The 2025/2026 national budget marks a major shift in the government’s attitude toward tourism, with the sector receiving Shs 430 billion in direct funding. This is a sharp rise from last year’s Shs 289.6 billion allocation and reflects a growing recognition of tourism’s role in economic recovery. Additionally, the sector is expected to indirectly benefit from Shs 2.2 trillion earmarked for cross-sectoral infrastructure developments, which may translate into better roads, facilities, and accessibility for both local and international tourists.
Tourism remains one of Uganda’s top foreign exchange earners, bringing in Shs 5.8 trillion in the current financial year, up from Shs 5.2 trillion previously. According to Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, this upward trend justifies the increased investment. Uganda Tourism Board’s Head of Public Relations, Dr. Simplicious Gessa, hailed the budget boost as a “timely and strategic investment” that will enable better marketing of Destination Uganda, development of tourism products, and enhancement of infrastructure.
Uganda Through the Eyes of a Visitor
British adventurer and travel writer Alice Morrison recently toured Uganda and wrote about her experience for the UK’s Daily Mail, shedding light on the country’s extraordinary offerings. Her reflections paint Uganda as an underrated gem that offers a rich safari experience at a fraction of the cost found in neighboring countries.
During her riverboat safari on the Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls National Park, Morrison was enthralled by a herd of elephants crossing the river. The juveniles played in the water, rolling and spraying, while hippos peeked from the shallows. Moments like these, unspoiled by tourist congestion, stood out for Morrison. She noted that Uganda’s safaris cost about 30% less than Kenya’s, and a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is half the price of Rwanda’s, making it a far more accessible adventure destination.
Beyond wildlife, Morrison highlighted Uganda’s vibrant culture, bustling markets, and cuisine. The famous Rolex—a chapatti-wrapped omelette made on roadside griddles—became her favorite street food. She also explored the tranquil Lake Bunyonyi, where she was greeted by regal-crested cranes and kingfishers from her open-air thatched hut. Her accounts reinforce the country’s natural allure and cultural richness, underscoring its potential as a global tourism hotspot.
A Sector on the Mend
According to the Ministry of Tourism’s 2024 performance statistics, Uganda welcomed 1,371,895 international visitors, 89.2% of the numbers recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic. While this shows positive recovery, it still lags behind regional competitors like Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. However, the future appears promising.
Uganda continues to invest in MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) tourism, cultural heritage, and religious pilgrimage experiences. Mountain gorillas, authentic rural encounters, and untouched natural beauty add to its competitive advantage. What remains is improved accessibility and infrastructure—an area the new budget could address if the funds are fully disbursed.
Looking Ahead
The fresh injection of government support comes at a crucial time, as Uganda repositions itself on the global tourism stage. With the Uganda Tourism Board set to launch aggressive destination marketing campaigns and infrastructure improvements anticipated across the country, 2025/2026 could become a breakthrough year for the tourism sector.
As seen through the perspective of travelers like Alice Morrison, Uganda’s story is no longer just about potential—it’s about readiness to compete, enchant, and thrive in the global tourism arena.
