President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has committed to policy reforms aimed at unlocking the full potential of Uganda’s tourism sector, following a meeting with the leadership of the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) at State House.
During the engagement, UTA President Yogi Biriggwa presented a comprehensive roadmap to position Uganda as a top global tourism destination. The President praised the association’s strategic direction and practical proposals, describing tourism as a powerful export that must be fully supported.
“Tourism is an export and should not be taxed. It brings in foreign exchange, and our Government policy is clear—exports should not be taxed,” Museveni said. “I will harmonize with the relevant arms of Government to issue full guidance on taxation and support for the tourism industry.”
The meeting brought together key figures in the tourism ecosystem, including UTA Vice President Isa Kato (AUTO), Secretary General Peter Mwanja (UACII), Azhar Jaffer (UHOA), Sarah Kagingo, Peter Kaggwa (UACII), and Professor Edwin Sabuhoro, UTA Technical Advisor and professor at Penn State University. Also present were Martin Mugarra, State Minister for Tourism, and Priscilla Butagira, Presidential Assistant on Tourism.
Key Commitments from President Museveni:
1. Tax Reform for the Hospitality Sector
The President acknowledged that hotels face up to 26 taxes and licenses. He pledged to streamline and rationalize the tax regime to ease the burden and stimulate sector growth.
2. Investment in Tourism Infrastructure
Museveni directed that roads leading to major attractions like Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Kidepo be prioritized for annual government funding to improve tourist access.
3. Tailored Financial Support Through UDB
Noting the incompatibility between the tourism sector's financing needs and commercial banks’ lending models, the President proposed reforms at the Uganda Development Bank to provide long-term, sector-specific financial products.
4. Budget Support for UTA Operations
Museveni endorsed UTA’s request for dedicated annual funding over three years to strengthen its secretariat, enhance sector coordination, and promote policy dialogue.
The UTA delegation submitted a detailed Policy and Action Plan highlighting challenges and opportunities in the tourism sector. Museveni pledged to issue executive directives aligned with the proposals and deliver a comprehensive address covering reforms in infrastructure, taxation, and institutional support.
Speaking after the meeting, Yogi Biriggwa welcomed the President’s commitments.
“We are deeply encouraged by His Excellency’s response. His commitment to policy reform, infrastructure investment, and empowering the private sector gives us renewed confidence to advance toward our shared goal of USD 4 billion in tourism earnings by 2030,” she said.
The Uganda Tourism Association reaffirmed its readiness to work with Government, development partners, and communities to position Uganda as Africa’s leading sustainable and globally competitive tourism destination.
