Tourism Leaders Chart Bold Roadmap for Sector Growth at CEO Forum in Fort Portal.

Fort Portal, Uganda – September 13, 2025

The 6th Bi-Annual Private Sector CEO Forum concluded this week in Fort Portal with tourism emerging as a top priority for Uganda’s economic transformation under the forthcoming Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).

Over three days, top government officials, private sector leaders, and development partners convened to evaluate tourism’s growing impact and chart a path toward unlocking its full potential. The forum culminated in six strategic resolutions that Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja pledged to personally deliver to President Yoweri Museveni.

Sector Resilience and Growth Celebrated

In her keynote address, Ms. Doreen Katusiime, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, praised the resilience of Uganda’s tourism industry, which welcomed 1.37 million international tourists and 2.8 million domestic visitors in FY 2024/25, generating UGX 6.3 trillion in expenditure.

“This growth reflects strategic government investments in infrastructure, security, and strong collaboration with the private sector and development partners,” Ms. Katusiime stated.

She highlighted several milestones, including:

• Product diversification at key sites like the Source of the Nile, Rwenzori Mountains, and cultural heritage zones

• Global marketing under the Explore Uganda – The Pearl of Africa brand

• Upgrades to training institutions such as the Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) and the Wildlife Research and Training College, turning them into regional centers of excellence.

Despite progress, Ms. Katusiime noted persistent barriers, including poor infrastructure in key destinations, skills gaps, climate change, and limited digital integration.

She reaffirmed government’s commitment to:

• Modernizing infrastructure

• Expanding Tourism Information Management System (TIMS)

• Scaling up air and road connectivity

• Deepening public-private partnerships under NDP IV

Time for execution

Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority, emphasized the urgency of action:

“Talk is done; time for execution,” he said, calling for priority investment in tourism roads such as Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi, Kisoro–Nkuringo–Rubanguri, and Ishasha–Katunguru.

Voices from the Creative, Hospitality, and Community Sectors

Panel discussions under the theme “Activities, Amenities and Accommodation in line with NDP IV” spotlighted the role of Uganda’s creative industries, film, hospitality, and community engagement.

• MP Racheal Magoola urged consolidation of the fragmented creative sector across six ministries.

• Filmmaker Mathew Nabwiiso advocated for a national film fund and creative economy policy to empower content creators.

• Marasa Africa’s Mike Sanders called for better entry-point infrastructure and investor-friendly tax regimes.

• UHTTI Principal Richard Kawere stressed stronger linkages between hospitality students and employers, citing partnerships with Kenya and Tanzania.

Six Key Resolutions for President Museveni

In a major highlight, the CEOs, led by Forum Chairperson Emmanuel Katongole, presented six resolutions aimed at accelerating tourism development:

1.   Upgrade critical tourism roads and develop traveler-friendly infrastructure (e.g., safe stopovers).

2.   Expand air connectivity, including upgrading Kisoro and Kasese airstrips to international status.

3.   Refocus Uganda Airlines on international routes while allowing private players to operate domestically.

4.   Develop the Lake Victoria tourism circuit with reliable utilities.

5.   Harmonize the 26 current tourism-related taxes to encourage private investment.

6.   Implement a robust media strategy to counter negative international travel advisories and improve Uganda’s global image.

Additional proposals included stricter regulation of misinformation on social media, a review of noise pollution policies, and the creation of a tourism school in Fort Portal to serve western Uganda’s protected areas.

Prime Minister Nabbanja Vows Direct Delivery to the President

Prime Minister Nabbanja responded with assurances of immediate government follow-up. She disclosed progress on infrastructure, including a Shs 50 billion release to fast-track works on the Mubende–Kyenjojo road, and feasibility studies for airstrip upgrades with support from the African Development Bank.

“I will personally hand over the resolutions from this retreat to the President after Cabinet on Monday,” Nabbanja pledged.

Tourism: A Pillar for Vision 2040

Tourism Minister Hon. Tom Butime commended the retreat, noting a 7.7% rise in tourist arrivals in 2024 and the creation of over 810,000 jobs. He reiterated tourism’s role in Uganda’s Vision 2040 target of USD 50 billion in tourism earnings, emphasizing that the sector is not only about leisure but also critical to diplomacy, trade, and investment.

A Shared Vision for a Competitive Tourism Sector

The Fort Portal CEO Forum closed with renewed optimism and a shared commitment to transforming Uganda into a top-tier tourism destination. Stakeholders agreed that coordinated action across infrastructure, policy, marketing, and skills development is essential.

As the Pearl of Africa continues to shine on the global stage, leaders made one thing clear: The time for action is now.

Key Statistics at a Glance (FY 2024/25)

1.37 million international tourists

2.8 million domestic visitors

UGX 6.3 trillion tourism revenue

810,000+ tourism-related jobs

7.7% growth in international arrivals