Uganda Tourism Association

SOUTH AFRICAN VISAS UGANDAN PASSPORTS Guys, a person called MODJADJI MAHLANGU - Consular officer at South African High Commission, in Kampala took passports of Ugandans who had applied for visas. She locked their passports in her office and not even a single person at South African high commission, in Kampala can do anything. Her office was locked yesterday and locked today, some of the passports holders were meant to travel for 2 oceans marathons, paid tickets, accommodations and the high commission in Kampala says they don’t know where she is. SOUNDS LIKE A JOKE! @HomeAffairsSA what’s this? Ministry of foreign affairs Uganda( @mofaug ) please don’t take this lightly, follow it up and let Ugandans not be taken for granted. Tag South African authorities.

Boosting Uganda-US tourism ties! UTA met with US Ambassador William Popp to explore growth, investment & Market Access. Key areas: market promotion, investment, capacity building & visa reciprocity. Let's welcome more American travelers to Uganda! #UTANewsBrief

UTA seals alliance with Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to boost tourism. Outcomes: annual tourism diplomacy reports, MICE promotion, visa facilitation, joint content & a tripartite task force with Internal Affairs & Ministry of Tourism. #UTANewsBrief #UTAMOFA

UTA strengthens ties with European embassies, meeting Sweden’s Ambassador Maria Hakansson in Kampala. Led by President Yogi Biriggwa, they discussed visa ease, training, product development & joint marketing to boost Uganda’s tourism. #UTANEWS #UTASwedishEmbassy

LIVE: The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo(POATE) 2026 launch under the theme "Wanderlust". This marks the first step toward the main Expo taking place 20–23 May 2026, where the theme will come alive through exhibitions, business engagements, destination showcases, and global media activity. #POATE2026 | #ExploreUganda | #Wanderlust

UK Envoy Hosts High-Level Tourism Dialogue to Strengthen Uganda–UK Collaboration. Kampala, Uganda October 22, 2025: The British High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Lisa Chesney MBE, hosted a high-level dinner bringing together key leaders from Uganda’s tourism sector to reflect on the industry’s recent progress and shared challenges. The engagement, attended by representatives from the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) and the World Bank, provided a platform to discuss the sector’s strategic direction, increased collaboration and emerging opportunities for growth. Discussions centered on strengthening Uganda’s competitiveness as a preferred travel destination, with emphasis on infrastructure development, conservation gains and long-term investment. Key issues such as visa processing, travel advisories, and seasonal pricing were highlighted. Participants also discussed the growing role of Uganda Airlines in opening new markets and facilitating connectivity, especially ahead of Uganda’s participation in the upcoming World Travel Market (WTM) in London. The World Bank shared insights from its sustained engagement in tourism, calling for enhanced data collection, private sector involvement and coordinated policy frameworks to drive sustainable growth. Feedback from UK tour operators reaffirmed Uganda’s strong appeal as an authentic and nature-rich destination, while also pointing to marketing, political and logistical barriers that must be addressed to unlock greater potential. UTA President Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa emphasized the need for improved advocacy across government and continued investment in destination marketing and industry facilitation. Notable attendees included Dr. Lily Ajarova, Senior Presidential Advisor and former CEO of UTB, and Ms. Juliana Kagwa, the current CEO of UTB, among other senior industry figures. #UTANewsBrief #UTAUKMeeting #TourismUganda

