Uganda’s tourism sector has recorded strong growth, with international tourist arrivals reaching 1,642,215 in 2025 and tourism receipts rising to $1.62 billion, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
The latest tourism statistics show that international arrivals increased by 19.7 per cent from 1,371,895 visitors in 2024. Tourism receipts also increased by 21.3 per cent to Shs5.83 trillion, equivalent to about $1.62 billion.
The sector now contributes about 5.9 per cent to Uganda’s gross domestic product and supports more than 876,000 jobs, according to the ministry’s latest tourism performance figures.
The figures were highlighted as tourism stakeholders gathered in Kampala for the Annual Programme Review Conference on Wednesday to assess the sector’s performance and discuss ways of using technology to increase tourism earnings.
The conference was held under the theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”, which is also the theme for Uganda’s 2026 World Tourism Day celebrations. The annual programme review conference is part of activities marking the country’s tourism month.
Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) chief executive Officer Juliana Kagwa said the latest performance shows the country has strong potential to attract more visitors, but Ugandans need to take a greater role in promoting the country as a tourism destination.
Kagwa urged Ugandans to speak positively about the country and use social media to showcase its attractions, culture and tourism experiences to potential visitors.
The minister of State for Tourism, Susan Nakawuki Nsambu said government cannot develop the tourism industry alone and called for closer cooperation between the public sector, private businesses and other players in the tourism value chain.
“Tourism is a value chain and success can only come through teamwork,” Nakawuki said in an earlier engagement with tourism stakeholders.
She said government is continuing to invest in infrastructure and other facilities intended to make tourism destinations more accessible.
Among the infrastructure projects is Kabalega International Airport in Hoima District, which is expected to improve access to the Albertine region and support tourism as well as other economic activities. Government is also implementing road projects and other infrastructure developments in different parts of the country.
Nakawuki also said the Ministry of Tourism is working to protect important public spaces and heritage sites that could be developed into tourism attractions.
She specifically referred to City Square, where she said the ministry is seeking to prevent encroachment and preserve the space for a proposed monument that could become an attraction for visitors.
The minister said the government’s efforts are aimed at ensuring that tourism infrastructure and heritage sites are protected and developed in a way that benefits both visitors and Ugandans.
The latest figures indicate that Uganda’s tourism industry has recovered strongly from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2025 international visitor figure was 106 per cent of the 2019 pre-pandemic level, while the average length of stay rose to 8.8 nights.
