tourism 27 September 2026 State House (Uganda)
Museveni Launches Mbale Zoo, Pushes Ugandans Towards Global Tourism
President Yoweri Museveni has officially opened the Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre and urged Ugandans to capitalize on the vast economic opportunities within the global tourism sector, emphasizing its potential to boost household incomes. Source: https://statehouse.go.ug/president-museveni-commissions-mbale-zoo-urges-ugandans-to-tap-into-global-tourism-market
President Yoweri Museveni has officially commissioned the Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, also known as Mbale Zoo, during the national World Tourism Day celebrations held in Mbale City. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) established the new facility to foster wildlife conservation education and boost tourism in the Elgon Sub-region.
During his address, President Museveni highlighted tourism as a lucrative service industry, particularly beneficial for households with limited land for agriculture. He stressed that the sector’s wide economic multiplier effect, encompassing accommodation, transport, food, and entertainment, offers substantial opportunities for communities and individuals.
“Environmental destruction threatens Uganda’s tourism industry,” the President warned, calling for robust conservation measures, especially in the Elgon region. He identified wetland encroachers and those involved in deforestation as adversaries to the nation’s tourism development, emphasizing that ecosystems form the bedrock of Uganda’s natural attractions. The government is committed to improving infrastructure to tourism sites, aiming to enhance accessibility and unlock economic potential.
Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime, shared that the government is increasingly integrating digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to promote tourism. He believes these advancements can revolutionize how Uganda markets its destinations and improve visitor experiences through digital platforms and AI-supported planning.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, H.E. Angèle Samura, noted growing investment opportunities in Uganda’s tourism sector from European partners, particularly in hospitality and skills development. She pointed to a significant rise in European tourist arrivals, from 38,000 in 2024 to 150,000 in 2025, indicating Uganda’s appeal as a diverse destination.
The event underscored the importance of leveraging technology, investment, and innovation to grow Uganda’s tourism industry and benefit local communities.