Domestic Tourism Crusader Hon. Mugarra Passes The Baton To Hon. Nakawuki, As Mtwa Celebrates His Legacy
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The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities today held a Top Management Meeting to officially bid farewell to the outgoing Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka and welcome the newly appointed Minister of State, Hon. Susan Nakawuki Nsambu, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Mawokota South.
The event, held at the Ministry headquarters, brought together the Ministry’s political and technical leadership, heads of agencies and senior management to celebrate the achievements registered during the past five years and chart a new course for the future of Uganda’s tourism, wildlife and heritage sector.
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry of Tourism Doreen S. Katusiime(mrs), congratulated the new political leadership upon their swearing-in on June 8, 2026 and expressed gratitude to the outgoing Minister Martin mMugarra, for his dedicated service and contribution to the growth of the tourism sector.
She highlighted key milestones achieved under the stewardship of Hon. Martin Mugarra and Hon. Rtd. Col. Tom Butime, including the promotion of cultural tourism through products such as Ekyooto Ha Mpango; development of tourism sites including the Source of the Nile experience, Kitagata Hot Springs, Kagulu Hill, Mugaba Palace and the Equator Monument; support for flagship tourism events such as the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE), Nyege Nyege Festival and destination marathons.
The Permanent Secretary further noted significant achievements in wildlife conservation, including continued rhino conservation efforts, protection of critical ecosystems, expansion of protected areas and strengthened partnerships with local and international stakeholders.
“These achievements have created a strong foundation upon which the sector continues to grow, as evidenced by increasing tourism arrivals, enhanced destination visibility and stronger stakeholder confidence,” she said.
HON. MUGARRA REFLECTS ON FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE
In his farewell remarks, Hon. Martin Mugarra expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the tourism sector and praised Hon. Tom Butime’s leadership, mentorship and guidance throughout his tenure.
He described the Minister as a seasoned leader from whom he had learnt immensely as a seasoned legislator, political head and senior member of the National Resistance Movement.
Addressing the incoming Minister, Hon. Mugarra encouraged her to continuously consult and learn from Hon. Butime, describing him as both a leader and a parental figure within the sector.
He also paid tribute to the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Doreen Katusiime, for her professionalism, dedication and exemplary public service, noting that their relationship had extended beyond official work and contributed significantly to the smooth running of the Ministry.
Reflecting on his time in office, Hon. Mugarra emphasized the importance of viewing tourism as a business that directly impacts communities and livelihoods. He highlighted the need for continued engagement with Members of Parliament representing tourism-hosting areas and called for even stronger collaboration between the Ministry and the private sector.
“A politician is like a passenger in a departure lounge,” he remarked. “I leave as a happy man, having been mentally prepared for this transition.”
He expressed confidence that Hon. Susan Nsambu Nakawuki would bring fresh perspectives and new dynamics that would further advance the sector.
HON. SUSAN NAKAWUKI PLEDGES TEAMWORK AND SECTOR GROWTH
Taking over the mantle, Hon. Susan Nakawuki paid tribute to her predecessor, recalling that Hon. Mugarra had been one of her earliest political campaigners when she joined elective politics at the age of 21 while Hon Mugarra joined in at 24, noting the similarities in their political journeys as young leaders.
She pledged to be a team player and work collaboratively with all stakeholders across the tourism value chain.
“Tourism is a value chain and success can only come through teamwork,” she said.
The new Minister expressed her readiness to learn from the Ministry’s technical team and leadership, encouraging staff to freely guide and correct her whenever necessary.
She outlined several priority areas she intends to champion, including addressing visa-related challenges, accelerating tourism product development, strengthening tourism education through curriculum reforms, combating misinformation that negatively affects destination perception, promoting aggressive destination marketing and advocating for increased sector funding.
Hon. Nakawuki also reiterated her commitment to adding value to the sector and ensuring tourism contributes even more significantly to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation agenda.
COL. BUTIME COMMENDS HON. MUGARRA AND WELCOMES NEW ENERGY
The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Rtd. Col. Tom Butime, welcomed Hon. Susan Nakawuki to the Ministry and expressed confidence in her ability to contribute meaningfully to the sector.
“Our tourism thrives on peace and security and I am glad to continue serving at a time when the country is pursuing an ambitious development agenda,” he said.
He described Hon. Nakawuki as energetic, vigorous and passionate, pledging to harness her energy in advancing the Ministry’s mandate.
Hon. Butime noted that the new Minister joins the sector at a time of renewed momentum following a successful Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo(POATE) and emphasized the need to diversify tourism products, expand source markets and strengthen destination management.
The Minister also paid glowing tribute to Hon. Mugarra, describing him as a disciplined, fearless and dedicated leader who tirelessly defended the tourism sector in Parliament.
Referring to the Ministry’s engagement with Parliament, Hon. Butime recalled Hon. Mugarra’s unwavering commitment in responding to matters of national importance and championing tourism interests on the floor of Parliament.
“He has been a great second-in-command, disciplined and ferocious in defending the sector. He fought many battles and fought them well,” Hon. Butime said.
The Minister further commended Hon. Mugarra’s role in promoting domestic tourism initiatives, including Explore Uganda, which has contributed significantly to growing domestic tourism participation.
LOOKING AHEAD
The handover ceremony marked both a celebration of achievements and a renewed commitment to accelerating the growth of Uganda’s tourism, wildlife and heritage sector.
As the Ministry embarks on a new chapter under its current political leadership, stakeholders expressed optimism that the combination of continuity, experience and fresh energy will drive the realization of the countrys Tenfold Growth Strategy and Uganda’s broader socio-economic transformation agenda.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government agencies, the private sector, development partners and local communities to position Uganda as a leading sustainable tourism destination in Africa.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMITS TO STRONGER COLLABORATION
The private sector was represented at the meeting by the President of the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) Mrs Yogi Birigwa, who congratulated Hon. Susan Nakawuki upon her appointment and welcomed her to the tourism fraternity.
She also paid tribute to the outgoing Minister of State, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, for his accessibility, flexibility, commitment to stakeholder engagement and unwavering support towards the growth of Uganda’s tourism industry.
The UTA President particularly welcomed Hon. Mugarra’s personal investment in the hospitality sector, noting that his practical understanding of tourism as a business had enabled him to appreciate the opportunities and challenges faced by industry players.
Mrs Yogi pledged the private sector’s continued support and commitment to working closely with the former Minister and the wider tourism fraternity in advancing Uganda’s tourism agenda.
“We welcome Hon. Mugarra’s investment in the hospitality industry and look forward to continuing to engage and collaborate with him. His practical experience as both a policymaker and investor presents valuable opportunities for learning, benchmarking and fostering more meaningful and mutually beneficial engagements between the private sector and government,” he said.
The Association further reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the Ministry’s new leadership in promoting investment, enhancing destination competitiveness, strengthening public-private partnerships and accelerating the sector’s contribution to national development.
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