Uganda turns to digital innovation, AI to drive tourism growth

What the report says

Uganda is emphasizing digital innovation and artificial intelligence as tools to expand its tourism industry, according to The Independent Uganda, which cited remarks by President Yoweri Museveni during a World Tourism Day commemoration in Mbale in eastern Uganda. Museveni said the sector’s competitiveness will increasingly depend on how well businesses use digital platforms, from online discovery and bookings to customer communication and sharing travel experiences.

He said AI could support destination marketing, visitor information, product development, conservation management and analysis of visitor behavior. Tourism minister Tom Butime also backed wider use of digital tools, saying they can help operators understand markets, tailor promotions and connect visitors more directly with local businesses. He stressed that online visibility needs to be converted into concrete travel demand, bookings and spending.

The article said Uganda’s tourism sector has moved beyond post-pandemic recovery and is now growing strongly. The ministry reported 1.64 million international arrivals in 2025, up 19.7 percent from previous baseline periods. It also said tourism contributes 5.9 percent to gross domestic product and supports more than 876,000 jobs, with women and young people making up a significant share of the workforce.

The report also noted that earlier digital campaigns, including Explore Uganda, helped raise the country’s profile internationally. More broadly, the piece suggests Uganda sees technology as a way to strengthen tourism marketing, improve visitor services and turn global attention into higher arrivals and revenue.