Kampala, Uganda: The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) will mark 30 years of promoting tourism excellence with a celebratory dinner scheduled for October 17, 2025, at Mestil Hotel in Kampala.
Held under the theme “Roots and Routes: Celebrating Uganda’s Past, Present and Tourism Future”, the dinner will bring together key tourism stakeholders, including officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), alongside private sector leaders in a night of recognition, collaboration, and networking.
AUTO Chairperson, Mrs. Civy Ruth Tumusiime, said the event will honor companies and individuals who have played a pivotal role in the sector’s growth despite challenges over the past three decades.
“We would like to use this event to recognize companies that have worked hard to stay afloat despite the challenges they have faced during the 30 years of our existence,” Tumusiime noted.
Former AUTO chairperson, Mr. Boniface Byamukama, recalled the association’s formation as a platform to promote professionalism and discipline among operators, which has since strengthened Uganda’s tourism reputation.
AUTO’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Matilda Iremera, revealed that membership has expanded significantly from just 10 founding members to over 400 today, reflecting the sector’s growth and resilience.
Tourism Development Commissioner in the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Vivian Lyazi, commended the contribution of tour operators to Uganda’s booming visitor numbers.
“Thirty years ago, Uganda had only 420 tourists a year. Today, we host more than 1.3 million visitors annually. This success is due to the tireless marketing by tour operators, who are the foot soldiers bringing tourists to our country,” Lyazi remarked.
The AUTO anniversary dinner will also feature recognition of outstanding contributions to conservation, hospitality, and destination marketing, reaffirming the association’s commitment to advancing Uganda’s tourism future.
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