Jinja, Uganda: A high-level United Kingdom delegation has advanced efforts to deepen tourism, trade and investment ties between Uganda and the UK following strategic engagements with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) at the Source of the Nile.
The delegation, led by Laurence Robertson, CEO of the Westminster Africa Business Association (WABA), met UTB Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa and former Board Chairperson Hon. Daudi Migereko on February 16, 2026, for discussions centred on sustainable tourism, infrastructure investment, adventure product development, and community-led growth.
The UK team is in Uganda at the invitation of Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Robertson described the engagement as “exceptionally productive,” commending Uganda’s natural attractions and adventure offerings. He pledged to promote Uganda’s tourism potential among UK investors, tour operators, businesses and leisure travellers.
UTB CEO Juliana Kagwa underscored the strategic significance of the visit, noting that the engagement reflects growing international confidence in Uganda’s tourism portfolio.
“This high-level engagement reflects growing international confidence in Uganda’s unique tourism. By showcasing authentic experiences, we are forging lasting partnerships that promote responsible tourism, drive inclusive economic growth, and reinforce Uganda’s position as a regional leader in adventure and nature-based travel,” Kagwa said.
Uganda’s tourism sector continues to register strong recovery and expansion. In 2024, the country recorded approximately 1.37 million international arrivals — a 7.7 percent increase from 1.27 million in 2023. International tourism receipts reached a record US$1.28 billion, up 25.9 percent from US$1.025 billion in 2023, accounting for about 16 percent of total exports.
The sector’s direct contribution to GDP stood at UGX 6.06 trillion, supporting an estimated 803,000 jobs across the country.
The engagement aligns with UTB’s strategy of targeting premium source markets such as the UK, strengthening responsible tourism frameworks, and attracting investment that safeguards Uganda’s natural and cultural heritage while delivering socio-economic impact.
Officials expressed optimism that the momentum generated from the Jinja meeting will translate into expanded partnerships, increased visitor numbers, and deeper UK-Uganda cooperation in tourism and related sectors.
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