Minister Mugarra (second left) at the launch of the world tourism day 2025
Uganda’s tourism sector is roaring back, posting double-digit growth in both arrivals and earnings, fresh government figures show.
In the first six months of 2025, more than 765,000 visitors came into the country, up from 678,811 in the same period last year, injecting trillions of Shillings into the economy and pushing the industry closer to surpassing pre-COVID levels.
State Minister for Tourism, Martin Mugarra revealed the figures on Tuesday, during the media launch of activities to mark World Tourism Day 2025. He said the 765,307 visitors represented a 12 per cent growth in arrivals, while earnings jumped 24 per cent from 2.16 trillion Shillings in the first half of 2024 to 2.68 trillion Shillings in the same period this year.
“This shows that our tourism sector is not just recovering from the COVID-19 shock, but is moving towards even stronger growth,” Mugarra said. “By the end of this year, we expect to surpass pre-COVID levels, bringing back over 1.5 billion US dollars into our economy,” he added.
Tourism remains one of Uganda’s biggest employers, supporting more than 800,000 jobs directly and another 1.5 million indirectly. The Minister noted that growth in arrivals translates into more opportunities for Ugandans in hotels, guiding, transport, crafts, entertainment, and farming that supplies food to the industry.
He also emphasised the wider impact of tourism. “It supports communities, protects biodiversity, sustains culture, and promotes inclusive growth. We want tourism to benefit present and future generations,” he said.
Mugarra credited government investments in infrastructure, roads, airports, and peace and security as key drivers of growth, adding that the tourism budget rose from 297 billion Shillings in 2024 to 330 billion in 2025, though more funding is still needed.
This year, Uganda will mark World Tourism Day on September 27 in Arua, under the global theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformations.” Sector leaders said the choice of Arua was deliberate to showcase the region’s cultural diversity, tourism potential, and growing role in the national tourism agenda.
A series of activities will run throughout September, including cultural shows, conservation drives, awareness campaigns, and community mobilisation. One major highlight will be free access to selected national parks between September 25-27, announced by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Executive Director James Musinguzi.
During these three days, Ugandans, East Africans, and foreign residents will enjoy free entry to Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo National Park, and Ajai Wildlife Reserve. They will also benefit from free game drives, guiding services, and photography opportunities.
“This is a chance for Ugandans to enjoy their country and connect with nature. We want people to celebrate tourism week in a way that shows the value of conservation,” Musinguzi said.
Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) Chief Executive Officer Yogi Biriggwa said the industry has so far recovered to 83 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, but more effort is needed to reach full recovery and beyond.
“Our ambition is to achieve tenfold growth by 2040. To get there, we need more marketing, more infrastructure, digital skills, and above all, sustainable practices that benefit communities,” she said.
The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) added that the month-long celebration will feature events such as the Rhino Naming Ceremony, community activities, exhibitions, and entertainment in Arua.
UTB’s Marketing Manager Francis Nyende said sustainable transformation means ensuring tourism revenues improve lives, protect nature, and strengthen Uganda’s international image. “Each rhino named is a symbol of conservation and a commitment to protect biodiversity for generations,” he explained.
Tourism leaders are optimistic that by the end of 2025, Uganda will have surpassed its pre-COVID numbers both in arrivals and in earnings.
“For us, World Tourism Day is not about stagnation; it is about celebrating growth,” Mugarra concluded. “Tourism unites communities, creates jobs, and transforms lives. Let us travel, explore, and celebrate our country together.”
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