Business 17 June 2026 Nile Post

Uganda Tourism Event Organizers Seek Relief on Security Costs and Ticket Taxes

The National Tourism Events Organizers Federation (NTEOF) is appealing to the Ugandan government for intervention to alleviate significant financial burdens on the tourism events sector, including high security expenses and ticket Value Added Tax (VAT). Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/349339/tourism-events-organizers-urge-government-to-cut-security-costs-review-ticket-taxes

Event organizers in Uganda are facing mounting challenges that threaten the sustainability of the tourism events industry. The National Tourism Events Organizers Federation (NTEOF) has highlighted critical issues including the substantial cost of security deployments, difficulties in accessing affordable financing, and the impact of an 18% VAT on event tickets.

NTEOF President Demo Riley emphasized the vital role of tourism events in promoting Uganda, generating employment, and boosting the economy. However, he stated that prohibitive security costs, often ranging from Shs80 million to Shs100 million per event, coupled with mandatory fees, are making many events financially unviable.

Adding to these pressures, event organizers struggle with limited access to financing and delays in receiving sponsorship payments and Local Purchase Order (LPO) settlements. This forces many to rely on high-interest loans to fund their ventures.

The federation is also advocating for tax reforms, specifically calling for a review of the 18% VAT on event tickets. NTEOF argues that tourism events indirectly generate substantial revenue for the government through related sectors like accommodation, transportation, and hospitality, making tax relief a justifiable measure.

Concerns mirroring those of NTEOF have been voiced previously by prominent figures in the event industry, underscoring the widespread nature of these challenges. Without government intervention, some organizers have been compelled to scale back operations or exit the industry entirely.

NTEOF is committed to ongoing dialogue with the government to implement lasting solutions that will support the growth of Uganda’s events sector and enhance its contribution to national tourism and economic development. Addressing these core issues is seen as crucial for the industry’s survival and its potential to further market Uganda on a global scale.