In 2022, Uganda recorded a remarkable surge in tourism, welcoming 512,945 visitors, marking a substantial 58.8% increase compared to the previous year. The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities in Uganda has now revealed that the country’s tourism sector is on a path to recovery following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. They have set an ambitious target of generating 6.986 trillion Ugandan Shillings in annual revenue by 2025.
Tourism is a pivotal focus area in Uganda’s Third National Development Plan (NDP III), with the primary objective of raising household incomes and improving the overall quality of life for its citizens. To achieve this goal, the Ministry has devised a comprehensive strategy, which includes increasing the average inbound tourism revenue per visitor from US $1,052 to US $1,500. This strategy aims to attract more tourists from regions such as the U.S.A, Europe, the Middle East, China, and Japan.
Furthermore, the Ministry is planning to expand direct flight routes to Europe and Asia from the existing 6 to a total of 15, with the aim of enticing 2.1 million tourists by the year 2025. Tom Butime, Uganda’s Minister of Tourism, has emphasized the government’s commitment to identifying and paving approximately 735 kilometers of tourism roads, including those leading to cultural heritage sites. This infrastructure development is anticipated to enhance accessibility to these remarkable attractions.
In 2022, Uganda’s tourism sector not only witnessed a surge in visitor numbers but also experienced significant revenue growth, amounting to USD 736 million, equivalent to approximately 2.7 trillion Ugandan Shillings. This was a remarkable increase from the USD 1.88 trillion generated in 2021. It is noteworthy that the tourism sector is currently a significant employer, providing jobs for over 500,000 individuals, and projections indicate that this number will expand to 667,600 employees by 2025.
Uganda’s allure lies in its rich and diverse natural landscapes, which encompass national parks, wildlife reserves, community wildlife management areas, and wildlife sanctuaries. These attractions continue to draw tourists from all corners of the globe. The Ministry’s strategic efforts are aligned with its unwavering commitment to promoting tourism and contributing to the nation’s economic growth and overall development.”
