In a historic engagement at State House, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, held a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA). The delegation was led by UTA President Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa, accompanied by Vice President Mr. Isa Kato (AUTO), Secretary General Mr. Peter Mwanja (UACII), Mr. Azhar Jaffer (UHOA), Ms. Sarah Kagingo, Mr. Peter Kaggwa (UACII), and Professor Edwin Sabuhoro, Technical Advisor to the Board and a professor at Penn State University, USA.
Also in attendance were Hon. Martin Mugarra, State Minister for Tourism, and Ms. Priscilla Butagira, Presidential Assistant on Tourism at State House.
The high-level dialogue reaffirmed the central role of tourism in Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and marked a major step toward deepening public-private sector collaboration to unlock the sector’s full potential.
In his remarks, the President praised UTA’s revitalized leadership, renewed strategic direction, and practical proposals to grow Uganda’s tourism sector. He described tourism as “a powerful export and foreign exchange earner that must be treated as such.”
“Tourism is an export and should not be taxed. It brings in foreign exchange, and our Government policy is clear—exports should not be taxed. I will harmonize with the relevant arms of Government to issue full guidance on taxation and support for the tourism industry,” he said.
Key Highlights from the Meeting
1. Tax Reform for the Hospitality Sector
The President directly addressed concerns over excessive taxation, noting that hotels pay up to 26 different taxes and licenses. He committed to working with relevant agencies to harmonize and rationalize the tax regime, ensuring a fair and growth-oriented fiscal environment for the sector.
2. Prioritization of Tourism Infrastructure
Recognizing the strategic economic potential of Uganda’s natural attractions, the President directed that infrastructure gaps in key tourism zones, including roads to Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Kidepo, be addressed through dedicated annual government allocations.
3. Enhanced Access to Finance
H.E. Museveni acknowledged the structural mismatch between the financial needs of tourism enterprises and the risk models of commercial banks. He pledged policy reform at Uganda Development Bank (UDB) to tailor financial products for the tourism industry, which he described as “service-based and long-term in return on investment.”
4. Direct Institutional Support to UTA
The President endorsed UTA’s request for dedicated annual budget support over the next three years. This will strengthen UTA’s Secretariat and empower it to deliver on its mandate, including private sector coordination, tourism development advocacy, and public-private dialogue.
The UTA delegation presented a six-page Policy & Action Plan document outlining key challenges and opportunities in the sector. In response, H.E. Museveni committed to issuing executive directives on the submitted priorities and pledged to return with a full address covering all proposed areas for policy reform, infrastructure, taxation, and institutional support.
Speaking after the meeting, UTA President Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa expressed appreciation for the President’s leadership and support:
“We are deeply encouraged by His Excellency’s response. His commitment to policy reform, infrastructure investment, and empowering the private sector gives us renewed confidence to advance toward our shared goal of USD 4 billion in tourism earnings by 2030.”
The Uganda Tourism Association reiterated its unwavering commitment to partnering with Government, development partners, and communities to position Uganda as Africa’s leading sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism destination.
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