UTB starts search for new Chief Executive as Ajarova’s term expires

Kampala, (UG):- The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has commenced a public search for suitable candidates for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as the second term for the incumbent Lilly Ajarova nears an end.

This opportunity, advertised in the January 7, 2025, edition of the DailyMonitor, presents suitably qualified Ugandan professionals a chance to lead one of the key statutory organizations responsible for promoting the country’s tourism sector.

“The main purpose of the job is to provide strategic and inspirational leadership to the UTB team ensuring that it has a clear and compelling vision and well-developed strategic and risk assurance plans that result in the delivery of quality services to achieve the organisation’s mandate as specified in the Tourism Act,” UTB said in the advert.

Reporting directly to the UTB Board of Directors, the CEO will oversee various functions, including development, tourism promotion, partnerships, governance, and team performance management. He will also be tasked with the responsibility of providing strategic leadership to UTB, ensuring the organization has a compelling vision and a well-developed strategic framework.

The contract will run for three years, with the possibility of renewal.

As regards the qualifications and experience, UTB says suitable candidates must have bachelor’s degrees in tourism, economics, law, social sciences, statistics, business administration, commerce, or any other related field.

“Candidates must also have a master’s degree in any of tourism, business administration, marketing statistics, economics, law and public policy or related fields obtained from a recognized university or institution,” the advert further reads.

Applications must be submitted by courier, hand delivery, or email to [email protected] by 5:00 PM on January 27, 2025.

Arajova’s journey at UTB

Ms Lilly Ajarova, who was first appointed UTB CEO in January 2019 will see her second term run out on March 5, 2025. Before joining UTB, she was serving as the Executive Director of the Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

The Ugandan conservationist and tourism expert is described by many as a bubbly woman who has tourism and conservation at heart, considering the work she previously put in, including the transformation of the Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

At UTB, Ajarova is credited for the promotion of Uganda as one of the best tourism destinations in the world, with Bradt Guides, a leading independent travel publisher ranking Uganda fourth among the world’s top tourism destinations.

During her tenure at UTB, Uganda has positioned itself as one of the best destinations for meetings, incentives, exhibitions and conferences( MICE) in Africa, moving from 13^th in 2019 when she took over at UTB to now 7^th.

Ms Ajarova has also overseen the new brand identity for the country, Explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa that seeks to promote Uganda as the best destination for tourism in the world.