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Uganda's tourism sector has experienced a remarkable resurgence, reaching pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels recorded in 2019. 

On Tuesday, the Tourism and Wildlife Ministry released the Dissemination of Tourism Performance 2023 report, which indicated a notable increase in the number of nights spent by tourists in Uganda. 

Leisure tourists now spend an average of more than seven nights, while attendees of meetings, incentives, concerts, and exhibitions (MICE) spend an average of five nights.

“Consequently, tourism revenue is expected to surpass the sh4.580.4 billion mark achieved in 2019," said Tourism Minister Tom Butime while releasing the report in Kampala.

"This growth is attributed to various categories of tourists, including faith-based travelers, business visitors, transit passengers, shoppers, medical tourists, cultural enthusiasts, and those visiting friends and relatives. 

"We anticipate further increases in numbers after successfully hosting the Non-Aligned Movement [NAM] and G77+China conferences. These tourists contribute significantly to the economy through spending on food, beverages, accommodation, guiding services, entertainment, and travel," explained the minister.

Tourism has become a major employer in Uganda, with 610,806 people finding employment in the sector in 2022, an increase from 573,508 in 2019. 

Tom Butime, Tourism Minister while releasing the report in Kampala.

Butime expressed satisfaction, highlighting that over 10 million individuals are currently employed in this vibrant industry.

True to the report findings, as the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) initiates the grading of hotels once again, the occupancy rate is steadily rising, with both domestic and foreign clients showing keen interest. 

Domestic tourism has seen a remarkable surge of 25.3 percent, driven by initiatives such as the Tulambule (Let us tour) campaign, improved purchasing power among citizens, and aggressive marketing strategies.

Entries to national parks and cultural sites have also seen a notable increase, with 1,115,169 entries logged in 2023 compared to 890,802 in 2022.

“You should follow the social media posts to see how Ugandans are flocking to Adventure City (Jinja), Primate City (Fort Portal), Kidepo National Park, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls National Park," said UTB deputy CEO Bradford Ochieng.

"There are peer groups that hire a bus and explore various destinations to meet people. New offerings like Ewaffe, Nyege Nyege, and Coffee Culture appeal to both foreign and domestic tourists."

Surge in Mountain Gorilla numbers

The number of Mountain Gorillas, representing the tourism flagship of Destination Uganda, has surged dramatically, seemingly aware of their endangered status. 

According to the 2023 tourism report, their population has soared from 302 apes in 2000 to 459 today.

“Uganda remains the safest, most affordable (sh250,000 for East African Community citizens/$700 for foreigners), and authentic option for the gorilla safari experience  in the Great Virunga region shared with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. That's why permit demand increased by 59 in 2023, resulting in the sale of 38,836 permits,” explained Ochieng.

The population of Mountain Gorillas, the hallmark of Uganda's tourism, has experienced a remarkable surge, almost as if they are aware of their endangered status. According to the report, their numbers have escalated from 302 apes in 2000 to 459 today.

Mountain Gorilla

“Uganda remains the safest, most affordable (sh250,000 for EAC citizens/$700 for foreigners), and authentic option for the gorilla tracking experience in the Great Virunga region shared with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. That's why permit demand increased by 59 in 2023, resulting in the sale of 38,836 permits,” stated Ochieng.

Decline in lion numbers

But challenges exist.

For instance, the population of lions has drastically declined from 493 to 275, with the largest surviving number located in Murchison Falls National Park. 

Lions Uganda

This decline is attributed to the ongoing human-wildlife conflict, which has led to instances of poisoning and electrocution of lions, particularly in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Looking ahead

The tourism industry is poised to maintain Destination Uganda at the forefront of potential tourists' minds across the country, the East African Community (EAC), the European Union (EU), the United States, and Asia. 

Tourism minister Tom Butime commended the outgoing board for their resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and their ingenuity in successfully hosting two significant summits: Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77+China. (New Vision/Files)

Preparations are underway for the 9th edition of the Pearl Of Africa Tourism Expo 2024.

Additionally, a concerted effort will be made to promote domestic tourism through the enhancement of events, festivals, and products.

These initiatives are aimed at increasing arrivals from key African countries such as Rwanda, DR Congo, South Sudan, and Eritrea.

Attention is also being directed toward emerging tourist source markets such as North America, China, Japan, the Gulf States, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany.

Moreover, no effort is being spared to position Uganda as the continent's preferred destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.

The successful hosting of the NAM and G77+China summits in January showed Uganda's ability to host key international events.