Uganda’s agritourism industry has taken centre stage, when Gudie Leisure Farm hosts the National Agritourism Symposium at its Najjera II White Campus and Conference Centre in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District.
The high-level forum will bring together policymakers, private sector players, development partners and industry experts to explore strategic interventions aimed at unlocking the untapped potential of Uganda’s agritourism industry.
Speaking during a press conference held at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA) headquarters in Kampala, Prof. Gudula Naiga Basaza, Managing Director of Gudie Leisure Farm, said the symposium seeks to position agritourism as a viable socio-economic investment with the capacity to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s development goals.
“We want to present a case for the development of the agritourism industry and demonstrate why it is a viable socio-economic investment,” Prof. Basaza said.
“This event will highlight investment opportunities, showcase emerging innovations, promote industry actors and identify actionable policy and strategic interventions that can help Uganda maximise the sector’s potential.”
She noted that the symposium aligns with Uganda’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, which targets USD 20 billion annually from agro-industrialisation and USD 50 billion from tourism.
“The convergence of agriculture and tourism presents a strategic opportunity which, if properly harnessed, can attract catalytic investments, increase tourism revenues and stimulate demand for goods and services produced by rural economies,” she added.
The Commissioner for Tourism Development at MTWA, Mr. Vivian Lyazi, reaffirmed government commitment to diversifying Uganda’s tourism portfolio, noting the global agritourism market is projected to exceed USD 197 billion by 2032.
“It is essential that Uganda positions itself to capture a share of this growth,” Lyazi said.
“Government remains committed to working with the private sector to develop policies and programmes that accelerate the emergence of a high-impact, high-return agritourism industry.”
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Major General David Kasura Kyomukama, welcomed the initiative, describing the symposium as a critical platform for aligning private sector efforts with national development priorities.
He said agritourism aligns with key government frameworks including the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and the Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, both of which prioritise agro-industrialisation as a driver of economic growth.
“NDP IV emphasises expanding agricultural output, increasing value addition and boosting export earnings,” Kyomukama said.
“Agritourism provides an opportunity to diversify agricultural enterprises, broaden rural investment opportunities and strengthen quality standards and strategic alliances that promote Uganda’s exports.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the Agritourism Association (ATA) Uganda, Joseph Taremwa Ruhakana, underscored the need for strong public-private partnerships to drive the sector forward.
“Agritourism is a powerful engine for economic transformation, capable of turning farming communities into thriving tourist destinations,” Ruhakana said.
“This symposium provides an essential platform to align stakeholders—from farmers to policymakers—and drive innovation and inclusive growth.”
viewed as a strategic tool for agro-industrialisation and economic transition.
“This symposium will foster alliances across value chains, facilitate skills and technology transfer, diversify incomes for farming communities and mobilise investment for business expansion,” Kagwa said, reaffirming UTB’s commitment to supporting agritourism development.
Uganda’s tourism sector remains a cornerstone of the economy, contributing 6.6 percent of GDP, equivalent to approximately Shs 12.06 trillion, and accounting for 7.2 percent of national employment.
In 2024, tourism generated USD 1.28 billion in foreign exchange earnings, highlighting the importance of continued innovation and diversification.
Organisers say the National Agritourism Symposium will serve as a key platform for shaping policies, partnerships and investment strategies that will guide the long-term development of Uganda’s agritourism industry.
