When you meet Hon. Martin Mugarra, Uganda’s Minister of State for Tourism, it is clear that his story is deeply tied to the land, wildlife, and communities that define the country’s natural beauty.
His passion for conservation was not something acquired in adulthood—it was planted early, as a boy growing up in Ntoroko, a district bordering one of Uganda’s protected areas.
“I just grew up being interested,” he recalls. “Conservation and relaxation, taking trips out of the chaos, have always been a part of me.”
Mugarra’s educational journey began at Buddo Junior School, then Ntare School, and later Kira College Butiki before he joined Makerere University.
At Butiki, he describes himself as “a bit stubborn,” a trait that perhaps hinted at the resilience and persistence that would later carry him into national leadership.
With a family background in politics, Mugarra was no stranger to public service, though he admits he never set out with a childhood dream of becoming a minister.
“I don’t think I grew up saying I wanted to be minister. Somehow things just started falling in place,” he reflects.
Like many Ugandans of his generation, Mugarra grew up under strict parenting. He remembers vividly the “kiboko”—the cane—and credits it for instilling values of discipline and responsibility that guide him even today.
His official political journey gained momentum when he joined the 9th Parliament in 2020. Transitioning into the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Mugarra found himself at the heart of one of Uganda’s most dynamic sectors.
He starts his mornings scrolling through his phone, catching up on the latest news and current affairs.
“I’m in tourism, but I also like to be informed,” he says, underscoring his belief that leadership demands awareness beyond one’s immediate docket.
Tourism keeps him constantly on the move—whether managing human-wildlife conflicts or engaging communities around parks.
But no matter how far he travels, his heart remains in Uganda.
“I have travelled around the world, but I still find Uganda more beautiful. I don’t understand how Ugandans pay money to go to Dubai to suffer with heat when you can enjoy the beauty and weather of our country.”
One of Mugarra’s proudest achievements has been the growth of domestic tourism. Before COVID-19, about 600,000 Ugandans were traveling within the country. Today, that number has more than doubled to over a million.
“Ugandans are exploring their country more, and we thank the influencers who have taken it upon themselves to showcase our beauty,” he says.
The government has also worked to make tourism accessible to locals. Ugandans pay just $20 to access all national parks, with cheaper accommodation packages tailored for them.
“Even with a small car like a Vitz, you can drive into the parks, track animals, and enjoy the experience,” Mugarra notes. For investors, there are incentives such as tax exemptions for tour vehicles and benefits for those building hotels near parks.
Mugarra is candid about the need for professionalism in Uganda’s hospitality sector.
“Tourism is a service—it’s not about the building. If you have the infrastructure in place, give a person a service worth the money they pay to avoid bad ratings. If you build, hire professionals, not relatives.”
Despite his official travels, Mugarra remains a tourist at heart. His favorite spot is Lake Butanda on Gayiza Island in Kisoro, which he calls the most beautiful place he has seen in Uganda.
Beyond the landscapes, he insists Uganda’s true treasure lies in its people.
“The friendliness of Ugandans is the most valuable experience.”
The Ministry continues to push initiatives like the Explore Campaign, which takes hundreds of thousands of Ugandans across the country, showcasing hidden gems beyond Kampala.
“Arua has a vibrant nightlife. Not everything is in Kampala,” Mugarra emphasizes.
Tourism, now one of Uganda’s top four priority sectors for economic growth, is poised to play an even greater role in national development.
Infrastructure upgrades at key sites like the Source of the Nile are underway, and campaigns to boost both domestic and international tourism continue.
From the boy in Ntoroko fascinated by conservation to the minister championing Uganda’s tourism industry, Martin Mugarra’s journey reflects not just personal ambition but a deep love for his country.
His message to Ugandans is simple: “Travel, explore, and fall in love with Uganda—you don’t have to go far to find beauty.”
