The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA), in partnership with the Presidential CEO Forum (PCF), have hosted the Top Tourism Investment Round Table at Speke Resort Munyonyo, marking a milestone in government private sector collaboration.
The high-level dialogue brought together 35 key stakeholders, including policymakers, CEOs, investors, development partners, and cultural institutions, to chart strategies for positioning Uganda as a premier tourism and investment destination.
Discussions focused on infrastructure development, conservation, harmonized tax policies, product diversification, digital innovation, marketing, and enhancing tourist safety.
Representing Martin Mugarra, State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Dr Basil Ajer, Director of Tourism, said, “This round table marks a turning point in Uganda’s tourism sector.”
“The government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investors and accelerating interventions that position Uganda as Africa’s most attractive tourism hub,” he added.
Echoing this, Dr Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority, stressed that Uganda must urgently scale up its tourism sector to drive economic growth.
“Tourism is a cross cutting growth sector that requires synergy. The feedback shared today provides a roadmap for collaboration between government and the private sector to unlock Uganda’s true potential.”
Among the top investors in attendance were Marrasa Group, Ruparelia Group, Volcanoes Safaris, Satguru Travel and Tourism, and Wild Places, alongside government agencies such as the Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, National Planning Authority, and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
The round table resolved to establish a Public-Private Tourism Investment Club to track commitments, integrate private sector feedback into the National Development Plan IV (NDP-IV), and fast-track tourism infrastructure projects.
Stakeholders also pledged to expand marketing partnerships with airlines and international travel platforms.
The event served as a precursor to the 6th Bi-Annual Private Sector Retreatscheduled in Fort Portal, where outcomes from the dialogue will be refined into concrete actions.
“We cannot continue doing business the same way,” Dr. Muvawala noted. “Tourism must become more private sector driven if it is to transform Uganda’s economy.”