, you should avoid driving in late hours or at night. You may not very well know the conditions of the roads in this country thus for you to be on the safe side, you should not risk yourself by driving at night. Within the country, most of the roads do not have street lights and this means that it becomes very easy for you to miss a lodge sign post. Remember in case you are faced with any challenges or get any emergence during the middle of nowhere at night, then getting assistance may be very difficult for you in this situation.
A Successful Self drive is inter linked with good accommodation. You are advised to choose good and appropriate accommodation. You should also keep the contacts of these accommodation facilities. You are advised to get all the necessary information about the accommodation units which you feel interested in from your local travel agent. It will help you choose the best places to stay while on self-drive within Uganda. Where there are instances where you are to arrive late at the accommodation facility, then you will have to inform the people at the booked accommodation in advance.
A Successful self drive also involves checking your car in the morning. Every morning, before you start your car, you will need to check out your car and this should involve ensuring that everything is in order. Things to check include; Head lights, Indicators, the break lights, tire pressure. This includes wheels which include, spare wheel, water level, oillevel and check for any leakage beneath the car. In case it is the very first time to get the car from the travel agent, then you have to check for wheel spanner, jack validity of insurance, status of the tires and fire extinguisher within the car.
A Successful self drive will also involve knowing the road drive in the country. You should never neglect these road signs and you should drive under the stipulated driving speed. You should not over speed. Over speeding is an offense and it is highly penalized. When penalized, it will delay you and end up missing your next destination in time. The speed limits on the highways which is allowed is 80-100km per hour, 30-50km in towns / trading centers, 40-50kms per hour in National Parks, 40-60km per hour on murram roads. You are advised to switch on the lights when driving on dusty roads and off driving is not allowed in Uganda National parks.
Read MoreUganda’s Tourism Benefit Locals
Tourism in Uganda has helped a lot in improving the lives of many Ugandans including in the rural areas. The number of tourist arrivals in Uganda has increased significantly over the years and this has translated into dollars for different people involved in the hospitality industry.
Tourism however remains a foreign concept to many Ugandans despite the benefits that it is providing to this Country. Very few Ugandans have visited the different national parks in Uganda. Although the size of the British Isle, Uganda has over 10 national parks in addition to other different game reserves and conservation areas.
About a million tourists visited Uganda national parks in 2018; however by 2009 the number of tourists had increased tremendously to 145,000 arrivals.
Uganda’s tourism despite its great initial potential after independence was greatly affected by the dictatorial reign of Idd Amin in the 1970s. A large number of Uganda’s wildlife was decimated due to poaching and poor management of the wildlife.
Rhinos for instance were hunted to extinction in Uganda. This was partly due to superstition by the soldiers who believed that wearing a rhino horn made one invincible.
However also during the 1990s there was war in northern by the Lord’s Resistance Army – LRA as well as south western Uganda by the Allied Democratic Forces – ADF and media reports about these incidents negatively affected the country’s image.
One of the worst of these incidents was the massacre of tourists in Bwindi national park who had gone on a gorilla safari in 1999 by the ADF rebels. Gorilla tourism is the leading foreign exchange earner for Uganda’s tourism. Almost all Uganda tour packages feature gorilla trekking in Bwindi as a must do activity included in the itinerary.
The other notable incident was the killing of students from the Jimmy Sekasi Institute of catering and hospital by the LRA in 2001 in an area of Uganda’s largest national park – Murchison falls national park in northern Uganda.
In order to realize the goal of conservation, conservations have poverty alleviation as one of the key objectives of conservation of wildlife. Uganda Wildlife Authority has for years now made it a point in its revenue sharing program to ensure that 20% of the annual revenue collected from any national park goes back to the communities surrounding the national park or tour attraction.
In total there has been over $2 million that the Uganda Wildlife Authority has given back to the local communities in the national parks through their local governments and the money is often used to provide services to the community as well as start projects for the locals in the area.
There are over 30 districts found around Uganda’s national parks and protected areas. All these districts under their local government have identified projects under the revenue sharing scheme that the Uganda Wildlife Authority can partly finance.
