UGANDA COURTS CANADIAN MARKET WITH HIGH-IMPACT FAMILIARIZATION TOUR

Uganda has today received a high-level delegation of leading tour operators, travel agents and media personalities from Canada for a landmark familiarization trip running from April 8th to 18th, 2026. The initiative is organised by the Uganda High Commission in Canada in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, its agencies, line ministries and key players from the tourism private sector.

The visit marks one of Uganda’s most deliberate and strategic efforts to penetrate the Canadian travel market, positioning the country as a premier long-haul destination. The carefully curated itinerary offers a comprehensive showcase of Uganda’s most iconic tourism experiences.

The delegation is set to embark on a 10-day immersive journey across the country, featuring a blend of nature, culture and adventure. The programme includes cultural excursions to the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, the Gaddafi National Mosque and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kasubi Tombs.

The delegation shall then proceed to southwestern Uganda for the highlight of the trip, mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This experience is complemented by the Batwa cultural trail and traditional campfire entertainment, offering insight into indigenous heritage.

Further along the itinerary, participants shall explore Queen Elizabeth National Park through a sunrise game drive and a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, renowned for its dense concentration of wildlife. The journey continues to Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking and a visit to the Sempaya Hot Springs.

The delegation shall also visit Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital, where they will experience activities at the Source of the Nile, including a boat cruise and tubing along the river.

Representing the Permanent Secretary, the Commissioner for Tourism Development, Vivian Lyazi, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening Uganda’s global tourism footprint. In a statement delivered on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Doreen Katusiime notes that Uganda offers one of the most diverse and authentic tourism experiences globally, expressing confidence that the visiting delegation will return to Canada as ambassadors of the destination.

In addition to the field experiences, the delegation shall engage in high-level meetings in Kampala with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism and its agencies, as well as private sector stakeholders. These engagements underscore the mission’s dual objective of destination marketing and investment promotion.

Speaking on the significance of the visit, H.E Allan Kajik, Chargé d’Affaires at the Uganda High Commission in Ottawa, emphasized that hosting influential travel professionals and media in-country provides a powerful platform for authentic storytelling and market expansion. He expresses optimism that the experience will translate into increased visitor numbers from Canada.

The familiarization trip will conclude on April 18th, 2026, with a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre in Entebbe before the delegation departs.

The initiative is expected to generate significant media exposure across Canada and the wider North American market, contributing to Uganda’s tourism growth targets. Building on the 10,370 Canadian arrivals recorded in 2025, Uganda is positioning itself to tap into Canada’s sizeable outbound travel market as part of broader efforts to increase tourism’s contribution to national economic development.