2026 polls: Nakalema assures tourists of security
Despite other countries where tourism tends to come to a standstill due to election orchestrated violence, Nakalema says Uganda will be different.
The head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema encouraged tourists to continue planning to visit the country. (Courtesy photos)
New Vision Journalist
Journalist @New Vision
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As the 2026 general election approach, the head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema has allayed tourists' fears of possible insecurity, saying the democratic affair shall be conducted peacefully.
Despite other countries where tourism tends to come to a standstill due to election orchestrated violence, Nakalema says Uganda will be different.
She has, therefore, encouraged tourists to continue planning to visit the country.
“In Uganda, we prioritise the protection of investors who include the tourists because they play a big role in supporting our economy. I can assure you all that the country is peaceful, and we are working to maintain the status even during the forthcoming elections,” she said.
Nakalema made the remarks on Thursday, May 22, 2025, during the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo 2025 held at Speke Resort, Munyonyo in Kampala city.
Walking the talk
She said Uganda is among the best tourist destinations in the world.
“We are walking the talk, and I'm proud the international bodies are noticing. We have been declared the best tourist destination countless times,” she said.
Nakalema said the State House Investors Protection Unit is working with NITA-Uganda to leverage technology to ensure protection of tourists.
She said there are efforts by the Government to create a thriving investment climate, a move she says the government is succeeding.
“Tourism is a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy, and the Gvernment prioritizes the safety of visitors, especially during elections. National parks are closely monitored with robust security measures, and law enforcement works tirelessly to maintain the safety and well-being of travelers in safari zones,” she acknowledged.
The reassurance comes at the time when political parties are preparing for the elections starting with internal party elections.
She pointed out that Uganda is renowned for its dedicated tourism Police force, which ensures the safety of travellers across the country.
“Tour operators are well-informed about the election season and will make any necessary adjustments to your itinerary to avoid areas affected by political activity, ensuring minimal disruption to your journey,” she said.
Choose Uganda
Tourism ministry permanent secretary Doreen Katusiime rallied investors to choose Uganda, noting that the country is peaceful and with adequate physical features.
According to Amos Wekesa, a member of the Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda, famously dubbed the Pearl of Africa, possesses all the elements required to dominate the global tourism sector.
"From its unique mountain gorillas to the world’s most powerful waterfalls, the country is a treasure store of natural and cultural wonders. However, despite a steady post-COVID recovery and notable achievements, Uganda lags behind regional competitors like Kenya and Tanzania in realizing its tourism potential."
Wekesa pointed out that to top the world's tourism rankings, Uganda must address systemic challenges while strategically leveraging its unique offerings.
He says the sector has demonstrated resilience, with revenue rising from shillings 110 billion in 2017/18 to shillings 156.5 billion in 2023/24. Employment has surged to 610,806, and visitor numbers to national parks and the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) are on the rise. However, foreign exchange earnings of $1.025 billion in FY 2023/24 remain significantly below the $1.6 billion recorded pre-pandemic in 2019/20.
“While infrastructure upgrades like improved tourism roads and the near-complete Entebbe Airport expansion have spurred growth, critical gaps in funding, inadequate marketing, and climate-related challenges continue to hold Uganda back,” Wekesa said.
Herbert Byaruhanga, a seasoned tourism consultant, said Uganda must rethink its strategy to achieve global leadership.
“We need to learn from the tourism sectors of other economies, leverage our unique attractions, and position ours as a premier destination. Only then can we attract the numbers and investment required to grow the sector,” he said.
He noted that the Government needs to prioritize tourism in its budget, ensuring critical projects receive adequate funding.
According to the available data, tourism significantly contributes to Uganda's economy. In 2023, it directly contributed 3.64% to GDP, employing 1.6 million people or 14.7% of the total workforce.
The sector also generated significant revenue, with inbound visitors spending over shillings 4.58 trillion on tourism services.