Tourism Sector Launches Three-Day Top Management Retreat in Jinja
Officials set sights on transforming Uganda into a competitive global destination
JINJA, UGANDA – The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities officially opened the 3rd Joint Tourism Sector Top Management Retreat today at the Crested Crane Hotel in Jinja, bringing together senior leaders from the Ministry and its agencies for three days of strategic deliberations.
The retreat, running under the theme “Reflecting, Transforming and Aligning for a Competitive Tourism Destination,” was officially opened by the Honourable Tom Butime Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, who commended sector leadership for steering the industry through a successful electoral period and delivering a full recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his opening remarks, the Minister announced that Uganda had surpassed pre-pandemic tourism numbers for the first time, recording approximately 1.64 million tourist arrivals in 2025—a strong signal of renewed confidence in Destination Uganda.
“We are proud of these developments and look forward to more achievements,” the Minister stated, highlighting key milestones including the new Tourism Policy, reintroduction of rhinos into the wild, and improvements at tourism sites such as the Source of the Nile, Equator points, Kitagata Hot Springs, and various cultural heritage sites.
The Minister noted significant confidence boosters for the sector, including the lifting of the United Kingdom travel advisory on Queen Elizabeth and Semuliki National Parks, which has strengthened the Western Uganda tourism circuit. Major events such as POATE 2025, the Rwenzori Marathon, and the CHAN Games held in August 2025 were also credited with showcasing Uganda’s tourism potential.
Private sector investment continues to grow, with new developments including the Speke Convention Centre, Marriott Hotel in Nsambya, Hilton Hotel in Nakasero, and Gorilla Forest Lodge in Bwindi reflecting increasing investor confidence.
However, the Minister acknowledged persistent infrastructure challenges, particularly the poor condition of roads in Mubende–Fort Portal, Bundibugyo, and Arua, which remain major constraints to tourist access. Recent negative publicity surrounding Uganda Airlines was also noted as a temporary setback requiring decisive action.
With Uganda now firmly within the implementation phase of NDP IV and the Tenfold Growth Strategy, the Minister emphasized the ambitious target of growing tourism twenty-five-fold to generate revenues of approximately USD 50 billion.
“This is not business as usual. It demands that tourism must transform, compete, and succeed in an increasingly competitive global environment,” she stressed.
The Minister congratulated new leadership teams at the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Tourism Board, expressing confidence they would inject renewed momentum into the sector.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary welcomed participants to the retreat, noting that it builds on previous gatherings, with the most recent held in October 2024. While originally planned for 2025, the retreat was rescheduled to accommodate the electoral season.
“The program provides for the review of what has happened since we last met and the lessons learned. This is critical for justification of such retreats,” the Permanent Secretary observed.
As part of the three-day programme, participants will visit Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training College (UHTTC) facilities, the Source of the Nile, and other important sites, providing opportunities to contribute to further developments and become ambassadors for promoting government initiatives.
Sessions will focus on critical areas including Performance, Culture and Accountability, designed to improve capacities as the sector strives to achieve the expected 25-fold growth within the next 15 years.
The retreat brings together Chairpersons and Members of Boards, Executive Directors, Accounting Officers, Principals of Colleges, and senior management from the Ministry and agencies, along with retreat facilitators.
“Over the next three days, I expect candid reflection, honest assessment of our current status, and a clear projection of the path ahead,” the Minister concluded. “We must apply a competitive lens in defining our actions, strengthen collaboration across agencies, adopt a One Government Approach, and deliberately empower and guide the private sector.”
The retreat continues through February 20, 2026, at the Crested Crane Hotel in Jinja.
About The Author
