The sector also registered a 7.7% rise in international tourist arrivals, reaching 1.37 million visitors last year.
“Uganda’s tourism sector continued to recover with tourist arrivals increasing by 7.7 percent to 1.37 million in 2024, from 1.27 million in 2023. Similarly, tourism earnings grew by 26 percent to Shs 4.8 trillion in 2024, up from Shs 3.8 trillion in 2023,” said Kasaija in his budget speech delivered to Parliament on Thursday.
The minister attributed the performance to aggressive marketing campaigns under the “Explore Uganda” initiative, which targeted high-value tourism markets in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.
Interest in Uganda rose by 33 percent in the UK, 19 percent in Canada, and 5 percent in the US.
The domestic segment also showed strong growth, with visits to national parks increasing by 15.7 percent to 244,843.
Kasaija highlighted key infrastructural and product development achievements in the sector.
The government maintained 1,300 kilometres of trail tracks and roads in protected areas.
It expanded electric fencing to 177 kilometres in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks.
Construction continued at key heritage and tourism sites including the Source of the Nile, the Uganda Museum, and the Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrines.
Safety and accessibility on the Rwenzori Mountains were improved with the installation of 3,521 metres of climbing ladders and boardwalks.
The government also completed the Kikorongo Equator Monument in Kasese, while construction of the Karamoja Museum is nearing completion.
He also pointed to Uganda’s improved position in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, following the establishment of a world-class convention centre in Munyonyo.
“This has promoted Uganda as one of the regional destinations for MICE tourism. Consequently, Uganda now ranks 7th in Africa,” he said.
To build on these achievements, the government has allocated Shs 430 billion for direct investment in tourism in the 2025/26 financial year.
Another Shs 2.2 trillion has been set aside for support infrastructure, including roads to tourist sites, ICT improvements in tourism zones, facilities for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and enhanced security in key tourism areas.
Kasaija said the government’s focus in the coming year will be on branding and marketing Uganda as a leading tourism and investment destination.
It will also prioritise infrastructure development at tourism sites, the construction of refreshment centres and sanitation facilities along highways, enforcement and improvement of hospitality training and standards, and investment in specialised health facilities to promote health tourism.
He added that Uganda’s foreign missions have also been tasked with advancing economic and commercial diplomacy by attracting tourists and investors, and helping to open up new export markets.