The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has suspended licenses for 18 tour companies over alleged involvement in fraudulent activities .
“This notice serves to inform the general public that these tourism companies have been suspended from conducting any tourism-related activities with immediate effect pending investigations of allegations of fraudulent practices associated with their operations,” UTB stated.
The suspended companies include Makaayi Tours and Travel, Travel Times, Akia Quest Tours, Vendoro Tours, Varitus Resourcing Uganda Limited, Saso Uganda Safaris, Primate Journey Africa, Mohan Tours and Travel, Gotovate Tours and Travel, Karumuna Safaris, Dream Bandas Uganda Limited, Birchill Expeditions Limited, Azas Safaris Uganda Limited, Dorabo Tours and Travel, Brooklyn Safari Limited, Gorilla Holidays Uganda Limited, All Budget Gorilla Safaris Limited, and Beyond Frontiers Limited.
UTB emphasized that these companies are prohibited from conducting any tourism-related business until investigations are concluded.
The suspension comes amid rising concerns over fraudulent practices among some tour operators in Uganda — a sector that plays a vital role in the country’s economy. In recent years, there has been a growing number of complaints from international travelers and local clients regarding fake bookings, non-existent tour packages, and failure to deliver paid services.
Common scams reported include tourists being abandoned mid-trip after payment, companies falsely advertising gorilla trekking permits and other national park activities, and tour operators vanishing after receiving deposits via mobile money or wire transfers.
The fraudulent activities have not only led to financial losses for unsuspecting travelers but have also tarnished Uganda’s image as a premier tourism destination, particularly for eco-tourism and gorilla trekking.
The Uganda Tourism Board, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, has vowed to intensify its oversight and enforcement efforts to weed out unscrupulous players in the industry.
Travelers are advised to verify the licensing status of tour operators through UTB’s official channels before making any bookings.
This crackdown aligns with UTB’s wider reforms aimed at professionalizing the sector. Over the past year, the board has implemented stricter licensing procedures, increased inspections, and launched public awareness campaigns to protect tourists and enhance service quality.
As investigations into the 18 companies proceed, UTB says further regulatory actions may follow, depending on the findings.
