The Director of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Basil Ajer, has said Uganda’s tourism sector is firmly on a recovery path and is steadily returning to pre-COVID performance levels.
Speaking during NBS Morning Breeze on Thursday, Ajer said government is confident the sector will achieve full recovery in visitor numbers, supported by strategic investments, product diversification and growing participation by Ugandans.
“Tourism is on the right path of recovery post-COVID. We have the confidence that we shall fully recover to the pre-COVID numbers,” Ajer said.
He noted that recovery is not only reflected in visitor numbers but also in improved tourism value, explaining that the average length of stay and earnings per foreign visitor have surpassed 2019 levels.
According to Ajer, this indicates stronger tourism offerings and higher returns per visitor.
Ajer emphasised the increasing importance of domestic and regional tourism, revealing that Ugandans now account for 56 percent of overall tourism numbers, a trend he described as critical for the sector’s resilience.
“We need to focus so much on domestic and regional tourism. The good news is that Ugandans are increasingly participating in tourism activities,” he said.
He said Uganda’s tourism remains largely nature-based, with gorilla tracking continuing to be the country’s top tourism revenue earner.
However, he added that government is deliberately expanding tourism products and destinations to reduce overreliance on a single attraction.
Ajer cited ongoing plans to further develop the Source of the Nile as a flagship destination, including investments in supporting infrastructure and visitor facilities.
“We should have a museum, a golf course, exhibition centres and other facilities that promote tourism at the Source of the Nile,” he said.
He also highlighted sports tourism as a key growth area, pointing to Uganda’s selection as one of the host countries for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 as a major opportunity to boost international visibility and tourist arrivals.
“Hosting AFCON 2027 is part of our broader strategy to diversify our tourism portfolio and attract new markets,” Ajer said.
On regional development, Ajer revealed plans to upgrade infrastructure in Kidepo Valley National Park, including the construction of an international airport comparable to Entebbe International Airport, to improve access to the remote tourism region.
“In Kidepo, there is a plan to construct an international airport. We are working towards addressing the infrastructural challenges to unlock the full tourism potential of the region,” he said.
Ajer reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening tourism infrastructure, promoting investment and positioning Uganda as a competitive and sustainable tourism destination in Africa and beyond.
