Uganda tourism grows under Museveni push

Uganda’s tourism growth is supported by official government data, not only by promotional posts on X. The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities said on April 17, 2025 that Uganda received 1,371,895 international visitors in 2024, up 7.7% from the previous year, while tourism receipts rose 25.9% to about $1.28 billion. The ministry said the gains reflected a recovery in international travel and were helped by marketing, partnerships, infrastructure investment and conservation. Those figures give context to social-media claims on May 19 that President Yoweri Museveni’s international promotion has helped raise Uganda’s profile as an eco-tourism and wildlife destination. Official statements from Uganda’s tourism agencies and State House show the government has been pairing destination marketing with conservation messaging, overseas roadshows and high-profile promotional events. (tourism.go.ug) ### What do the official numbers show? The Ministry of Tourism said Uganda’s 2024 international arrivals reached 89.2% of pre-pandemic levels. The same April 17, 2025 release said visitors stayed an average of 8.7 nights and spent $125 per day, while tourism receipts accounted for 16% of Uganda’s total exports. (tourism.go.ug) Doreen S. Katusiime, the ministry’s permanent secretary, said the data showed a shift toward higher-value tourism, with tourists staying longer and spending more. The ministry also said leisure tourism’s share rose from 16% to 19%, driven by targeted campaigns including “Explore Uganda — Pearl of Africa.” ### How has Museveni been involved in the push? (tourism.go.ug) President Yoweri Museveni appeared at a screening on April 2, 2025 for “Hidden Uganda,” a documentary by American journalist Peter Greenberg that State House said was designed to showcase the country’s attractions. Museveni said the film would help improve tourism and added that the government was also working on infrastructure, including planned airports in Kidepo and Kanungu aimed at higher-end visitors. (tourism.go.ug) State House said Museveni used the event to highlight Uganda’s climate, wildlife, cultural heritage and geography. He also thanked Greenberg and other backers for exposing Uganda’s “uniqueness” to international audiences. ### What is Uganda selling to foreign visitors? Uganda Tourism Board’s official destination material centers on mountain gorilla trekking, adventure travel, wildlife, cultural heritage and community experiences. (statehouse.go.ug) The board’s website promotes Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, rafting on the Nile, hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains and tours tied to the country’s more than 56 tribes. The Ministry of Tourism says Uganda has 10 national parks and 12 game reserves. (statehouse.go.ug) It lists products including gorilla tracking, guided nature walks, birdwatching, village visits and other wildlife-based activities, which aligns with the safari and park imagery circulating in the May 19 social-media posts. ### How much of the pitch is tied to conservation? Uganda Tourism Board said at ITB Berlin on March 1, 2026 that it was promoting the country through wildlife conservation gains, including white rhino recovery and growth in primate populations. (utb.go.ug) The board said tourism revenue from park entry fees, gorilla permits, chimpanzee permits and safari travel is reinvested in habitat management, anti-poaching work and community programs. (tourism.go.ug) Juliana Kagwa, the board’s chief executive, said Uganda was presenting itself not only as a “bucket-list destination” but also as a place where visitor spending supports wildlife protection and communities. The tourism commissioner, Lyazi Vivian, said the country’s strategy was anchored in sustainability, climate resilience and community benefit-sharing. ### What comes next in the tourism campaign? (utb.go.ug) Uganda Tourism Board says the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo 2026 will run from May 21 to May 23 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. The board is also continuing overseas promotion, including recent roadshows in the Benelux region and partnerships highlighted in India, the United Kingdom and Germany. (utb.go.ug 1) (utb.go.ug 2)