CRAFTS SECTOR URGES GOVERNMENT SUPPORT AS UGANDA MARKS INTERNATIONAL CRAFTS DAY. October 15th, 2025 Kampala, Uganda Uganda joined the rest of the world to celebrate International Crafts Day in an event organized by the National Association of Crafts and Creatives of Uganda (NACCAU) at the National Theatre. The day highlighted the creativity, resilience, and cultural pride of Uganda’s artisans. The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) was represented by its President, Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa, who extended warm greetings and congratulations to the crafts community. She hailed NACCAU for being a vital pillar in the tourism value chain, showcasing the artistry, identity, and ingenuity of Ugandan hands. “Uganda’s tourism story is not complete without crafts,” Mrs. Biriggwa said. “When tourists visit our country, they carry home not only memories of our wildlife and landscapes, but also a piece of Uganda’s soul often in the form of a handmade basket, woven mat, or carved drum.” Mrs. Biriggwa pledged UTA’s continued support for initiatives that promote local content, open markets, and empower youth and women through creative enterprise. She also called for improved quality, branding, and the integration of crafts into the tourism experience across lodges, parks, and airports. The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) was represented by Ms. Anne Awori, who attended on behalf of the UTB Chief Executive Officer. She commended the crafts community for complementing Uganda’s tourism appeal through creativity and cultural expression. The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Serunkuma Bruno, a retired Makerere University don and ceramicist, who praised NACCAU’s 32-year legacy. He noted that the association houses 49 shops, brings together over 200 artisans, and operates six regional centers including Gulu, Fort Portal, Jinja, and Mbarara. Mr. Serunkuma urged government to partner with NACCAU in skilling programs aimed at empowering street children with hands-on talents to improve livelihoods and self-reliance. Mr. Seruganya Evans, a UTA Board Member representing NACCAU, also attended the function and represented the NACCAU Chairperson, Mrs. Ojara Margret. The event was graced by Hon. Hajjati Minsa Kabanda, Minister for Kampala, who represented government. She commended NACCAU’s contribution to cultural promotion and pledged to engage with the crafts community on their concerns. “We recognize the importance of crafts in tourism and empowerment,” Minister Kabanda said. “Government will work with NACCAU to support skilling programs and improve market access for Ugandan artisans.” NACCAU also appealed to government to prioritize Ugandan-made souvenirs for official gifting and to market crafts alongside other tourism products to increase global visibility. Speakers across the event emphasized skilling, innovation, and product quality as key to making Ugandan crafts more competitive internationally. #UTANewsbrief #InternationalCraftsDay #NACCAU

TOURISM UNITED AS UTA SPARKS SECTOR REVIVAL. Member Chairpersons’ Breakfast Meeting Sheraton Hotel Kampala 7th October 2025 The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) held a Member Chairpersons’ Breakfast Meeting at Sheraton Hotel Kampala, reaffirming its role in uniting Uganda’s tourism private sector under a shared vision for growth and transformation. Chaired by UTA President Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa, alongside the Board, Secretary General Mr. Peter Mwanja, and Coordinator Mr. Joshua Akampumuza, the engagement brought together leaders from the Association’s nine member bodies to review progress, strengthen collaboration, and align efforts toward revitalizing the industry which is now recognized as one of Uganda’s priority sectors for economic development. Key highlights included the upcoming launch of the UTA Strategic Plan on 27th November 2025 (supported by Enabel), the successful transition from COUTA to UTA and the recruitment of a professional Secretariat team to enhance operational efficiency. UTA also reported strengthened partnerships with key institutions including the World Bank, ITC, UNDP, CBI, OWC, MTWA, UTB, and UWA. Members proposed several strategies to advance the sector, such as establishing a Tourism Development Fund, supporting women-led tourism organisations, improving safety standards in protected areas, promoting heritage tourism, and expanding hospitality training institutions. The meeting was marked by mutual respect and open dialogue, with members listening and supporting each other; an encouraging sign of unity that has not always been common in the past. Ms. Pearl Kakooza, UTA Board Member representing TUGATA and Chairperson of UTB, urged members to elect visionary, unifying leaders who prioritize development over personal interests. In her closing remarks, Mrs. Biriggwa commended members’ renewed spirit of collaboration, integrity, and shared purpose, noting that UTA’s transformation is setting the stage for a stronger, more professional, and inclusive tourism sector in Uganda. #UTANewsBrief #ChairpersonsBreakfastMeeting #TourismUnited

Happy 63rd Independence Day, Uganda! 🇺🇬 Let's celebrate our great nation that nurtures and sustains us. May our motherland continue to soar to greater heights, filled with peace, prosperity, and unity. Long live Uganda!

Great to talk with @UTAUganda President Yogi Biriggwa & team on the potential for tourism 🧳& the 🔑 role of the private sector in delivering this. We discussed challenges, opportunities & 🇬🇧🇺🇬collaboration.Glad that @UKEF is helping build infrastructure 🛣️ ✈️ to unlock tourism!

