MUSEVENI ANNOUNCES THREE YEAR VISA OFFER TO TOURISTS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has highlighted Uganda’s unique geographical position, tourism potential, economic growth and efforts to strengthen the country’s tourism sector. Speaking at the 10th Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo, President Museveni revealed plans to improve tourism through friendlier visa arrangements. “In the new government, we are going to extend visas for tourists and remove the short-term visa restrictions. Some countries give Ugandans three-year visas, so why should Uganda give very short stay visas?” he asked. Uganda's tourism sector is a cornerstone of the national economy, bringing in between US$1.6 billion and US$1.7 billion in foreign exchange and attracting over 1.6 million international arrivals. It acts as a massive driver of employment, creating over 800,000 jobs across conservation, hospitality, and tour operations. Permanent Secretary- Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Ms. Doreen Katusiime,credited the country’s tourism growth to peace and stability established under his leadership. She said restoring peace in previously conflict-affected regions and securing Uganda’s borders had significantly boosted tourism. Ms. Katusiime also noted that investments in infrastructure, including road networks, had improved access to tourism sites across the country. “Your Excellency, I am happy to report that tourism has recovered strongly after the pandemic and we are on the right trajectory,” she said. She added that international events hosted by Uganda such as the Non- Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit and the G77 + China Summit, as well as preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), continue to showcase Uganda’s potential globally. The Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board, Ms. Juliana Kagwa, thanked President Museveni for supporting the tourism industry. “The day you accepted to grace our tourism expo was the day we achieved critical mass,” she said. Ms. Kagwa noted that Uganda’s tourism strategy seeks to differentiate the country from other destinations by showcasing its unique experiences and attractions. The Chairperson-Board of Directors of the Uganda Tourism Board, Mrs. Pearl Hoareau Kakooza, said Uganda was ready for expansion within the tourism sector following an increase in the tourism budget by 12 percent. She revealed that visitor numbers from Europe had increased and expressed optimism that AFCON would significantly boost tourism arrivals. The President of the Uganda Tourism Association, Ms. Yogi Biriggwa, also thanked President Museveni for maintaining peace and stability. “It is peace that creates the right conditions for tourism to thrive,” she said. She noted that tourism continues to contribute significantly towards employment creation, revenue generation and private sector development. The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo remains one of Uganda’s flagship tourism events aimed at marketing the country as a preferred destination and bringing together tourism stakeholders, investors and international buyers.