Tour Operators Launch SACCO as Byaruhanga Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Seasoned tour operator, birding enthusiast, and coach for Uganda’s tour guides, Herbert Byaruhanga, has been recognized with the Lifetime Achievement in Tourism Award during the Association of Uganda Tour Operators’ (AUTO) 30th-anniversary celebration.

The event, themed “Roots and Routes: 30 Years of Tourism Excellence”, took place at Mestil Hotel, Kampala, bringing together government officials, industry veterans, and emerging tour operators for a night of reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to sustainable tourism.

AUTO, founded in 1995 when Uganda’s tourism industry was still in its infancy, now represents over 400 licensed tour operators.

The association has played a critical role in nurturing professionalism and resilience in the sector, particularly through challenging periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola outbreaks, and the surge of negative travel advisories.

In a bid to support members financially, AUTO recently launched a SACCO, aiming to provide a safety net and growth opportunities for its members.

The awards ceremony highlighted excellence across the tourism sector. Most Sustainable Lodge: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge.

Top Tour Agency – Domestic Tourism: Gofan Safaris (presented by Stephen Sanyi Masaba, Head of Tourism & Business Development, Uganda Wildlife Authority)

Top Outstanding Tour Operator: Wild Frontiers Uganda. People’s Choice Lodge: Pakuba Safari Lodge.

Most Promising Young Tour Operator: Exclusive Uganda Safaris. Most Instagrammable Destination: Lemala Wildwaters Lodge.

Innovation in Sustainable Tourism: Emburara Farm Lodge (whose team received the Outstanding Sustainable Tourism Lodge award)

Community Project: Kaynela Farms Limited. Outstanding Tourism Influencer: Derrick Senyonyi.Tourism Photographer: Marvin Miles.

Notably, Connie Tumusiime, mother of Civy Tumusiime, also celebrated success, with her establishments Pakuba Safari Lodge and Acacia Safaris receiving awards.

Her daughter, Stephanie Tumusiime, accepted the honors on her behalf from Doreen Katusiime, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities (MTWA).

The “Roots and Routes Dinner” combined nostalgia with forward-looking optimism, featuring a visual theme of Uganda’s iconic wildlife — lions, leopards, and cheetahs — reflecting the nation’s rich natural heritage.

Guests were treated to live performances by Myko Ouma & Friends and tributes from key partners, including Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Airlines, Roke Telkom, and LeMala.

As Uganda’s tourism sector continues to grow, with annual visitor arrivals climbing from about 420,000 in the 1990s to over 1.3 million today, AUTO’s 30-year journey stands as a testament to the country’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to showcasing the Pearl of Africa to the world.