Tour operators from ASEAN nations have wrapped up a 10-day tour of Uganda, showcasing the country’s breathtaking tourist attractions.
The visit marked a significant milestone in promoting Uganda as a premier destination for tourism and investment among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
ASEAN comprises ten member states, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
The tour was orchestrated by the Ugandan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dr. Betty Oyella Bigombe, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, described the visit as a transformative step in fostering economic collaboration between Uganda and ASEAN countries.
“This initiative creates a platform for key players in the tourism and investment sectors to identify areas of strategic partnership,” Dr. Bigombe stated.
“By building strong collaborations with ASEAN, Uganda can enhance trade, create jobs, and accelerate economic growth for both regions.”
Dr. Bigombe also emphasized Uganda’s favorable investment environment, which includes tax incentives, a supportive policy framework, and opportunities in critical sectors like infrastructure, mineral value addition, agro-processing, and oil and gas.
The tour provided ASEAN delegates with first-hand experiences of Uganda’s unique tourism offerings, including its national parks, cultural heritage, and hospitality.
The initiative aligns with the government’s strategy to position Uganda as a leading global tourism destination.
Dorcus Namajja, a representative of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), highlighted the importance of the visit in cultivating a long-term relationship with ASEAN countries.
“This is a pivotal step in Uganda’s efforts to attract tourists and investors from ASEAN nations. The government is leveraging its foreign missions to promote Uganda as a top-choice tourism destination,” Namajja said.
The tourism sector contributes 7.7% to Uganda’s GDP and has created nearly 667,000 jobs, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities.
A business engagement session held during the tour provided a platform for ASEAN representatives to explore Uganda’s thriving sectors, including tourism, trade, and technology. The session also laid the foundation for future collaborations.
Looking ahead, the Ugandan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur plans to sustain momentum through a media promotional campaign in Malaysia and business conventions in 2025.
These conventions, scheduled for Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, and Bangkok, will focus on building partnerships in sectors like tourism, agro-processing, and technology.
Changing perceptions
Addressing the delegates at a dinner hosted by the Ugandan High Commission, Dr. Bigombe highlighted the initiative’s goal of reshaping Asian perceptions of Uganda and Africa as a whole.
“Asia, with its booming economies like Indonesia, offers immense potential as a key source market for Uganda’s tourism sector,” Dr. Bigombe remarked.
Tourism State Minister Martin Mugarra Bahinduka commended the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its missions abroad. He thanked the Uganda Mission in Malaysia for sponsoring several activities during the familiarization tour, ensuring its success.
Mugarra pledged government support for increased funding to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acknowledging its impactful work despite limited resources.
“We will advocate for more financial support in Cabinet, the Ministry of Finance, and Parliament,” Mugarra assured.
As Uganda strengthens its ties with ASEAN, the visit underscores the nation’s commitment to leveraging its unique tourism potential.
