Uganda wants tourists to spend more and stay longer as the government pursues a target of $5 billion in annual tourism earnings by 2030.
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi said attracting more visitors alone would not deliver the target. The country must also draw higher-spending tourists and give them reasons to extend their visits.
He was speaking at the fourth Annual Tourism Development Programme Review Conference at Imperial Royale Hotel.
The Tourism Development Programme Annual Performance Report for the 2025/26 financial year shows that international arrivals reached 1.64 million in 2025, up from 1.37 million in 2024.
Tourism earnings grew by 21.3 per cent to Shs5.83 trillion, equivalent to $1.62 billion. The report attributed the growth to increased visitor spending and longer stays.
Average spending per trip rose from $933 to $986. The average stay increased from 8.7 nights to 8.8 nights.
Musasizi said the government would support private investment by improving the business environment and encouraging partnerships and joint ventures.
He urged public and private players to turn tourism opportunities into projects that can attract financing. These include hotels, conference venues, cultural attractions, eco-tourism and faith-based tourism.
He also highlighted opportunities in agriculture, sport, wellness, adventure and entertainment.
According to the Tourism Satellite Account, the sector directly supports 876,512 jobs, accounting for 7.5 per cent of Uganda’s total employment.
Musasizi pledged continued government investment in infrastructure, marketing, conservation, tourism products, specialised training and digital services. He also cited affordable financing, tax incentives and the use of Uganda’s diplomatic missions to promote the country abroad.
“Tourism is a source of high economic growth, earns the country significant foreign exchange, creates jobs for Ugandans, redistributes income to rural areas, and gives us a compelling reason to protect our nature,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to develop and market Uganda’s attractions while protecting them and ensuring that surrounding communities share in the benefits.
State Minister of Tourism Susan Nakawuki said investment in marketing, infrastructure and new attractions had begun to produce results.
She cited the construction of more than 280 kilometres of tourism roads, the expansion of Entebbe International Airport and the development of Kabalega International Airport. She also pointed to the start of work on Kidepo International Airport.
Nakawuki said collaboration with Uganda’s missions abroad and local governments had helped increase the country’s visibility. However, she called for more infrastructure investment, stronger promotion, faster development of attractions and better training for tourism workers.