UTA MEETS BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION TO UNLOCK OPPORTUNITIES. The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), led by President Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa, together with Secretary General Mr. Peter Mwanja and Treasurer Ms. Monalisa Aman, held a strategic meeting with the British High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Lisa Chesney MBE, to explore avenues for strengthening Uganda–UK tourism relations. The discussions centered on deepening cooperation in tourism promotion, investment, capacity building and cultural diplomacy. UTA presented key areas where stronger collaboration with the British High Commission can make a transformative impact:- 👉🏼 Tourism Promotion Positioning Uganda more strongly in the UK market by connecting UTA to UK travel trade, media and influencers. 👉🏼 Visa & Travel Facilitation Engaging on smoother visa processes and supporting dialogue around UK travel advisories to improve travel confidence. 👉🏼 Investment & Partnerships Mobilizing UK investors and development funds for Uganda’s tourism enterprises. 👉🏼 Capacity Building Enhancing skills development and professional exchange with UK institutions, particularly through ongoing TVET initiatives. 👉🏼 Policy & Advocacy Leveraging diplomatic support to boost Uganda’s competitiveness as a global tourism destination. 👉🏼 Events & Cultural Diplomacy Partnering on forums, familiarization (FAM) trips, and cultural showcases to highlight Uganda’s unique offerings. The High Commissioner reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s tourism growth, noting that the UK government is already investing in infrastructure, including tourism roads. She welcomed further input from UTA on priority projects and expressed interest in engaging with UTA’s forthcoming Strategic Plan to identify areas of alignment. On market access, H.E. Chesney highlighted opportunities for UTA to connect directly with UK outbound tour operators and travel agents, both by hosting them in Uganda and facilitating UTA members’ participation in UK events. “Tourism is our shared bridge to prosperity, Cultural exchange and sustainable development. UTA is committed to building strong international partnerships that uplift our members and position Uganda as a top global destination.” says Mrs. Biriggwa. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued dialogue and collaboration, including follow-up sessions on training opportunities and joint promotional activities in the UK market. #UK-UGDiplomaticEngagement #UTANewsBriefs

UGANDA TOURISM ASSOCIATION STRENGTHENS DIPLOMATIC PARTNERSHIPS TO BOOST SECTOR GROWTH. September 24th, 2025 Kampala, Uganda The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) has today reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with the diplomatic community that directly support and facilitate tourism trade. Led by UTA President, Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa, the Association engaged with the Embassy of Kenya in Uganda to explore areas of collaboration that will create lasting opportunities for the tourism private sector in both countries. In her address, Mrs. Biriggwa thanked the Kenyan High Commission, represented by H.E. High Commissioner Joash Maangi, for welcoming the engagement, and emphasized UTA’s focus on building synergies that expand business opportunities for its members. She highlighted the importance of closer collaboration between embassies and the private sector to enhance capacity-building in areas such as crafts, guiding, and hospitality, thereby raising industry standards and competitiveness. H.E. Maangi commended UTA’s initiative, noting that embassies serve a dual role; promoting the host Country to their citizens back home while also connecting Ugandans to opportunities in their own Countries. He underscored the value of partnerships with industry associations such as UTA in broadening market access and advancing regional tourism growth. Key outcomes of the meeting included:- 1. Joint Marketing Campaigns Abroad – positioning East Africa as a single destination. 2. Promotion of Combined Itineraries – offering Uganda-Kenya cross-border safaris and tours. 3. Facilitation of Training Programs – tailored to UTA members in crafts, guiding, and hospitality. 4. Shared Regional Events Calendar – enhancing coordination and visibility of tourism activities. 5. Support for EAC Integration Efforts – including the accelerated implementation of the East African Tourist Visa (effective 1st July 2025) and the reduction of non-tariff barriers. 6. Fight Against Cross-Border Fraud – safeguarding professionalism and integrity within the sector. The UTA delegation included Mr. Isa Kato (Vice President), Mr. Peter Mwanja (Secretary General), and Ms. Monalisa Aman (Treasurer). The Kenyan side was represented by Ms. Doris Kommen (Economic Attaché), Mr. Guyo Wario (Minister-counselor)and Mr. Boaz Oriwo (Immigration Attaché). Looking ahead, UTA is committed to engaging more embassies in Uganda, recognizing their direct role in facilitating visas, supporting conservation, providing training, and promoting Uganda’s tourism destination. These partnerships will continue to create value for members through stronger business linkages, expanded market opportunities, and a unified regional brand. #UTANewsBrief #KenyaUgandaPartnership #TourismCollaboration

