Tom Butime, the Minister of Tourism, stated that the government is identifying 735 kilometers of tourism roads to be paved, including those leading to cultural heritage sites. This infrastructure development is intended to enhance accessibility to these attractions.
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Courtesy-Photofrican-elephants-grazing-in-at Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth
The
Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities in Uganda has announced that the
country's tourism sector is steadily recovering from the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic. They have set an ambitious target of achieving 6.986 trillion Ugandan Shillings in annual revenue by 2025.
Tourism
is a key strategic investment area in Uganda's Third National Development Plan
(NDP III), with the goal of increasing household incomes and enhancing the
quality of life for its citizens. To achieve this target, the Ministry plans to
increase inbound tourism revenues per visitor from US $1,052 to US $1,500,
attracting more tourists from the U.S.A, Europe, the Middle East, China, and
Japan.
They also aim to expand direct flight routes to Europe and Asia from 6
to 15 to attract 2.1 million tourists by 2025. Tom
Butime, the Minister of Tourism, stated that the government is identifying 735
kilometers of tourism roads to be paved, including those leading to cultural
heritage sites. This infrastructure development is intended to enhance
accessibility to these attractions.
In 2022, Uganda experienced a significant
increase in tourist arrivals, with 512,945 visitors, up 58.8% from the previous
year. The
sector's revenue also saw substantial growth, reaching USD 736 million,
approximately 2.7 trillion Ugandan Shillings, compared to USD 1.88 trillion in
2021. The tourism sector currently employs over 500,000 people, with
projections to reach 667,600 employees by 2025.
Uganda's unique and diverse
natural landscapes, including national parks, wildlife reserves, community
wildlife management areas, and wildlife sanctuaries, continue to attract
tourists from around the world. The
Ministry's efforts are aligned with its commitment to boosting tourism and
contributing to the country's economic growth and development.
Journalist
Ochola's journalism career begun from Radio King 90.2 FM in Gulu around 2009, and Radio Rupiny 95.7 Fm under Vision Group in 2012. He also reported for Mighty Fire 91.5 Fm, Kitgum in 2015 before joining Wizarts Foundation in 2017.
He has been reporting for Uganda Radio Network (URN) since 2017 before being posted as Bureau Chief Kitgum, and later Gulu between 2018 - 2021. Currently, he reports from Parliament.
