The Presidential CEO Forum (PCF Uganda), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, has launched the 6th Bi-Annual CEO Tourism Retreat, set for September 9–11, 2025, at the Mountains of the Moon Hotel in Fort Portal.
The retreat will bring together more than 200 CEOs, policymakers, investors, and stakeholders to explore strategies for strengthening public-private collaboration in the tourism sector.
Officiating at the launch, State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra, said tourism remains central to Uganda’s economy. “Tourism is key to economic growth, job creation, cultural preservation, and enhancing Uganda’s global visibility. Platforms like the CEO Retreat help position Uganda as a top travel destination,” he noted.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Basil Ajer, Director of Tourism at the Ministry, outlined the retreat’s priorities. He cited investment promotion, digitalization, infrastructure development, conservation, product diversification, and tourist safety as critical areas of focus. He revealed that tourism contributes 6.6% to Uganda’s GDP, generates over USD 1.2 billion in foreign exchange, and supports more than 800,000 jobs.
PCF Vice Chairperson, Dr. Ruth Biyinzika, stressed the importance of integrating media in tourism promotion. “The outcomes of the retreat should directly inform national planning, budgeting, and policy,” she said.
Held under the theme “Transforming Uganda into a Preferred Tourism Destination,” the retreat will promote strategic partnerships, showcase Uganda’s unique tourism assets, and shape sustainable growth policies.
In the build-up to the main event, the PCF has organized a series of activities, including a ministerial engagement on August 21, creative workshops for media practitioners, content creators, and fashion innovators on August 22, stakeholder dialogues on August 29, a birding experience at the new Hoima Stadium on September 2, and a high-level engagement with the Prime Minister and MDAs on September 4.
The retreat will culminate in Fort Portal with resolutions adopted under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
