Uganda tourism investment 2025 has become a top priority in the latest national budget. The government has earmarked Shs430 billion to support tourism in the 2025/26 financial year. Finance Minister Matia Kasaija made the announcement during the national budget presentation on Thursday. According to him, tourism remains one of Uganda’s most resilient sectors after the pandemic.
Tourism revenue rose significantly in 2024. It increased by 26 percent, reaching Shs4.8 trillion from Shs3.8 trillion the previous year. Furthermore, Uganda earned $1.52 billion from tourism between March 2024 and March 2025. This marked a 13.1 percent rise from the $1.36 billion earned previously. International arrivals climbed to 1.37 million, a 7.7 percent increase from 2023. These numbers bring Uganda close to its pre-pandemic peak of 1.54 million visitors in 2019.
Kasaija credited this growth to improved promotion efforts, especially under the “Explore Uganda” campaign. As a result, interest in Uganda from long-haul markets has surged. For example, tourist numbers from the UK rose by 33 percent, Canada by 19 percent, and the United States by 5 percent. Meanwhile, domestic tourism also expanded. Visits to national parks reached 244,843—a 15.7 percent increase from the previous year.
In addition, the government supported the sector through consistent infrastructure improvements. It maintained 1,300 kilometers of trail roads in protected areas. It also extended electric fencing to 177 kilometers in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls national parks. Notably, Uganda’s cultural assets received attention too. Restoration work is ongoing at the Uganda Museum, the Source of the Nile, and Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrines.
Moreover, the government continues to invest in tourism-linked projects. The Kikorongo Equator Monument has already been completed. Similarly, the Karamoja Museum is nearing completion. In the Rwenzori Mountains, the addition of climbing ladders and boardwalks has improved both safety and accessibility.
Uganda’s global tourism profile has also improved. The country now ranks 7th in Africa for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). This rise comes on the back of the new convention centre in Munyonyo, which will soon host regional and global events.
Beyond the direct Uganda tourism investment 2025 funds, the government has allocated an extra Shs2.2 trillion for related infrastructure. This includes tourism-access roads, ICT upgrades, AFCON sports facilities, and improved security in tourism zones. Together, these investments aim to strengthen tourism’s role in the wider economy.
Looking ahead, Kasaija outlined more strategic actions. The government plans to brand Uganda as both a tourism and investment destination. Therefore, it will invest in hospitality training, roadside sanitation, and health tourism infrastructure. Additionally, Uganda’s foreign missions will focus more on economic diplomacy. They will work to attract tourists, investors, and new export partners.
According to government projections, Uganda expects 7.0 percent GDP growth in the 2025/26 financial year. The economy will expand to Shs254.2 trillion ($66.1 billion). Tourism will play a key role in boosting per capita income from $1,263 to $1,324. With a national budget of Shs72.4 trillion, Uganda is clearly placing tourism at the heart of its development agenda.
