“Uganda’s Tourism Sector Celebrates 30 Years of Growth and Resilience”
Kampala, Uganda The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) commemorated three decades of promoting Uganda as a premier tourist destination. The milestone was celebrated with a gala dinner at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, attended by key stakeholders in the tourism industry, including the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
Since its inception in 1995, AUTO has played a pivotal role in the development of Uganda’s tourism sector. The association has grown from a handful of operators to over 400 members, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. In 2025, Uganda welcomed approximately 1.3 million visitors, a substantial increase from 420,000 in 1995 .
During the celebration, AUTO Chairperson Civy Tumusiime highlighted the challenges faced by the industry, including inadequate infrastructure and limited marketing efforts. She urged the government to invest more in tourism infrastructure and reputation management to sustain the sector’s growth.
The event also featured discussions on sustainable tourism practices, the importance of cultural heritage preservation, and strategies to enhance the competitiveness of Uganda’s tourism offerings in the global market.