These locals have identified projects such as constructions of classrooms, teachers’ houses, clinics, roads, irrigation schemes, community halls and centers etc.
In addition to this locals benefit from tourism activities directly, for instance the locals around Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park as well as Mountain Rwenzori national park earn more in a month than most civil servants earn in a year from being porters to the tourists when doing gorilla trekking and Rwenzori mountain climbing.
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Benefits Of Hiring a Car In Uganda
In line with any other places in Africa, the Pearl of Africa too is a very popular safari destination with quiet a variety of adventurous and cultural attractions within the country. In case you do have a car within the country you will definitely enjoy your holiday and safari at your own pace. However using public means or public transport, it may seem to be cheaper though one of the most inconvenient ways to explore the country as you have to forget about comfort which perhaps is really an important factor in case you need to enjoy your road trip in Uganda. Demand for car hiring in the country is increasing and so is the number of car rental companies with each offering a variety of cars and special offers for customers and this attributed due to;
Some of the companies within the country offer a wide range of rental cars to choose from, whether you want a small 4X4 car of a luxurious car for very special occasions or much larger vehicle like a bus. You will be required to rent a car of your choice and this can be accessed online or by visiting the office and get check it out personally.
During your safari, you can choose whether you want to drive a manual car or an automatic transmission car and this will offer you both models thus limiting you. Most of the clients prefer hiring automatic cars and this is because they are very easy to control and also very good in economizing fuel for example Toyota Rav 4 which is most popular car for self drive in Uganda. You can also get specialized offers in case you return a customer and reduced price if the company offers you an older model of the vehicle and this will mean that if you are low on cash, you can always be guaranteed that it will still get a car with or without a driver.
When you rent a car in Uganda, you will get chance of a self drive on a safari and you might also get a guide to drive you around the destinations you may wish to explore. Most of the clients will prefer driving themselves to these attractions since its more private and cheaper option and so convenient and the safest way to travel. After you have hired a car from any company, you be assured of road assistance in case of break down or any accident and in case of any problem, you can call the rental company and mechanic will be sent to the destination to fix that problem and will offer a replacement car in case it is a big problem making sure that you continue with your road trip.
In Uganda, most companies offer extra gadgets and documents to make sure that you do not get lost or caught up by the traffic police and in case you are travelling to a destination for the first time, you can rent a GPS guide through the routes thus hiring a car in a foreign country is always the best way to go if you prefer to travel.
Dis advantages of public transport
Public Mini-bus taxis and Private Special Hire Taxis. The capital city of Kampala which is a small sized city makes the getting around easy and much affordable whether you want to visit tourist attraction, shopping or spend time in a night club or just hanging up with friends and family at a restaurant. You will definitely need transportation to explore the city from private and public transportation. From the public transportation to the more luxury and convenient private rental cars, one will get where you are going no matter what transportation option you choose and you may prefer to use.
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Boosting Domestic Tourism Through Bird Watching
In a bid to promote local tourism in Uganda the National Forestry Authority – NFA as well as Uganda Wildlife Authority – UWA are planning to let locals enter the national park free of charge and help in identifying as many unknown bird species as possible. This is to enable boost local earnings from Uganda’s tourism.
According to statistics from the Uganda Wildlife Authority the number of tourists to Uganda national parks is mainly foreign non-resident tourists who average about 61,000. This is closely followed by students on field trips who make up approx. 42,000 while only a palty 30,000 are locals.
This project is expected to be conducted with the help of ornithologists as well as the many local bird guides who were recently trained as well as seasoned birders.
The acting director of tourism and business services of Uganda Wildlife Authority, Mr. Stephen Sanyi Masaba this initiative is aimed at helping to promote the bird watching in the Country as well provide information about Uganda ‘s bird species to the international community.
Uganda has over 1065 recorded bird species which is more than half of the bird species found in Africa as a continent. According to Mr. Masaba bird watching in Uganda alone has the potential to generate over Shs 126 billion approx. $45m each given year if only the Country could attract 10,000 foreign tourists to see birds only. At press conference at the Uganda Media Centre, he said that in 2008 compared to mountain gorilla tracking which brought in $3.3 million, Uganda birding watching brought in $6m.
