The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) has rescheduled its 2026 Annual Tourism Gala to November 27, with sustainability taking centre stage as the industry seeks to strengthen Uganda’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.
The announcement was made during a press conference at Mestil Hotel & Residences, attended by representatives of tourism institutions, private-sector businesses and development partners.
The gala, initially scheduled for October 17, will be held under the theme “Sustainable Tourism, Shared Responsibility,” which highlights the need for coordinated action among tourism businesses, government agencies, development partners and local communities to protect Uganda’s natural and cultural heritage while expanding the sector’s economic contribution.
AUTO represents more than 400 tour operators involved in connecting visitors to Uganda’s wildlife, cultural attractions, adventure experiences and other tourism products. The association plays a role in promoting professional standards and responsible tourism practices across the industry.
AUTO Chief Executive Officer Matilda Iremera said the gala would provide an opportunity for tourism stakeholders to recognise achievements in the sector and strengthen partnerships needed to support its future.
“The AUTO Annual Tourism Gala is an opportunity for the tourism community to come together, recognise the work being done across the sector and strengthen the partnerships needed for its future. Sustainable tourism is a shared responsibility, and we invite partners, businesses and the public to join us on November 27,” Iremera said.
The emphasis on sustainability comes as tourism businesses face growing expectations to demonstrate responsible environmental management, respect for local communities and sound business practices when engaging international travel partners.
Daniel Irunga, Senior Brand Officer at the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), said the sustainability theme was a major consideration in the board’s decision to support the initiative, noting that tour operators and other frontline tourism businesses are central to delivering Uganda’s visitor experience.
“World over, whether at conferences, expos or roadshows, sustainability is one of the themes that keeps coming up. The people who help convert interest into actual visits are the people who receive tourists and interact with them, together with guides and hoteliers. You are the foot soldiers,” Irunga said.
He warned that Ugandan tourism businesses risk losing opportunities if they fail to adapt to changing expectations among international travel buyers.
According to Irunga, international agents are increasingly interested in the sustainability credentials of the businesses they work with, making compliance, credible standards and certification important considerations for companies seeking to build and maintain international partnerships.
He added that UTB was working with partners to support training that would help prepare tourism businesses for these expectations.
“We are happy to partner with the association and help prepare our sector for sustainability. We have partners willing to support as much training as possible, and we will have training sessions leading up to the gala to bring the industry up to speed,” he said.
Irunga urged tourism operators to begin adapting immediately rather than postponing action, arguing that sustainability should be integrated into business operations and long-term planning.
“It’s not next week; it’s now. If you want to continue doing business in the next financial year and you are not prepared, you risk being left out. My message to everyone in the sector is to embrace the changes. They are here,” he said.
The November gala is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to renew partnerships, discuss emerging industry priorities and recognise the contribution of tour operators to Uganda’s tourism development. As the sector works to attract more visitors and deepen the economic benefits of tourism, the sustainability agenda places renewed emphasis on balancing business growth with environmental stewardship, cultural preservation and community participation.