Uganda intensifies tourism marketing in Russia — Amb. Kizige
"Ugandans come to Russia and showcase the East African country as the preferred tourist destination in Africa," Kizige said.
Moses Kizige (centre), Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda, receiving an award from Dmitry Chernyshenko (fouth right), Russian Deputy Prime Minister, during the awarding ceremony at the Let's travel International Expo in Moscow, on June 12, 2026. (Photos by Hajarah Nalwadda)
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Uganda is intensifying its tourism marketing in Russia as an alternative to the traditional European and American markets, Uganda's Ambassador to Russia, Moses Kizige, has said.
Kizige, who was speaking at the end of a five-day ‘Let’s Travel’ expo held in Moscow on Sunday, said Russia is a huge opportunity that Uganda can tap into despite the country facing Western sanctions.
He said over the last few months, Ugandans have attended four expos in Russia and expressed optimism that they will exhibit at another expo scheduled for September this year.
Betty Mbabazi (center) tour operator poses for a picture with Russian exhibitors during the Let's travel International Expo in Moscow, on June 10, 2026. 
"Ugandans come to Russia and showcase the East African country as the preferred tourist destination in Africa," Kizige said.
He said tourism is not only good for the visitors but also strengthens the people-to-people relations beyond the political and economic ties.
“Tourism is not only good for the people to go and see what is new, but it also strengthens our diplomatic relations and our cultural relations. At the Government level, we already enjoy a very beautiful and wonderful collaboration. We want to bring it down to the Russian and Ugandan people,” observed Kizige.
He noted that Uganda and Russia are already collaborating in several areas, including defense, security, health and education.
Over 20 Ugandan tour operators exhibited at the ‘Let’s Travel’ expo, an international tourism forum that brings together global players in the tourism industry and a broad audience of travellers in Russia.
Moses Kizige (C), Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda speaking as Georgina Nakawombe (left) and Felicity Montana look on during the B2B session on the Radisson Royal Moscow boat cruise in Moscow, on June 16, 2026. Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda
Kizige said that as Uganda Airlines expands its routes, there should be one designated for a direct route to Russia.
He said this would increase the number of arrivals as opposed to the tedious connection flights from Russia to Uganda. The envoy noted that some neighbouring countries are soon starting direct flights to Russia, which puts them at an advantage.
Tour operators said they are at times forced to carry cash, since the Russian financial cards are not allowed in the international financial system because of the Western sanctions.
According to the Ugandan embassy, although Russia is currently facing Western sanctions, it is in Uganda's interest to deal with the country.
"For us, it is not in our national interest to avoid Russia, because Russia is a huge country with tens of billions of dollars to spend every month, so why should we miss that market?" Gideon Rutazindwa, deputy ambassador, wondered.
Isa Kato, the managing director of Pristine Tours, said attending the ‘Let’s Travel’ expo opened his eyes about theRussia as Uganda is diversifying its source market.
Moses Kizige, Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda speaking during a plenary session at the Let's travel International Expo in Moscow, on June 14, 2026. 
Kato, who is also the vice president of Uganda Tourism Association, said during the exhibitions, he was able to get a lot of inquiries from potential travellers to Uganda.
Joseph Aliganyira, the team leader at Kubwa Five Safaris, said the number of visitors at the Ugandan pavilion was so overwhelming.
"Everyone is interested in coming to Africa and see what we have, especially Uganda," Aliganyira said, noting that some travellers have signed up to visit Uganda next year.
Vasilii Luchnikov, of Vodohod, a Russian cruise and travel company, said Russian travellers can be attracted to Uganda by having Russian bloggers tell their Ugandan experiences in the Russian media.
Luchnikov said some of the key concerns for Russian tourists include safety, accommodation, and medical issues like vaccinations.
Due to Uganda's star exhibition at the show, it won the "International Best Exhibitor award." At the Ugandan booth decorated with national colours and the 'Explore Uganda' logo, Ndere troupe played traditional Ugandan music and dances to the amusement of the showgoers.
The opening ceremony of the show began with a parade of exhibitors representing regions of Russia, foreign countries, and participating companies.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, who opened the forum, later visited the Ugandan stall where he was briefed about the destination Uganda.
Dmitry Vakhrukov, the Deputy Minister of Economic Development, said the expo provides an opportunity for foreign tour operators to meet potential Russian tourists.