Uganda courts Australian tourism investors in Brisbane
Ugandan tourism institutions and tour businesses have met more than 30 Australian travel businesses in Brisbane, showcasing the country's attractions and exploring partnerships and investment opportunities.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Australia, Dorothy Samali Hyuha (centre, in yellow), with Australian business representatives in Brisbane on Friday last week. (Courtesy photo).
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Ugandan tourism institutions and tour businesses have met more than 30 Australian travel businesses at the Brisbane Convention Centre, presenting the country's attractions and exploring partnerships and investment.
The business-to-business meetings on Friday (October 23) brought together the Uganda High Commission, the Uganda Tourism Board, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and travel agencies with discussions centred on developing joint tourism packages, building relationships between operators and turning destination awareness into bookings.
In a communication released by Foreign Affairs ministry, Uganda's High Commissioner to Australia, Dorothy Samali Hyuha, said the meetings put economic diplomacy into practice.
"By connecting Ugandan tourism businesses with Australian partners, we create pathways for bookings, investment and lasting commercial relationships," she said.
From left: Jane Achom, Finance Attaché in Australia, and Tiisa Suzan Mugwanya, Head of Tourism at Uganda’s Mission in Australia, speak with an Australian businesswoman, while Uganda’s High Commissioner to Australia, Dorothy Samali Hyuha, stands in the background. (Courtesy photo)
Investment pitch for Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area
A presentation made by UWA at the event highlighted investment opportunities in the Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area. They include luxury eco-lodges, walking safaris, wilderness camps, and boat and houseboat operations along the Kazinga Channel. Hot-air balloon and ziplining experiences have also been proposed.
The acting Commissioner, Tourism and Business Development, Joseph Muhereza, said the area offered scope for quality and ultra-luxury eco-lodges in Ishasha, the North Crater Area and Kigezi Wildlife Reserve.
Penina Babirye, the Assistant Tourism and Hospitality Officer at UWA, said responsible tourism partnerships could support conservation while creating livelihoods.
"We want visitors to leave with lasting memories and communities to benefit from protecting the places that attract them," she said.
Uganda Tourism Board marketing manager Francis Nyende said Uganda lets Australian operators to offer varied journeys that combine wildlife, cultural encounters, food and adventure. He noted the benefits would reach accommodation providers, guides, transport operators and local enterprises.
"Brisbane provides a platform to understand what Australian travellers want and build partnerships that translate Uganda's attractions into compelling, bookable itineraries," he said.
Total tourist arrivals in Uganda reached 1,642,215 in the 2025/2026 financial year. The sector directly contributes approximately 5.6% to 7.5% of Uganda's Gross Domestic Product and remains the country's single largest source of foreign exchange receipts.