Analysis of the tourism value chain in Uganda |Morning At NTV
Tourism is a rapidly growing sector, bolstered by Uganda's status as a premier tourist destination and one of only three countries boasting approximately 50% of the world’s known population of endangered mountain gorillas. This distinction has placed Uganda among the top 16 holiday destinations globally, according to Lonely Planet 2012 and CNN 2016. Moreover, tourist numbers have steadily increased, reaching an estimated 1.5 million annually and contributing 7.7% to the GDP. Over recent years, tourism has emerged as a vital sector in Uganda, significantly contributing to foreign exchange earnings, job creation, and investment. There has been a notable surge in investment in tourism infrastructure, particularly in accommodation and related facilities, aimed at enhancing visitor experiences in the country. As per statistics from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the sector generated US$805 million (approximately Shs2 trillion) as of August, with further potential yet to be tapped. Currently, increased investment in this sector remains a priority to align with government plans aimed at maximizing its contribution to the economy. To delve deeper into the realm of tourism and investment, we are joined by Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, the State Minister of Tourism, and Herbert Byaruhanga, President of the Uganda Tourism Association.