Over 50 tour operators in Uganda have gained vital financial skills through a two-day workshop aimed at equipping them to make smarter, more sustainable business decisions.
The training was organized by the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) in collaboration with Ortus Africa Capital.
Many of Uganda’s tour operators run small and medium-sized enterprises and often make critical financial decisions without fully understanding their consequences. The workshop sought to address this knowledge gap.
“Every day, tour operators make financial decisions without realizing it. Many managers lack a solid understanding of the importance of financial management and strategic decision-making. Finance is the backbone of any business,” said Racheal Atuhire, Advisory Manager at Ortus Africa Capital.
She emphasized the practical nature of the training: “If you plan a three-day safari and a client pays a 50% deposit, you need to calculate whether that deposit covers your upfront costs—fuel, park fees, and the guide. If it doesn’t, you may need to use your own funds, which poses a financial risk that should be planned for.”
The workshop covered key areas such as budgeting, savings, investments, and understanding the long-term implications of financial decisions on day-to-day operations. It was designed for operators who are not finance professionals but need to make informed business choices.
“I once offered a 10% discount on safaris to attract more clients. Bookings increased, but I didn’t factor in the higher fuel and food costs. By the end of the month, I had worked more but earned less profit,” shared one participant.
“I realized I hadn’t priced my tours correctly to cover all my expenses—I had confused cash flow with profit.”
Joseph Kalanzi, a tour operator from Kutamani Safaris, highlighted the practical impact: “You need to know whether your business is making or losing money, plan for upcoming costs, and track how your decisions affect your income. This training is essential for helping us make informed decisions and will ultimately guide our operations.”
Isaac Murungi, Operations Manager at Voyager African Safaris, added: “We’ve learned how important it is to record every business transaction. I now understand how to separate current assets, liabilities, and expenses. This clarity will help us make better decisions and track our financial health more effectively.”
Matilda Iremera, CEO of AUTO, underlined the strategic importance of the training: “As AUTO, this initiative is vital for our members, especially those with limited financial knowledge.
"It enables them to make informed decisions that will drive business growth, improve sustainability, and ensure better resource allocation. With enhanced financial skills, our members will be better equipped to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the evolving tourism sector.”
The initiative also focused on preparing operators to become investor-ready, a crucial step for those seeking funding or partnerships to expand their businesses.
The training comes as Uganda’s tourism sector steadily recovers post-pandemic, creating a need for operators to focus not only on service delivery but also on building strong financial strategies, managing risks, and developing resilient business models.
This initiative forms part of AUTO’s broader commitment to strengthening Uganda’s tourism sector through capacity-building in financial literacy and strategic decision-making.
