The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) has officially launched its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, a landmark step toward strengthening Uganda’s tourism private sector and positioning it for sustainable, inclusive growth.

Developed in close collaboration with Enabel, the Strategic Plan sets out a bold roadmap for the next five years. It prioritises institutional strengthening, sustainable financing, improved service delivery, enhanced communication, and the promotion of professionalism, standards, and responsible tourism practices.

For Enabel, this launch is the natural progression of years of investment in Uganda’s tourism sector. From strengthening associations and governance systems to promoting training for youth and women, Enabel has consistently worked to build a resilient industry that balances competitiveness with sustainability and inclusion. Enabel has championed Fair Trade Tourism certification, inclusive business models, and occupational safety campaigns in hospitality workplaces. These efforts have contributed to positioning Uganda as a regional leader in responsible tourism.

“Tourism today is not only about numbers, but about quality experiences, sustainability, and strong collaboration,” said Nicolas Oebel, Enabel Country Director. “This Strategic Plan reflects that shift, ensuring that Uganda’s tourism growth translates into competitiveness, decent jobs, and tangible benefits for communities.”

UTA President Yewagnesh (Yogi) Biriggwa noted that the Strategic Plan provides a clear framework for the private sector to speak with one voice: “This Plan strengthens our ability to represent the industry, coordinate effectively, and ensure that tourism growth benefits not only enterprises but also communities across Uganda.”

The Plan also reinforces UTA’s role as the apex body representing Uganda’s tourism private sector. Over the next five years, UTA will strengthen its institutional capacity and expand its membership base, bringing more community-based enterprises under one unified voice to improve coordination and advocacy across the industry.

The launch comes at a pivotal moment, following the unveiling of the Uganda Tourism Policy and coinciding with renewed European Union investments worth €20 million, including projects implemented with Enabel and UNESCO to market and brand Uganda globally.

In addition, Enabel recently signed a new project with the European Union that will further position Uganda as an attractive tourist destination while empowering communities in and around tourism sites. This initiative will ensure that local people benefit directly from tourism growth through skills development, enterprise opportunities, and inclusive business models.

H.E. Jan Sadek, European Union Ambassador to Uganda, welcomed the launch, noting: “Our objective is to support tourism growth that is inclusive and sustainable — marketing and branding Uganda as an attractive destination while ensuring that communities around tourism sites benefit.”

The government reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the private sector, citing ongoing infrastructure investments in destinations such as Bwindi and Kidepo as critical enablers for competitiveness.

Enabel continues to strengthen institutions, enhance competitiveness, and promotes green and decent jobs for youth. The UTA Strategic Plan 2026–2030 aligns seamlessly with this vision, offering a structured pathway toward a more professional, resilient, and coordinated tourism ecosystem.

 As implementation begins, the shared ambition is clear: to build a tourism industry that delivers quality experiences, drives sustainable economic growth, and creates meaningful opportunities for Ugandans across regions.

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