Museveni champions tourism as Uganda's next economic powerhouse

President Yoweri Museveni has strongly advocated for the growth of Uganda’s tourism sector, positioning it as a critical engine for the nation’s economy. Speaking at the World Tourism Day celebrations in Mbale City, Museveni emphasized that Uganda’s natural endowments, including its climate and diverse landscapes, offer a competitive edge on the global stage.

“We have got what Europe has, which is snow, but we also have what Europe does not have, which is a good climate,” the President stated, underscoring the immense potential of the $11.6 trillion global tourism market, which he noted is significantly larger than that of coffee.

Museveni called for stringent protection of the country’s wetlands and forests, particularly in the Bugisu sub-region, to enhance its tourism appeal. He highlighted the economic disparity between well-established tourism hubs like Murchison Falls National Park, which generates substantial revenue, and regions like Bugisu, which lag despite possessing natural beauty and cultural richness.

To unlock Bugisu’s potential, Museveni urged residents of wetlands to relocate to alternative, more profitable ventures such as fish farming, assuring them that the government would facilitate this transition. He also lauded the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for establishing a new zoo in Mbale, which he believes will serve as an educational resource for children and boost local tourism.

The President also advised Ugandans with limited land for agriculture to explore opportunities in other sectors, including services like tourism and manufacturing. Local leaders, however, appealed to the government to invest in infrastructure, such as an airstrip and the tarmacking of key access roads to tourist sites, to further facilitate the growth of the sector.

“President Museveni roots for tourism as Uganda’s economic frontier,” Daily Monitor, September 27, 2026.