TOURISM LEADERS CONVERGE TO FORGE A UNIFIED PATH FOR GROWTH TOURISM AT THE UGANDA WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTER(UWEC) ON FRIDAY, 29TH AUGUST 2025
On Friday, August 29, 2025, the Presidential CEO Forum (PCF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), hosted the 6th Bi-Annual Tourism Actors' Conference. The high-level engagement, held at UWEC in Entebbe, brought together the entire tourism ecosystem—from top government policymakers and private sector CEOs to conservationists to capture critical industry insights ahead of the upcoming 6th BAR. The conference provided a vibrant platform for honest discussion, focusing on transforming sector-wide challenges into actionable recommendations to enhance Uganda’s global competitiveness and promote sustainable growth.
Private sector leaders delivered compelling insights, emphasizing key needs for the industry to flourish. Hon. Dickson Kateshumbwa, Chair of the Uganda Lodge Owners Association, made a strong case for two fundamental pillars: a unified national brand and reliable tourism data. He challenged the fragmented current marketing efforts, advocating for a single, consolidated "package called Uganda" to be professionally promoted by the government. He also highlighted the urgency of refining tourism statistics to ensure that planning and policies are grounded in accurate, verifiable data.
Representing the Association of Uganda Women in Tourism Trade, Chairperson Jackline Kemirembe addressed the critical barriers faced by female entrepreneurs. She called for improved access to finance through dedicated, women-focused funds and stressed the importance of including women in the implementation of any support programs designed for them. She further proposed a groundbreaking national digital marketplace to expand market access for unique, women-led tourism products.
As host, Uganda Wildlife Education Center, led by Chief Warden David Musingo, showcased its role as a global leader in conservation and as a cornerstone of Uganda’s domestic tourism landscape. Mr. Musingo revealed that UWEC welcomes over 615,000 visitors annually, with 68% comprising school groups, positioning the center as a vital hub for nurturing the next generation of conservationists. He detailed significant infrastructural upgrades, including the construction of a new, state-of-the-art animal hospital, and shared exciting innovations like the use of GPS trackers to monitor rehabilitated African Grey Parrots. Looking ahead, he unveiled an ambitious plan to develop a Lake Victoria tourism circuit that would connect UWEC and the Entebbe Botanical Gardens to other islands and attractions.
Addressing the private sector’s concerns, government ministers outlined their commitment to creating a conducive environment for growth.
The final keynote was delivered by Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabyanga, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance. He made several key announcements, confirming that tourism had become Uganda’s top foreign exchange earner at $1.28 billion. He outlined a significant $350 million investment effort to expand the national internet backbone to every district and parish, providing a digital foundation to support sector growth. He also proposed an innovative strategy to leverage free public Wi-Fi hotspots for destination marketing and emphasized that extending connectivity into national parks is essential for enhancing tourist safety.
A major highlight of the conference was the launch of the inaugural CEO Run. Launched by Hon. Godfrey Kabyanga, the run is scheduled to take place in Fort Portal Tourism City during the 6th Bi-Annual Presidential CEO Retreat. The initiative was celebrated as an excellent way to combine leadership, corporate wellness, and the promotion of Uganda’s stunning tourism destinations.
The conference concluded with remarks from PCF CEO Irene Mugisa, who described the event as a critical milestone within a larger strategic journey. The rich, collaborative insights gathered will directly inform the agenda and provide actionable recommendations for presentation at the 6th Presidential CEO Retreat.