Uganda’s tourism sector is set for a significant boost after government allocated Shs571.5 billion in the 2026/2027 national budget, a move stakeholders say reflects growing recognition of tourism as a key driver of economic transformation.
The allocation marks a sharp increase from about Shs169 billion four years ago, as government intensifies efforts to position tourism among the country’s leading sources of foreign exchange, investment, and employment.
Tourism investor and entrepreneur Amos Wekesa welcomed the increased funding, describing it as a positive step for a sector that has long operated under constrained budgets.
“Our budgets have been miserable over the past years. Moving from Shs169 billion four years ago to Shs571.5 billion is a very good sign. But we need to ensure we see results,” Wekesa said.
He noted that Uganda currently earns about US$1.6 billion annually from tourism, adding that there is significant potential for growth.
“We should be aiming at at least US$2.5 billion from tourism. It is not acceptable for one national park in Tanzania, the Serengeti, to generate almost the same revenue as Uganda’s entire tourism sector,” he said.
Wekesa highlighted destination marketing, human resource development, and infrastructure as priority areas under the new budget.
He said enhanced marketing would attract more tourists and stimulate private sector investment in accommodation, transport, and related services.
“When you market the country, you create opportunities. Opportunities attract investment, the private sector builds more facilities, and jobs are created,” he said.
He also called for increased investment in training Ugandans to take up senior roles in the hospitality industry, noting that many high-end establishments still rely heavily on foreign expertise.
Infrastructure remains a major concern for tourism operators.
Wekesa pointed to poor road networks leading to key attractions such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where tourists paying up to US$800 for gorilla permits still face difficult journeys.
He further urged government to upgrade regional aerodromes including Pakuba Airfield, Kidepo Airstrip, and Mbarara Airstrip to improve domestic tourism connectivity.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Doreen Katusiime, said tourism remains one of the priority sectors under Uganda’s National Development Plan IV and the country’s tenfold growth strategy.
“Government recognizes tourism as a low-hanging fruit. The return on investment in tourism is often much higher than in many other sectors,” Katusiime said.
She said a significant portion of the budget will support destination marketing through Uganda’s embassies and diplomatic missions abroad under the economic and commercial diplomacy programme.
The allocation will also support preparations for the co-hosted AFCON 2027 tournament, including marketing, capacity building, and improvements in tourism infrastructure.
Government plans to enhance key tourism sites, including the Source of the Nile, national museums, cultural heritage sites, the Rwenzori Mountains, and wildlife conservation areas.
Katusiime said digitization will play a central role in future tourism promotion, with the Uganda Tourism Board expanding digital marketing efforts to reach global audiences.
Plans are also underway to digitize museum collections to allow virtual access to historical artifacts and exhibitions.
Calls for Accountability and Measurable Results
While stakeholders have welcomed the increased funding, industry players emphasize that results will matter more than allocations.
Wekesa called for stronger accountability, saying every targeted tourism market should have clear performance indicators.
“If you market in Japan, you should measure the results from that market. You must set targets and evaluate outcomes,” he said.
He also urged better coordination among government agencies, especially during emergencies, noting that poor communication can damage Uganda’s tourism image.
He expressed optimism that if effectively implemented, the new funding could raise annual tourism earnings to about US$2.6 billion, create jobs, and attract increased investment.
For Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” the Shs571.5 billion allocation represents one of the strongest commitments yet to unlocking the sector’s potential. The key challenge now is translating the investment into measurable growth in arrivals and revenue.