Uganda has stepped up efforts to market Brand Uganda in India as part of a broader strategy to boost tourism and attract investment from one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets.
The Uganda High Commission in India, in partnership with the Uganda Tourism Board and Uganda Airlines, is participating in the Outbound Tourism Mart (OTM) in Mumbai from February 5 to 7, 2026. This will be followed by the South Asia Tourism and Travel Exchange (SATTE) in New Delhi from February 25 to 27, 2026.
Speaking at the launch of the promotional activities, Uganda’s High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Prof. Joyce Kikafunda, said India presents a significant opportunity for Uganda’s tourism sector, driven by rising disposable incomes and an expanding middle class seeking international travel experiences.
She described OTM Mumbai as a strategic platform to enhance Uganda’s visibility and position the country as a competitive destination. The event is expected to attract more than 50,000 trade visitors and about 2,200 exhibitors from over 60 countries.
Brian Mwanika, head of economic and commercial diplomacy at the Uganda High Commission, said the Mumbai exhibition is preceded by the Explore Uganda India tourism roadshow running from February 2 to 4, 2026, in New Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The roadshow is jointly organised by the High Commission, the Uganda Tourism Board and Uganda Airlines to promote Destination Uganda in key Indian source markets.
Mumbai remains a critical hub for India’s outbound travel market, with an estimated six in every 10 Indian travellers passing through the city. It is also home to major outbound tour operators focusing on high-end, luxury and long-haul travel, as well as Bollywood, which plays a key role in shaping travel aspirations.
India is currently Uganda’s leading source of tourists outside East Africa. According to Ambassador Kikafunda, arrivals from India rose from 34,208 in 2024 to 42,800 in 2025. She said the High Commission is implementing targeted initiatives to increase the number of Indian visitors to more than 100,000 within the next two years.
Improved air connectivity has further strengthened travel between the two countries. Uganda Airlines launched direct flights between Entebbe and Mumbai in October 2023, significantly reducing travel time. In September 2025, the national carrier signed an interline agreement with Air India to facilitate seamless travel for passengers.
Officials say these developments are helping to lower travel costs, stimulate tourism flows, and deepen trade and investment ties between Uganda and India.
