Uganda tourism sector faces calls for reform amid presidential push for growth

Uganda's political and leadership figures have presented differing perspectives on the development of the nation's tourism sector. During World Tourism Day 2026 celebrations in Mbale City, President Yoweri Museveni urged citizens to engage in the tourism value chain—including accommodation, transport, and tour guiding—to increase household incomes and move beyond subsistence agriculture. As part of the event, Museveni commissioned the Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre and unveiled a conservation strategy for the Elgon Sub-region.

In contrast, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has called for significant structural reforms to address what it describes as chronic underfunding and mismanagement. FDC Deputy Secretary for Publicity Lubega Walid argued that the sector's budget should reflect its 9% contribution to the national GDP. The party also demanded improved road infrastructure, specifically for access to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and called for the government to resolve international travel restrictions from the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, the FDC emphasized that improving Uganda's human rights record and security is essential for successful tourism marketing.