During the event all the birds seen or heard in the wild will be recorded. The birding tours will be carried out in the following selected sites
- Semuliki National Park
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park and forest
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Kidepo Valley National Park
National Geographic Names Uganda Among Top Destinations
Uganda is indeed Gifted by Nature! This small country has been named among the top destinations to visit in 2012 thanks to its incredible natural scenery and a rich mosaic of tribes and cultures. Traveling through Uganda you will be captivated by its beauty, overwhelmed by the friendliness of its people and intrigued by all that Uganda has to offer. Recently the Lonely Planet listed Uganda among the top 20 destinations to visit in 2012. This year, the National Geographic has also acclaimed Uganda as one of the top 20 destinations to visit in 2016!
About Uganda
Ecologically, Uganda is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle. Besides its where one can observe lions prowling the open plains in the morning and track chimpanzees through the rain forest undergrowth the same afternoon, then the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippos and crocodiles before setting off into the misty mountains to visit the majestic mountain gorillas? Uganda is the only safari destination whose range of forest primates is as impressive as its selection of plain antelopes. Uganda is also blessed with a vast bird population of more than 1000 species.
According to the National Geographic an international travel channel affiliated to the National Geographic Society, Uganda is among the top 20 global tourism destinations in the year 2013 unlike the lonely planet, which named Uganda as the best travel destination for 2012, National Geographic listed Uganda among the top “new year’s 20 must-see places.”
“The pride of Uganda’s tourism lies in the undisturbed green nature that welcomes you the moment you land in Uganda whether by air, water, land or any means of transportation,” stated the National Geographic.” Getting out of the city will be a rewarding experience with a variety of bird species, wildlife, and the rare mountain gorillas that have been ‘a hot cake’ to Uganda.”
Abiaz Rwamwiri, a tourism expert with Africa Wildlife Foundation said, “We have a lot of potential we are not tapping into and this is what the recommendation by the National Geographic is telling Ugandans.” He also a explained that Uganda has got a beautiful scenery, unique wildlife such as the Mountain gorillas and easy to visit or stay because of the hospitality of the people.” He added, “We have got much more because there is even Kidepo National Park, which is a unique destination, but is still undiscovered by tourists.” A lot is known about Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park, according to Rwamwiri, but Kidepo is unique and truly wild yet not many tourist visit northern Uganda. He said this was going to improve with the implementation a new programme funded by USAID and Africa Wildlife Foundation.
Also Lillian Nsubuga, the Public Relations Manager of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said Uganda’s tourism industry is gaining visibility, but aggressive marketing is needed.” As UWA there has been a big campaign to participate in the international world travel market. So, many people know about Uganda, but we need more aggressiveness,” said Nsubuga adding that marketing efforts undertaken by private sector should be harmonized with Government initiatives.
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Uganda Offers Discount Gorilla Permits for May 2016
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) revised the rates for discount gorilla permits for 2016. In this promotion, the price for gorilla permits have been lowered to $450 (a discount of $150 off the regular price) for foreign nonresidents. These permits are available for use during the months of November, April and May 2016.
These gorilla permits allow entry to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, a Unesco site protecting almost half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas. The park protects an estimate of over 460 mountain gorillas that inhabit the hilly ranges. To observe the gorillas, visitors need a seasoned guide and a permit secured well in advance, usually by local tour operators. To take advantage of these discount gorilla trekking permits you can contact Go Gorilla Trekking, one of the local tour operators, specializing in arranging gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular of Ugandan parks and the most visited. The park has 15 habituated gorilla groups that can be visited by only 8 tourists per group. The park has also recently introduced gorilla habituation as a new adventure activity costing USD1500 for a permit. On this activity only 4 tourists visit a gorilla group and follow the gorillas for up to four hours.
