18 tour companies' licences suspended over fraud allegations

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In a decisive move to safeguard Uganda’s tourism reputation, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has suspended the operating licences of 18 tour companies over allegations of fraudulent practices.

“This notice serves to inform the general public that these tourism companies have been suspended from conducting any tourism-related activities with immediate effect pending investigations of allegations of fraudulent practices associated with their operations,” UTB stated in a communication to the companies.

According to UTB public relations officer Simplicious Gessa, the suspension follows a comprehensive compliance audit and stakeholder consultations aimed at streamlining operations within the sector.

Gessa said some companies had failed to meet the minimum regulatory standards required by law, while other operators were implicated in cases of fraud and misrepresentation, actions that tarnish Uganda’s reputation as a safe and reliable destination.

“The tourism board, in exercising its mandate under the Tourism Act, suspended the licences of a number of tour and travel companies operating in the country,” Gessa said.

Compliance is key

He underscored UTB’s commitment towards ensuring that only professional, credible, and fully compliant operators represent the country in the industry.

“The suspension is part of a broader effort to weed out non-compliant tour operators who damage the industry’s image. The action is not punitive but corrective. It seeks to safeguard the interests of tourists, ensure fair competition among operators, and uphold Uganda’s global image as the Pearl of Africa,” he said.

He noted that suspended companies were allowed to address compliance gaps, regularise their operations, and reapply for reinstatement of their licenses.  A licence, according to the existing arrangement, is granted for a year and upon expiry, one applies for renewal upon clearance. UTB guidelines support genuine operators in returning to business.

The suspended companies are: 

Makaayi Tours and Travel

Travel Times

Akia Quest Tours

Vendoro Tours

Varitus Resourcing Uganda Limited

Saso Uganda Safaris

Primate Journey Africa

Mohan Tours and Travel

Gotovate Tours

Travel and Karumuna Safaris.

Dream Bandas Uganda Limited

Birchill Expeditions Limited

Azas Safaris Uganda Limited

Dorabo Tours and Travel

Brooklyn Safari Limited

Gorilla Holidays Uganda Limited

All Budget Gorilla Safaris Limited

Beyond Frontiers Limited.

UTB emphasised that the suspended companies are prohibited from conducting any tourism-related business until investigations are concluded.

Fraudulent behaviour

The suspension comes amid rising concerns over fraudulent practices among some tour operators in Uganda — a sector that plays a vital role in the country’s economy.

In recent years, there has been a growing number of complaints from international travellers and local clients regarding fake bookings, non-existent tour packages, and failure to deliver paid services.

Common scams reported, include tourists being abandoned mid-trip after payment, companies falsely advertising gorilla trekking permits and other national park activities, and tour operators vanishing after receiving deposits via mobile money or wire transfers.

According to Gesa, the fraudulent activities have not only led to financial losses for unsuspecting travellers, but have also tarnished Uganda’s image as a premier tourism destination, particularly for eco-tourism and gorilla tracking.

Oversight and enforcement

The UTB, in collaboration with the tourism ministry, has vowed to intensify its oversight and enforcement efforts to weed out unscrupulous players in the industry.

“Travellers are advised to verify the licensing status of tour operators through UTB’s official channels before making any bookings,” Gessa said.

He noted that the crackdown aligns with UTB’s wider reforms aimed at professionalising the sector. Over the past year, the board has implemented stricter licensing procedures, increased inspections, and launched public awareness campaigns to protect tourists and enhance service quality.

As investigations into the 18 companies proceed, UTB said further regulatory actions may follow, depending on the findings.

When contacted, Samuel Rukundo, the managing director of Primate Journeys Africa, one of the suspended companies, declined to give a comment.

“This matter is under investigation and, therefore, I don’t wish to give you a comment for now,” Rukundo said. Efforts to get a comment from other suspended companies were futile.