The Ugandan government has set an ambitious target to earn US$5 billion in annual tourism receipts by 2030, more than triple the US$1.62 billion earned from international tourism last year. Finance Minister Henry Musasizi stated that achieving this goal will require Uganda to focus on keeping visitors in the country longer and attracting travelers who spend more. This strategic approach aims to maximize the sector's potential in generating foreign exchange, creating jobs, and distributing income to communities outside major urban centers.
According to the Tourism Development Programme Annual Performance Report for the financial year 2025/26, Uganda received 1.64 million international tourists in 2025, up from 1.37 million in 2024. This represents a notable increase in tourist arrivals, contributing to a 21.3 percent rise in tourism receipts to 5.83 trillion shillings, equivalent to about US$1.62 billion. The growth in tourism earnings is attributed to higher visitor spending and longer stays, with the average length of stay increasing marginally from 8.7 nights in 2024 to 8.8 nights in 2025.
The average expenditure per tourist also rose from US$933 to US$986, indicating a positive trend in the sector. However, these figures also highlight the significant challenge ahead, as Uganda would need to more than triple its tourism earnings within four years to reach the US$5 billion target. To achieve this, Musasizi emphasized the need for deliberate efforts to develop and market a wider range of tourism products, while creating an environment that allows private investors to expand accommodation, conference facilities, and other tourism infrastructure.
Musasizi made these remarks while officiating at the fourth Annual Tourism Development Programme Review Conference at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala. He stressed the importance of stronger public-private partnerships to turn opportunities in eco-tourism, cultural and heritage tourism, faith-based tourism, agro-tourism, sports, wellness, adventure, creative, and entertainment tourism into viable investments. By leveraging these opportunities, Uganda aims to diversify its tourism products and protect its cultural and natural heritage.
The tourism sector currently directly generates 876,512 jobs, equivalent to 7.5 percent of Uganda's total employment, according to the Tourism Satellite Account. Musasizi urged tourism players to deliberately discover, develop, package, and market Uganda's tourism assets while ensuring that the sector remains sustainable and benefits local communities. This approach will help to distribute the economic benefits of tourism more evenly, contributing to the country's overall economic growth and development.
State Minister for Tourism Susan Nakawuki noted that government efforts in tourism marketing, infrastructure development, and product diversification were beginning to improve Uganda's visibility on international markets. She cited collaboration with Uganda's diplomatic missions abroad and local governments as part of efforts to promote the country as a tourism destination. Additionally, the government has invested in infrastructure development, including the construction of more than 280 kilometers of tourism roads and the expansion of Entebbe International Airport.
Nakawuki also highlighted the development of Kabalega International Airport and the commencement of Kidepo International Airport as part of Uganda's efforts to enhance its tourism infrastructure. However, she called for increased investment in tourism infrastructure, stronger marketing and promotion, faster development of new tourism products, and improved skills among people working in the sector. The ministers emphasized that the expansion of tourism should ultimately translate into more jobs, increased foreign exchange earnings, and greater economic benefits for communities that host Uganda's tourism assets.
Key points
- The Ugandan government aims to earn US$5 billion in annual tourism receipts by 2030.
- Uganda received 1.64 million international tourists in 2025, up from 1.37 million in 2024.
- The tourism sector directly generates 876,512 jobs, equivalent to 7.5 percent of Uganda's total employment.