The park also protects a population of non-habituated chimpanzees that visitors occasionally see in Buhoma, more than 100 other species of mammals including elephants, 346 species of birds, and 163 species.
Read MoreUganda Listed Among 20 Best Destinations to Visit in 2016
It takes no minute to tell that Uganda is one of Africa’s friendliest country from its hospitality, culture and tradition. You can have several moments to celebrate while in the pearl of Africa starting with the warm welcome at Entebbe international Airport immediately after landing. The scenic drive to your hotel exposes you to great views but Zika forest & Entebbe Botanical gardens, Lake Victoria island shores plus the breath taking beaches are a must. It’s more than clear that Uganda is a great safari destination with all you need for a holiday in Africa having taken a glance at what it has to offer you.
Known as the land of lakes, water adventures & spots ,Boat cruise are one of Uganda’s most done tourist activity which add value and fun to every guest to the country for a holiday vacation. Besides it’s something you can’t miss out while in Murchison falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National park, Jinja the source of the Nile and Entebbe on Lake Victoria. Other places of tourist interest are the colorful tropical birds, mountain Gorillas at Bwindi forest, Monkeys and chimpanzees in kibale forest, the might falls of Itanda & Murchison, tree climbing lions at Ishasha, wildlife in Uganda’s best game parks, Rwenzori & Elgon mountain, the Uganda culture & its people among others.
Above all its only here that the African Savannah meets the West African Jungle in Uganda a country where hundreds observe lions in open plains in the morning and evening, track chimpanzees through the rain forest on same schedule and also navigate the tropical channels with hippos and crocodiles before heading to the misty forest for the Mountain Gorilla Encounter at Bwindi forest. A wide range of impressive forest primates, plains Scattered with Kobs, giraffes, antelopes,Zebras are the other wildlife that you yet to spot in the pearl of Africa.There is a lot to see and discover more than wildlife and primates like the world ‘s most thrilling white water rafting ,the rewarding hikes and mountaineering mountains of Rwenzori and Elgon, the beautiful islands of lake bunyonyi & Ssese on lake Victoria, the different religious and cultural sites Namugongo shrines, Kasubi tombs, Budo coronation ground, Sezibwa falls among others.
Also the Country city night life is worthy to spend more nights in Uganda since you will have a lot to explore and see from entertainments, shopping, bars and restaurant. If it’s your first time to take a safari to Uganda, the outstanding culture, nature beauty and weather which makes it the pearl of Africa will make you get the very best wonderful holiday throughout your stay.
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Uganda Tourism Launches UK Marketing Push on Nat Geo Wild
The Uganda Tourism Board also known as “Tourism Uganda” in a bid to promote tourism for the country will sponsor all programming on Nat Geo Wild throughout the month of June 2016.
This promotional campaign will represent Uganda’s tourism potentials to viewers in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This is the first Marketing & PR Campaign targeted in both countries that Uganda seeks as tourist generating regions.
The Uganda tourism’s sponsorship campaign is aimed to encouraging the National Geographic Wild viewers to discover the wonders of the country and to experience their very own Uganda. This beautiful country in East Africa is one of the most beautiful places on earth with a lot of amazing wonders compressed into a tiny country.
The campaign will focus on promoting gorilla tracking and chimpanzee tracking and will largely showcase Uganda’s famous mountain gorillas and chimpanzees showing how you can see them up close for yourself, and will feature at least 3 times every hour, achieving approximately 210 hours of sponsored content per month and 1680 credits per month at the channel.
Nat Geo Wild channel expands National Geographic Channel International’s commitment to quality wildlife programming, exciting people’s passion for wild animals and wild places. Nat Geo Wild is available in more than 10.4 million homes in the UK and is dedicated to providing a unique insight into the natural world, our environment and the amazing creatures that inhabit it.
Nat Geo Wild is one of the most popular travel channels viewed by millions of people around the world. This cable/satellite TV channel is focused primarily on wildlife and natural history programming.
The TV is also very popular on Social Media, having more than 7.8 million Facebook likes, 500,000 twitter followers and 800,000 YouTube viewers.
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