Uganda’s tourism sector is booming, with revenue hitting a record Shs6.1 trillion ($1.7 billion) in 2025, marking a significant increase from $1.28 billion in 2024. This growth is attributed to a rise in international arrivals, from 1.3 million in 2024 to 1.65 million in 2025.
The government is shifting focus to regional development, prioritizing cultural and heritage tourism to diversify the sector. State Minister for Tourism, Martin Mugarra, emphasized the need to strengthen regional tourism circuits and showcase Uganda’s culture and heritage globally.
Key growth areas include domestic tourism and cultural heritage, with the sector projected to generate $50 billion in revenue by 2040. The government is formalizing partnerships with cultural institutions, like the Busoga Kingdom, to maximize tourism potential.
Uganda’s tourism sector is also creating jobs, with over 165,000 direct jobs and 450,000 indirect jobs in 2024. The sector contributes 12.8% to the country’s GDP, making it a significant economic driver.
To sustain growth, Uganda is focusing on conservation, skills development, and public-private collaboration. The Uganda Tourism Board is promoting high-value tourism, targeting niche markets like luxury safaris and cultural experiences.
Some of the initiatives driving this growth include, Infrastructure Development, where roads and facilities in national parks and cultural sites have been upgraded.
This has also been supplemented by aggressive campaigns under the “Explore Uganda” brand. Additionally conservation efforts and different Training programs for tourism professionals, have also been key in the sector’s growth.