Tourism Recovery Gains Momentum as Domestic Travel Drives Growth – Dr Basil Ajer

Uganda’s tourism sector is showing strong signs of recovery, buoyed by growing domestic travel, improved foreign tourist earnings, and deliberate government investments aimed at diversifying tourism products, according to Dr Basil Ajer, the Director of Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.

Speaking during a live interview on NBS TV Morning Breeze on December 18, 2025, Dr Ajer reviewed the 2024–2025 tourism performance, noting encouraging trends compared to pre-pandemic levels.

“The good news is that 56 percent of Ugandans contributed to the overall tourism numbers, which shows that domestic tourism is no longer an option but a necessity for sustainable growth,” Dr Ajer said.

He revealed that while international arrivals are steadily improving, the length of stay and average earnings from foreign tourists have surpassed 2019 levels, an indicator that visitors are spending more time and money in the country.

“Length of stay and average earnings from foreign tourists have increased compared to the 2019 numbers, and that is a very positive signal for the sector,” he said.

Source of the Nile a Key Priority

Dr Ajer highlighted ongoing efforts to transform the Source of the Nile in Jinja into a world-class tourism hub, calling for infrastructure that enhances visitor experience.

“We should have a museum, a golf course, exhibition centres, and other facilities that promote tourism at the Source of the Nile,” he said, adding that the government is actively working to develop the area into a flagship attraction. “There is a significant effort to develop the Source of the Nile as a major tourist destination,” he added.

Sports Tourism and AFCON 2027

The Tourism Director also pointed to sports tourism as a growing pillar of Uganda’s tourism strategy, citing the country’s successful bids to host major continental events.

“The government is also looking at sports tourism. We are proud that Uganda will co-host AFCON 2027, and these are all strategies to diversify our tourist portfolio,” Dr Ajer said.

He explained that large sporting events not only attract international visitors but also stimulate investment in infrastructure, hospitality, and destination marketing.

Focus on Regional Markets

Dr Ajer emphasised the importance of domestic and regional tourism in insulating the sector from global shocks. “We need to focus so much on domestic and regional tourism because it gives the sector resilience,” he said.

The Tourism Director concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to strategic investments and partnerships aimed at positioning Uganda as a competitive and diversified tourism destination in Africa.

UWA Praised for Milestones in Wildlife Conservation

Meanwhile, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has received commendation from the Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities for its dedication and professionalism in protecting the nation’s wildlife.

The recognition came during UWA’s end-of-year celebration, highlighting the agency’s achievements and commitment to conservation.

Speaking at the event, Dr James Musinguzi, UWA’s Executive Director, underscored several key milestones over the past year.

These include the implementation of advanced anti-poaching technology, strengthened partnerships with local and international stakeholders, improvements in infrastructure, and the successful relocation of eight rhinos from South Africa to Uganda.

Dr Musinguzi also reaffirmed UWA’s focus on staff welfare and professional development, including training initiatives and enhancements to ranger salaries, recognising the critical role of personnel in wildlife protection.

During the ceremony, the agency honoured 20 retirees for their long-standing dedication and service to Uganda’s conservation efforts.

“These achievements reflect UWA’s commitment to safeguarding Uganda’s rich biodiversity while ensuring the welfare of our staff. We remain dedicated to conserving wildlife for generations to come,” Dr Musinguzi said.

UWA continues to play a pivotal role in the protection of Uganda’s wildlife, balancing ecological preservation with tourism development, and fostering a culture of professionalism among its rangers and staff.