The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA) has unveiled an ambitious Shs50 billion investment drive aimed at transforming Jinja into Uganda’s leading adventure tourism capital.
Once regarded as Uganda’s industrial powerhouse, Jinja’s prominence declined with the expansion of industrial parks across other regions.
Government now sees opportunity in the city’s strategic location on the shores of Lake Victoria and its global recognition as home to the Source of the Nile, one of Uganda’s most visited tourist attractions.
At the centre of the transformation is a broad infrastructure redevelopment programme targeting key tourism and hospitality assets.
Government has invested Shs16 billion to redevelop Crested Crane Hotel into a modern hospitality facility designed to attract both domestic and international visitors.
More than Shs20 billion has also been injected into upgrading the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI), equipping it with modern training infrastructure.
The revamped institute now includes a modern language laboratory and upgraded kitchen training facilities aimed at producing globally competitive hospitality professionals.
Vivian Lyazi, Commissioner for Tourism Development at MTWA, said the improvements are aligned with international standards.
“We have installed modern facilities including a language laboratory and improved kitchen training equipment. Graduates from here will be able to work in any star-rated hotel anywhere in the world,” Lyazi said.
Revamping the Source of the Nile
The first phase of redevelopment works at the Source of the Nile, valued at more than Shs 15 billion, is nearing completion.
The facelift includes construction of a modern restaurant, docking pier, improved washrooms and an iconic glass viewing bridge to give tourists a panoramic experience at the point where the Nile begins its journey northwards.
Tom Butime, the Minister of Tourism, said the investments are part of a broader strategy to diversify Uganda’s tourism offerings beyond wildlife safaris.
“We must diversify our tourism offerings. The Source of the Nile must be fully developed so that every visitor leaves fulfilled. Beyond that, they can explore other attractions like Bukaleba Forest Reserve, which we have recently designated as a wildlife reserve,” Butime said.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Doreen Katusiime, revealed that government plans to privatize management of some of the newly completed facilities to improve operational efficiency and returns.
This includes leasing out Crested Crane Hotel to a private operator to run it commercially, while maintaining its function as a practical training facility for UHTTI students.
“We have developed the school in terms of infrastructure, staffing and the application hotel, but we shall get the private sector to run the hotel commercially so it can attract visitors and also support training,” Katusiime explained.
She added that the redeveloped Source of the Nile facilities, including the pier, restaurant and viewing bridge, will also be managed by private sector players to enhance revenue generation for both Jinja City and the central government.
Officials say the Shs50 billion investment is expected to stimulate local economic activity, create employment opportunities and strengthen linkages between tourism and sectors such as transport, agriculture and trade.
With upgraded infrastructure, enhanced training capacity and improved visitor experiences, government believes Jinja is poised to reclaim national prominence — this time as Uganda’s adventure tourism capital.