Govt Allocates Shs571.5 Bn to Boost Tourism in 2026/27 Budget

Uganda's tourism sector is poised for substantial growth following a significant allocation of Shs571.5 billion in the 2026/2027 national budget. This funding marks a considerable increase from approximately Shs169 billion allocated four years ago, signaling a concerted effort by the government to elevate tourism as a primary driver of economic transformation.

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Our budgets have been miserable over the past years. Moving from Shs169 billion four years ago to Shs571.5 billion is a very good sign. But we need to ensure we see results.

Tourism investors have welcomed the increased budget, viewing it as a positive development for a sector that has historically faced financial constraints. Amos Wekesa, a tourism investor, described the jump in funding as a "very good sign" but stressed the need for tangible results. "Our budgets have been miserable over the past years. Moving from Shs169 billion four years ago to Shs571.5 billion is a very good sign. But we need to ensure we see results," Wekesa said. He noted that Uganda currently earns about US$1.6 billion annually from tourism, with potential to reach at least US$2.5 billion, contrasting this with the revenue generated by single national parks in other countries.

The increased allocation will focus on critical areas such as destination marketing, human resource development, and infrastructure. Enhanced marketing efforts are expected to attract more tourists and stimulate private sector investment in hospitality services, thereby creating jobs. Wekesa also called for greater investment in training Ugandans for senior roles in the hospitality industry, as many high-end establishments still rely on foreign expertise. Poor road networks leading to key attractions like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park remain a concern for operators, as does the need to upgrade regional aerodromes to improve domestic tourism connectivity.

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When you market the country, you create opportunities. Opportunities attract investment, the private sector builds more facilities, and jobs are created.

Doreen Katusiime, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, affirmed that tourism is a priority sector under Uganda's National Development Plan IV. She stated that the government recognizes tourism as a "low-hanging fruit" with a high return on investment. A substantial portion of the budget will fund destination marketing through Ugandan embassies abroad and support preparations for the co-hosted AFCON 2027 tournament.

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Government recognizes tourism as a low-hanging fruit. The return on investment in tourism is often much higher than in many other sectors.