The Uganda Embassy in Ankara has embarked on an aggressive economic diplomacy campaign across Türkiye aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), boosting tourism, and fostering trade partnerships.
The week-long Uganda-Türkiye Tourism and Investment Roadshow, which began on June 13 and is set to conclude on June 20, 2025, has taken place in six major Turkish cities—Ankara, Istanbul, Bursa, Izmir, Konya, and Gaziantep marking Uganda’s most extensive bilateral commercial push in the region.
Led by Uganda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Nusura Tiperu, and Counsellor Nelson Kasigaire, the initiative involves key government agencies including the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), and Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC).
“This campaign is part of Uganda’s broader strategy to position itself as a competitive destination for investment and travel,” said Ambassador Tiperu, noting that Türkiye is now among Uganda’s top 10 potential markets for inbound tourism.
“With the introduction of direct flights, our target is to attract at least 1,000 additional visitors from Türkiye in the next year.”
The delegation has met with leading Turkish business associations, including the Turkey Travel Agencies Association (TURSAB) and chambers of commerce in Konya and Bursa.
According to Counsellor Kasigaire, Uganda is leveraging these engagements to establish joint ventures, particularly in tourism and manufacturing.
A major outcome from Bursa was the announcement that Turkish tour operators are organizing a group visit of 80 first-time travelers to Uganda.
“We are confident that tailored tour packages will appeal to the Turkish market,” Kasigaire said.
In Konya, Uganda's team toured leading industrial firms such as Yemsa Makina (feed machinery), Konak Chocolate (which is exploring sourcing cocoa from Uganda), and AKONA Irrigation Systems highlighting opportunities for technology transfer and agro-industrial cooperation.
UTB Marketing Manager Francis Nyende emphasised Uganda’s tourism value proposition beyond traditional safaris, citing cultural diversity and compact geographical offerings.
“Uganda receives just 1.5 million tourists annually. With support from our embassies, we want to increase that number significantly,” he said.
UIA’s Deputy Director for Investment Promotion, Rita Mugula, noted Türkiye’s success in structuring its tourism sector as a model.
“We are targeting Turkish investors for opportunities in Uganda’s tourism and hospitality industries,” she said.
The initiative is set to conclude with a grand finale in Istanbul on June 20
Organizers say the campaign has sent a clear message: Uganda is open for business.