diplomacy 9 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda taps Bahamas tourism expertise with new Honorary Consul
Anita Rukundo Tayebwa, wife of Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, has been appointed as Uganda's Honorary Consul to The Bahamas, aiming to bolster the nation's tourism sector by leveraging the Caribbean nation's successful strategies. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-eyes-bahamas-tourism-millions-as-rukundo-tayebwa-takes-up-diplomatic-role-5625412
Anita Rukundo Tayebwa has officially assumed her role as the Honorary Consul of The Bahamas to Uganda, marking a significant diplomatic appointment aimed at enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in the tourism sector. Her accreditation ceremony took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala, where she presented her credentials to Minister Adonia Ayebare.
Rukundo Tayebwa expressed her commitment to fostering strong economic and cultural ties between the two nations. A key focus of her mandate will be to draw upon The Bahamas’ considerable experience in international tourism to uplift Uganda’s own hospitality industry. She highlighted the significant disparity in tourism revenue and visitor numbers, noting that The Bahamas, despite its smaller size, attracts millions of visitors annually, generating billions in revenue.
In 2025, The Bahamas welcomed over 12 million tourists, generating approximately $5.27 billion. In contrast, Uganda hosted around 1.6 million visitors, earning an estimated $1.62 billion. Rukundo Tayebwa stressed that these figures underscore the need for Uganda to enhance its international destination branding, upgrade its hospitality infrastructure, and invest further in resort development.
Minister Ayebare welcomed the appointment, expressing confidence that Rukundo Tayebwa’s practical expertise will translate into tangible economic benefits for Uganda. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa proudly endorsed his wife’s capabilities, stating that her leadership skills have been instrumental in their private business ventures. He added that she plans to focus on attracting high-value tourists to Uganda by showcasing its unique biodiversity.
Private sector stakeholders, including tourism entrepreneur Amos Wekesa, have lauded the appointment, anticipating that this new diplomatic channel will help unlock Uganda’s potential in water-based tourism. The move is seen as a strategic step towards strengthening trade and people-to-people connections between the two Commonwealth nations.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)