Key tourism stakeholders have raised key issues hampering the progress of the tourism sector in Uganda and what must be done for the sector to thrive.

The stakeholders presented their ideas at a conference last week held at Sheraton Hotel.

The conference was aimed at discussing issues affecting the private sector including issues of marketing, poor infrastructure, an increase of gorilla permits, inclusiveness, and misuse of tax exemption number plates.

According to Brian Ahereza, a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators Ltd (AUTO), main roads connecting to some key national parks need thorough rehabilitation.

Some of the guests who attended the conference.

“The return of investment is needed in the tourism sector, Bwindi alone cashes in $30m (over sh115b) but the main roads connecting to Bwindi are very challenging, we appeal to the government to give priority to tourism, and not a lot is being done to grow the sector,” he said.

Ahereza added that 60% of tourism funds come from gorilla tracking in Bwindi.

Participants highlighted that some of the roads such as Kisoro ring road, Kitgum interchange to Karenga, Katunguru – Ishaha -Kihihi, and Moroto interchange Karenga need urgent attention, citing that out of 10 tourism cars, seven will go to the garage using roads from Kisoro.

Jean Byamugisha, the CEO of the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA), added that over $1.6b is revenue raised from tourism but not even 10% of it comes despite the sector paying numerous taxes and hotels paying 24 types of taxes.

“Tourism is one of the biggest taxpayers and employers second to agriculture, it requires equal investment in infrastructure. Every country benefits from investing a substantial budget, we have been complaining about tourism being a cow exploited without feeding it,” she pointed.

Byamugisha added that marketing Uganda comes in very many ways and as a country, it should look at how it has positioned itself.

Suzan Muhwezi, the Chairlady of UHOA advised the government to work with the private sector and see how to make the sectors thrive.

“If we can work together, we need to lead and tell the government to work with the private sector, to understand how the sector works, politicians must invest in tourism just like in Kenya they do,” she pointed.

Tony Ofungi, the Climate Friendly Travel Chapter Leader and founder of Maleng Travel advised the government to integrate the transport management system paying attention to how to use rail, air, and water transport to progress in infrastructure and attract more tourists.

“We have the biggest lake in Africa but we are not using it for transport, if we have a ferry from Katosi to Port Bell, it will ease pressure on our roads. The security issue should not remain with security agencies, the tour guides should be involved too,” he said.

The integrated system encompassing Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania could unlock the Lake Victoria transport infrastructure's full potential, leading to an annual trade value of $60b. Presently, however, the combined trade for the three countries stands at only $6b.