Workers demand seats on UTB board to boost tourism
Okello argued that denying workers representation on public agencies undermines their contribution to decision-making, despite their key role in both government and private-sector institutions.
A cross-section of workers during a consultative meeting with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA), NOTU and the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) regarding the amendment of the UTB Bill 2025 on October 23rd 2026. (Credit: Wilfred Sanya)
KAMPALA - Workers are demanding representation on the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) to ensure that their concerns are reflected in decision-making, saying this will help drive growth in the tourism industry.
Musa Okello, the chairperson general of the National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU), said institutions that include workers on their boards are better positioned to achieve results. He cited the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), which declared a 22.53% return on members’ savings, as one of the best examples where workers are represented on the board.
Okello argued that denying workers representation on public agencies undermines their contribution to decision-making, despite their key role in both government and private-sector institutions.
He made the remarks on October 23, 2026, during a consultative workshop organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, NOTU and the Federation of Uganda Employers to discuss amendments to the Uganda Tourism Board Act, 2008.
Under the current law, the board has 11 members, six of them being taken up by government. Of the 11 board members, the workers are demanding to have two slots on the board.
“We have participated in such amendment processes for a long time, but at the end of the day, we get nothing. We are requesting for two seats on the board: one for workers and another for employees in the hotel industry. We shall decide among ourselves who represents us,” Okello said.
He questioned the proposed distribution of board positions, arguing that government representation should be limited to two ministries - Tourism and Finance. He also called for greater clarity on the roles of the other three remaining board members
Umar Muwonge, the senior business development officer in charge of quality assurance at the tourism ministry, said the reforms would help build a more competitive and sustainable tourism industry, contributing to economic transformation.
Muwonge said the ministry was seeking to strengthen collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, local governments and tourism agencies to improve coordination across the industry.
The Senior Business Development Officer in charge of Quality Assurance at the Ministry of Tourism, Umar Muwonge, interacts with Moses Mauku, Treasurer General of the National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU), during a consultative meeting with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA), NOTU) and the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) regarding the UTB Bill 2026 on October 23rd 2026. (Credit: Wilfred Sanya)
NOTU secretary general Richard Bigirwa said tourism is prioritised under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), adding that improved policies and stronger legislation could unlock the sector’s marketing potential
“Workers are the backbone of a country’s economic growth and development. We are the people, who know how to make the money. So, workers should be part of policymaking,” Birungi said.
She added that consulting workers would help policymakers understand the challenges they face in generating income and delivering services.
Birungi warned that policies and plans developed without workers’ participation could undermine productivity because they fail to reflect workers’ experiences and concerns
The current UTB board
Pearl Hoareau Kakooza is the chairperson (Uganda Travel Agents Association), Ron Kazooba Kawamara is the Vice Chairperson (General Tourism), Juliana Kagwa is the Chief Executive Officer and board member, Olive Birungi Lumonya (member representing Civil Aviation Authority), Sandra Sally Kebirungi (member representing Ministry of Finance), Vincent Operemo (member representing National Planning Authority), and Stephen Sanyi Masaba (member representing Uganda Wildlife Authority).
Others are Vivian Lyazi (member representing Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Dr. Margaret Arach Ojara (member representing National Association of Arts and Crafts), Tony Mulinde (member representing Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and Rashid Kiyimba (member representing Uganda Hotel Owners Association).