Government targets $5 billion tourism receipts by 2030

What the report says

Uganda’s government is aiming to raise annual tourism receipts to US$5 billion by 2030, Finance Minister Henry Musasizi said while opening the fourth Annual Tourism Development Programme Review Conference in Kampala. The target would more than triple the US$1.62 billion earned from international tourism last year, according to the report published by The Independent Uganda.

Musasizi said the plan will depend on more than increasing visitor numbers. He said the sector must encourage tourists to stay longer, spend more and take part in a wider range of experiences, including eco-tourism, heritage, faith-based, agro-tourism, sports, wellness, adventure and entertainment products. He also said tourism remains important because it brings in foreign exchange, supports jobs and can spread income beyond major cities.

The article cites the Tourism Development Programme Annual Performance Report for 2025/26, which says Uganda received 1.64 million international tourists in 2025, up from 1.37 million in 2024. Tourism receipts rose 21.3% to 5.83 trillion shillings, while average spending per tourist and average length of stay both edged up slightly. The sector directly supports 876,512 jobs, or 7.5% of total employment, according to the Tourism Satellite Account.

State Minister for Tourism Susan Nakawuki said efforts on marketing, infrastructure and product diversification are improving Uganda’s profile abroad. She pointed to tourism roads, airport projects and partnerships with diplomatic missions and local governments, while urging more investment, stronger promotion and better skills development.