Presidential CEO Forum has officially kicked off preparations for the 6th Bi-Annual Private Sector CEO Retreat (6th BAR) with the formation of a high-level Technical Committee. This marks a major step forward in organizing what is expected to be a pivotal event for Uganda’s tourism and economic development agenda.
The newly constituted committee brings together experts and institutional representatives from key bodies, including the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities; Uganda Wildlife Authority; Uganda Tourism Board; Makerere University; Uganda Tourism Association; and the Economic Policy Research Centre. Their inaugural planning meeting, held this week, signals the start of intensive planning for the retreat, which will take place in July 2025 in the Rwenzori Region.
Mandated with ensuring a solution-driven and transformative retreat, the committee will guide the development and execution of a dynamic program. Their responsibilities include shaping the retreat’s thematic focus, aligning stakeholders, identifying high-impact investment opportunities, and creating a robust framework for public-private sector collaboration aimed at elevating Uganda’s tourism industry.
The 6th BAR will be hosted by H.E. the President of Uganda and convened by the Presidential CEO Forum (PCF), in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and Office of the Prime Minister. This edition of the retreat reflects a strategic shift toward harnessing Uganda’s full tourism potential through innovation, investment, and inclusive development.
Key areas of focus for the retreat will include infrastructure development, digital transformation, strategic tourism marketing, and the diversification of tourism products. In addition to traditional wildlife-based offerings, emphasis will be placed on eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and adventure tourism—sectors seen as critical to unlocking new growth frontiers.
Fort Portal City, the chosen host location, provides both symbolic and strategic significance. Its proximity to world-renowned attractions such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, and the Rwenzori Mountains makes it an ideal setting to showcase Uganda’s tourism assets and the importance of regional inclusion in the sector’s growth.
The upcoming retreat comes at a crucial time when Uganda is prioritizing it National Development Agenda driven under the acronym of ATMS and T standing for Tourism The PCF 6th Technical Committee is expected to play a vital role in turning dialogue into action, by spearheading efforts that will lead to tangible solutions and measurable progress.
With the planning process now in full swing, the committee is poised to deliver a transformative retreat. One that not only strengthens the role of the private sector but also positions Uganda as a premier and competitive tourism destination on the African continent