Uganda Tourism Association Hails UK and Diplomatic Community Support for Conservation and Tourism. Kampala, Uganda September 19th, 2025 The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) has applauded the British Government, the diplomatic community and sector stakeholders for their unwavering support towards conservation and tourism in Uganda. Speaking at a high-level event hosted at the residence of the British High Commissioner, H.E. Lisa Chesney MBE on Wednesday 17th Sept, Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa, President of UTA, commended the recent gesture of naming a Rhino under the “Name the Rhino, Save the Rhinos” campaign, describing it as a powerful symbol of commitment to sustainability and wildlife protection. “The act goes beyond symbolism; it reaffirms that conservation and tourism are inseparable pillars of Uganda’s future,” Mrs. Biriggwa said. She further applauded the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), custodians of Uganda’s wildlife, and praised Dr. James Musinguzi, Executive Director of UWA, for spearheading initiatives that safeguard endangered species and ensure conservation benefits reach communities. Special recognition was also given to Capt. Roy, who generously provided land decades ago that continues to serve as a sanctuary for Uganda’s rhinos. The event was attended by ambassadors from the United States, France, the European Union, Kenya, and several other diplomats, along with senior government officials, investors, and tourism leaders. Mrs. Biriggwa hailed the embassies for their role in facilitating tourism through visa provision and called on them to reduce the rampant travel advisories that directly impact Uganda’s tourism sector. Also present were the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime, the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA) Chairperson, Juliana Kagwa, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and the UTB team led by Mr. Francis, Marketing Manager. The gathering also celebrated the launch of Uganda Airlines’ direct flights between Entebbe and London, a milestone Mrs. Biriggwa said will make Uganda more accessible to British travelers, strengthen diaspora connections and open greater opportunities for trade, tourism and investment. She emphasized the importance of continued diplomatic engagement, stronger joint marketing campaigns, business-to-business linkages and community-based conservation programs. “With partners like you and with the dedication of institutions such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority, we can ensure that conservation and tourism remain not only drivers of economic growth, but also lasting legacies for future generations,” Mrs. Biriggwa concluded. #UTANews #BritishHighCommission #AmbassadorsRoundTable

NEW REFORMS ARE COMING SOON. The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) embarked on a constitutional review exercise through a newly established Committee, formed during the Annual General Meeting held in July this year. The Committee has been consulting widely on critical issues such as membership, fees and terms of service, with the aim of strengthening governance within the Tourism Private Sector Apex body. The proposed reforms will soon be presented to the membership for adoption during an anticipated Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM). This process reflects the current leaderships' commitment to transparency and accountability while positioning the Association to better serve and guide its member associations. #UTANewsupdates #ConstitutionalReview

REBUILDING TRUST, UNITING TOURISM In just 12 months, @UTAUganda's President Yogi Biriggwa, the Board and Secretariat — working with member associations, government, and partners — have revitalised Uganda’s tourism apex body. Exclusive Q&A: Inside the rebuilding, advocacy wins, and partnerships shaping a stronger, more competitive tourism industry. Full interview here: ceo.co.ug/qa-with-yogi-b… #TourismUganda #UTANews #PartnershipForGrowth #PublicPrivatePartnership #StateOfTourism #YogiBiriggwa #TourismTransformation #TeamWorkInTourism

World Tourism Day - Media Launch 2025. The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), together with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, development partners, and the private sector launched World Tourism Day 2025, to be celebrated on 27th September in Arua City under the global theme: “Sustainable Tourism Practices.” Speaking at the launch, UTA President Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa reaffirmed the private sector’s commitment to partner with Government in making tourism sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial to communities. She issued a strong call to action for Government, urging that priority be given to:- 1. Expanding international marketing to firmly position Uganda as a top African destination. 2. Investing in infrastructure along key tourism circuits to improve accessibility. 3. Promoting digital transformation and skills development to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness. 4. Ensuring sustainability first by protecting ecosystems, conserving wildlife, and empowering host communities. UTA welcomed the increased funding to the sector and acknowledged the renewed energy under new leadership at UWA, UTB, and UHTTI. The media launch also brought together a wide range of partners including Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), CEO Forum, Chimpanzee Trust, artists, cultural performers, and Golola Moses of Uganda, who rallied Ugandans to champion their tourism. Tourism Month activities were unveiled:- 👉🏼 Open Park Days (25th–27th September): Free game drives, free entry, and access to attractions including the top of Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo, Mt. Elgon and Pian Upe. It's an offer Communicated by UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi. 👉🏼 Rhino Naming Ceremony at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on 22nd September. 👉🏼 Tourism Week in Arua leading up to World Tourism Day. Representing the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Rt. Col. Tom Butime, State Minister Hon. Martin Mugara reaffirmed that tourism must benefit everyone and invited investors to take advantage of cost-free opportunities to develop facilities in Uganda’s national parks. “Our ambition is clear; to grow tourism 25-fold by 2040. With stronger Government support, public-private partnership and sustainable practices, we can make tourism work for all Ugandans.” UTA President, Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa. The Government and private sector pledged to make September Uganda’s Tourism Month. It's a celebration of tourism as a true driver of peace, prosperity and sustainability. #UTANewsbrief #WTDLaunch #2025

Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism Conference & Exhibition Launched. The 4th Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism Conference & Exhibition was officially launched yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Auditorium. Representing the private sector, Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa, President of the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), applauded the Consulate General of Uganda in Mombasa under Amb. Paul Mukumbya, the Government of Uganda, and Kenyan partners for making this platform possible. Now in its fourth edition, The main conference that will take place on 27–28 October 2025 has grown from 250 to over 600 delegates in just four years, a true testament to the power of collaboration. This year’s theme; “Leveraging Innovation and Technology to Shape a Responsive and Inclusive Tourism: Youth and Technology”, will focus on empowering youth and harnessing digital tools to strengthen tourism in the region. Mrs. Biriggwa emphasized that Uganda and Kenya are not competitors but complementary partners; combining Uganda’s wildlife, primates and cultural richness with Kenya’s beaches, marine parks and coastal heritage to deliver a seamless East African experience. Other speakers at the launch included:- Mrs. Juliana Kaggwa, CEO of Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Kenya’s tourism representatives, Ambassador Sentongo, Chief of Protocol, representing the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Vincent Bagiire, Mr. Steven Asiimwe, CEO of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), alongside several distinguished speakers who underscored the importance of cross-border tourism development. In the run-up to October, delegates and stakeholders should prepare for exhibitions, fam trips and B2B sessions designed to build partnerships, showcase tourism diversity, and strengthen regional co-marketing. To our members, this is your opportunity to explore synergies, co-market, and collaborate across borders. UTA reaffirms its full participation to ensure that this platform drives business growth, cultural exchange and youth empowerment. #UTANewsbrief #IntraAfricaTravel #UgandaKenyaCoastConference

UTA Meets Ministry of Tourism and her Sister Agencies to Review a Year of Progress. In a landmark presentation yesterday 20th August, 2025 at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA), the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) reaffirmed that its success over the past year is deeply rooted in the strong, cordial relationship it has built with government and sister agencies. Led by UTA President Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa, the delegation expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Uganda, particularly MTWA under the leadership of Rtd Col. Hon. Tom Butime, for the unwavering support extended to the Association in its time of need. From providing office space to technical and moral assistance, the Ministry’s hand of partnership has been pivotal to UTA’s growth. The meeting brought together the Ministry’s senior team alongside leaders from Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI). UTA commended these agencies for their collaboration, noting that unity within the sector has restored confidence, built trust among members, and created a strong foundation for future milestones. Over the past year, UTA has achieved significant progress; renewed member confidence, stronger corporate partnerships, sector harmony, the drafting of a five-year strategic plan, and a soon-to-be-released baseline study. The Association emphasized that these achievements were possible because of consistent dialogue, a spirit of collaboration, and shared vision with government and development partners. Hon. Martin Mugara who represented the Hon. Butime lauded UTA for its focused leadership and reaffirmed government’s commitment to working hand in hand with the private sector to achieve the national tourism target of USD 50 billion by 2040. He assured that government will expedite reforms in the Tourism Act and provide guidelines to strengthen sector regulation, quality assurance, and the fight against fraud. UTA further called for deeper collaboration in key areas including joint marketing and promotion (local and international), capacity building, data sharing, product diversification, regulation and enforcement, and resource mobilization to enhance professionalism and the visitor experience. The Association also briefed stakeholders on its recent engagement with H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House, where UTA pledged to develop a guiding document for government on sector priorities. In closing, UTA reiterated that its steady progress over the past year is a direct result of cordial relations with government and its sister agencies. Maintaining this spirit of partnership remains central to UTA’s strategic focus of advancing tourism growth, strengthening private sector capacity, and positioning Uganda as a world-class destination #UTAMTWA

Member Achievement Highlight. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Peter Kaggwa, who represents UACII on the UTA Board and also serves as the Chairman of UACII, upon his recent participation in the Event Safety Summit in South Africa. The summit, organized by Uganda Association of Conference, incentives Industry (UACII) in partnership with Southern African Communications Industries Association (SACIA), brought together leading MICE professionals from across Africa to deliberate on critical issues of safety, security, and health at live events. This focus could not be more timely. Around the world, we have witnessed tragic incidents on stage from collapsing structures and stampedes to fire outbreaks where even notable public figures and international artists have fallen victim. Such accidents highlight the urgency of prioritizing safety as a core requirement in event planning and execution. Peter’s participation is therefore not only a personal milestone but also a national one, as it places Uganda at the center of an evolving conversation on event safety standards in Africa. His contribution reinforces the importance of ensuring that every gathering whether a concert, conference, or cultural festival is secure, well-managed, and protective of both participants and performers. #UTANEWS