KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda is positioning tourism as a key pillar in its long-term economic transformation strategy aimed at growing the economy to $500 billion by 2040, Finance Minister Henry Musasizi has said.
Presenting the national budget for the 2026/27 financial year, Musasizi announced an expanded investment plan for the sector anchored on increased funding, global marketing campaigns and large-scale infrastructure development.
He described tourism as “one of Uganda’s most powerful export industries,” noting its role in generating foreign exchange, creating jobs and supporting thousands of small and medium enterprises.
“Tourism is one of Uganda’s most powerful export industries. It generates foreign exchange, it creates jobs, it supports thousands of enterprises, and it showcases Uganda to the world,” he told Parliament on Thursday.
Global branding push intensifies
The minister said Uganda’s international tourism visibility has grown significantly in recent years, driven by the “Explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa” branding campaign.
He cited recent international recognition, including the “Best in Show – Africa” award at the 2026 New York Travel & Adventure Show and the “Best Exquisite Destination” accolade at the Outbound Travel Mart in Mumbai.
Uganda has also expanded its presence in global tourism exhibitions across Europe, Asia, North America and Africa, including the World Travel Market in London and promotional engagements linked to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
“These achievements reflect Uganda’s growing international profile and industry endorsements,” Musasizi said.
Diplomacy-driven tourism strategy
The minister highlighted the role of Uganda’s Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Strategy, which assigns diplomatic missions specific targets in tourism promotion, investment attraction, trade expansion and diaspora engagement.
He said the approach is already contributing to increased tourist arrivals, stronger export earnings and rising foreign direct investment inflows.
“Government will continue to leverage its Missions Abroad to market Uganda as a preferred tourism, conference and investment destination,” he added.
Infrastructure investments across key sites
To support sector growth, government is rolling out infrastructure upgrades at major tourism and heritage sites, including the Rwenzori Central Circuit Trail, Kitagata Hot Springs and the Source of the Nile in Jinja.
New developments include a wildlife education centre in Mbale, while rehabilitation works have been completed at the Crested Crane Tourism Training Institute, which now features an observatory deck and a modern restaurant.
Additional projects are underway in Moroto and Dokolo aimed at strengthening cultural heritage tourism and museum development.
Shs 567.32 billion budget allocation
Musasizi announced that the tourism sector has been allocated Shs 567.32 billion in the 2026/27 budget to accelerate growth and improve global competitiveness.
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Priority areas include international branding and marketing, expansion of tourism infrastructure, improvement of hospitality standards, development of sanitation facilities at key attractions, and strengthened conservation and wildlife protection.
Government also plans to promote health tourism and deepen economic diplomacy as part of a broader growth diversification strategy.
Strategic role in long-term growth
Musasizi said tourism will remain central to Uganda’s economic transformation agenda, which targets a $500 billion economy by 2040 alongside key sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, manufacturing and services.
He noted that with rising global recognition and increased investment, the sector is expected to continue generating foreign exchange and supporting large-scale employment as Uganda scales up its international competitiveness.
