Kampala, Uganda: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Executive Director Dr James Musinguzi has unveiled a series of new conservation and tourism initiatives aimed at strengthening sustainable tourism, improving infrastructure and addressing climate change challenges in the region.
Speaking at the ongoing Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2026 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Dr Musinguzi revealed that UWA is set to launch a new “Friends of UWA” movement aimed at bringing together stakeholders to support conservation efforts and tackle emerging environmental challenges.
“We are also launching the Friends of UWA movement to involve stakeholders in tackling climate change challenges such as invasive species and waste management, alongside plans to procure a biodigester and strengthen tourism through a carnival regeneration task force,” Dr Musinguzi said.
He further disclosed that UWA, in partnership with the Ministry of Works and Transport, is prioritising road rehabilitation within protected areas to improve accessibility for tourists and conservation teams.
“All roads within protected areas will be worked on, and UWA is working with the Ministry of Works and Transport to keep them accessible,” he added.
Dr Musinguzi also said the authority is reviewing the existing 20 percent tourism revenue-sharing scheme to enhance accountability and ensure communities neighbouring protected areas directly benefit from tourism activities.
“Meanwhile, the 20% revenue-sharing scheme is under review to ensure accountability and community impact, while online gorilla permits with regulated daily limits continue to enhance transparency,” he explained.
Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa, who challenged Ugandans to take ownership of promoting the country globally. “Uganda is richly endowed, but our story is still under-told. We must take ownership of telling it ourselves because no one else will do it for us,” Ms Kagwa said.
She added: “As Ugandans, we have a collective responsibility to position our country on the global stage by making her visible, searchable and competitive if we are to rank among the world’s top tourism destinations and realise the aspirations of Vision 2040.”
The discussions at POATE 2026 also focused on tourism investment, film tourism, sustainability, product development and emerging source markets as industry stakeholders explored ways of driving sector growth.
Uganda Tourism Board Chairperson Pearl Hoareau Kakooza highlighted the tourism opportunities expected from Uganda’s hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“Uganda has officially obtained the rights to host AFCON for the year 2027, and through sports tourism, we expect to not even double but triple the number of our visitors next year because of the Africa Cup of Nations,” Kakooza said.
POATE 2026, themed “Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Destination in the Wanderlust Era,” has attracted tourism stakeholders, investors, tour operators and exhibitors from across Africa and beyond, with organisers positioning the event as a strategic platform to market Uganda as a leading tourism destination.
Tourism remains one of Uganda’s top foreign exchange earners, with government targeting increased visitor arrivals through infrastructure development, conservation initiatives and international destination marketing.
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