Uganda’s tourism sector saw remarkable growth in 2024, with earnings hitting Shs4.81 trillion, a 25.9% increase compared to Shs3.82 trillion in 2023, according to the Tourism Trends and Statistical Report 2025.
This surge was driven by an increase in both the length of tourists’ stays and their daily spending, with the average daily expenditure rising from $110 to $125.
While international arrivals grew by a modest 7.7%, the real success lay in the higher receipts per visitor, reflecting a shift towards attracting high-spending tourists.
In 2024, tourism accounted for 16% of Uganda’s total exports.
Africa continued to be the largest source of visitors, but there was also notable growth in markets outside the continent, particularly from India, China, Turkey, and Israel.
Despite these successes, sector stakeholders raised concerns over how the Ministry of Health handles public health communication during disease outbreaks, with fears that poorly managed announcements could discourage international visitors.
Looking ahead, the report suggests that Uganda should continue targeting high-value markets, improve health communication, and enhance infrastructure to solidify its standing as a leading tourism destination in Africa.