As global tourism continues to grow, it is crucial to balance the economic benefits with the need to protect the environment, preserve cultural traditions, and uplift local communities through responsible and sustainable tourism practices. The Uganda National Development Plan III identifies tourism and hospitality as an important sector for increasing forex earnings, creating jobs, and alleviating poverty.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Enabel through the Social Protection and Decent Work project is promoting responsible and sustainable practices among tourism operators through Fair Trade Tourism certification. From March 2024, eligible tourism businesses were invited to register as an expression of interest to be among the first 50 in Uganda to be supported in pioneering Fair Trade Tourism in the destination, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability, and ultimately accessing new market opportunities.

Adrift River Camp and Lemala Wildwaters Lodge have as a result become the first tourism businesses in Uganda to achieve a significant milestone in their Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) journey after successfully passing an independent audit of their operations. The tour operators earned the “FTT-Engaged” award, a prestigious recognition for meeting over 50 rigorous criteria designed to promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices in Uganda.

The FTT-Engaged award is an entry-level certification that recognizes businesses that demonstrate strong commitments to social, environmental, and economic sustainability. To achieve the status, businesses undergo an audit of their operational areas including; fair wages, working conditions, environmental impact management, community involvement, and the promotion of local cultural heritage. The award also emphasizes the active engagement of both guests and staff in sustainable tourism practices.

Rebecca Phillips, Guest Experience Manager of Lemala Camps and Lodges, expressed her excitement about achieving the FTT-engaged status. She said that they aim to be ahead of the curve in all they do. “FTT has been an incredible partner in guiding us to achieve this milestone in Uganda”, said Rebecca.

The Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Tourism Board, Lilly Ajarova emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism for the future of the country’s tourism sector. She said that the “FTT-engaged” recognition is to the two tourism operators is a testament to the country’s commitment to supporting sustainable tourism, community empowerment, and environmentally friendly practices.

Lilly Ajarova added that with the increasing market demand for travel experiences aligned with sustainability principles, now is the time for the tourism sector to come together and position destination Uganda accordingly. She commended River Camp and Lemala Wildwaters Lodge for the FTT-engaged achievement as pioneers of the award in Uganda. “This should inspire other tourism businesses to follow suit”, said Lilly.

The Project Manager for Enabel’s Social Protection and Decent Work Project, Lucie Carlier commended Adrift River Camp and Lemala Wildwaters Lodge for their practices that contributed to the achievement. “Enabel is proud to support Uganda's Fair Trade Tourism initiative which not only safeguards the rich natural and cultural heritage but also ensures that local communities reap the socio-economic benefits of tourism”, said Lucie.

Lucie Carlier added that the milestone achieved by tourism operators demonstrates the positive impact that sustainable tourism can have. “We are excited to continue working together to position Uganda as a leader in sustainable tourism within Africa and beyond”, she said.

The FTT-Uganda certification scheme provides guidance and independent verification of a tourism business' commitment to fair wages and working conditions, fair purchasing and operations, equitable distribution of benefits, and respect for human rights, culture, and the environment.


Photos by Fair Trade Tourism - Uganda 

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