Uganda Tourism Association - UTA

04/07/2025

UGANDA TOURISM ASSOCIATION HOLDS SUCCESSFUL AGM

On July 3rd, 2025, the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) held its Annual General Meeting at Fairway Hotel, marking one year of transformative leadership under President Yewagnesh Biriggwa.

In her remarks, the President reflected on a year of rebuilding UTA from scratch; restoring governance, reviving the Secretariat, launching a 5-Year Strategic Plan and strengthening partnerships across the sector.

Key Achievements include:-

✅ New Secretariat offices at Rwenzori House and great thanks to MTWA and specially our Minister of Tourism the Rtd. Col Butime
✅ Appointment of a CEO, Coordinator and an administrator
✅ Developing a Strategic Plan (2025–2030) funded by Enabel
✅ Expanded stakeholder engagement (UNDP, GROW, GiZ, EU, OWC, UWA, World Bank, MTWA, UTB & more)
✅ Weekly Action Plan meetings driving consistent progress
✅ Appointment of a Technical Advisor

The President emphasized that UTA is not a competitor but a unifier of member associations. Its a platform for coordination, advocacy, and sector growth.

“Together, we can shape a resilient, credible and inclusive tourism industry that drives national development,” she stated.

Special thanks to AUTO that sponsored the AGM and a cocktail thereafter. She also thanked Enabel, UWA and all partners who continue to believe in and support UTA’s mission.

13/06/2025

UTA President Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa, together with UTA Technical Advisor Prof. Edwin Sabuhoro, recently held a strategic engagement with Mr. Muhereza Kyamutetera. On this occasion, the former UTA CEO was representing The Firm Ltd, an entity exploring potential partnership opportunities with UTA.

The proposed collaboration centers on developing a visual content bank and launching a digital marketing project designed to provide sector players with affordable, high-quality digital content and essential digital skills. The initiative aims to enhance the online visibility, competitiveness, and market reach of UTA member businesses.

*Key focus areas of the project include:-*

1. Inclusive marketing and market access

2. Affordable and professional digital visibility

3. Digital skills development and content utilization training

4. Job creation within the tourism value chain

By the end of the project, the partnership seeks to deliver:-

👉🏼A centralized, sector-wide visual content bank

👉🏼Lowered costs for digital content creation

👉🏼Improved digital marketing competencies among sector players

👉🏼Post-training digital support services

👉🏼Boosted online visibility and competitiveness for UTA members

This partnership promises to equip the tourism sector with the tools and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital marketplace.

Uganda Tourism Association.

13/06/2025

*UTA and MTN Uganda Forge Strategic Partnership to Drive Tourism Growth*

In a bold step towards transforming Uganda’s tourism landscape, the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) and MTN Uganda have officially embarked on a strategic partnership aimed at promoting tourism both domestically and internationally.

The President of UTA, Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa, alongside a dedicated team, met with senior representatives from MTN Uganda to lay the foundation for a robust, long-term collaboration. The discussions centered on leveraging MTN’s wide range of digital solutions and national reach to support the growth and visibility of Uganda’s tourism sector.

During the meeting, UTA delivered a comprehensive presentation that gave MTN valuable insights into the structure, needs, and opportunities within the tourism industry. Recognizing UTA's central role in the sector, MTN committed to actively supporting tourism development through tailored products and services.

Key areas of cooperation include:-

1. Implementation of seamless payment gateway systems and collection accounts to ease financial transactions across the tourism value chain.
2. Integration of ticketing platforms for event organizers.
3. Expansion of MoMo Pay services across tourism enterprises.
4. Joint marketing campaigns targeting both local and international markets.
5. Extension of MTN's digital infrastructure to tourist attractions nationwide.
6. Establishment of a unified communication system to enhance coordination and outreach.

In a strong show of commitment, MTN Uganda has also become a corporate member of UTA with immediate effect, signaling the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership.

Together, UTA and MTN will champion initiatives to position Uganda as a preferred travel destination regionally, Continental, and globally. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in public-private sector engagement, setting a new benchmark for innovation and growth within Uganda's tourism industry.

09/06/2025

Happy Hero’s Day 🇺🇬

09/06/2025

Uganda Tourism Association Engages Uganda Airlines on Strategic Tourism Marketing Partnership

In a significant step towards enhancing the visibility and accessibility of Uganda as a top tourism destination, the President of the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa, led a high-level delegation for a strategic engagement with Uganda Airlines, a key industry partner.

The meeting, held with the CEO of Uganda Airlines, Ms. Jennifer Bamuturaki, focused on aligning efforts to market Destination Uganda more effectively at both local and international levels. Ms. Bamuturaki expressed enthusiasm upon learning about UTA's pivotal role in coordinating and advocating for the tourism private sector, particularly in shaping policy and advancing tourism growth.

At the core of the discussions was a shared commitment to joint marketing initiatives, including organizing roadshows, travel expos, and targeted campaigns in key source markets such as Europe, North America, India, Africa, UAE, and China. Uganda Airlines has pledged to collaborate with UTA in these global marketing efforts and requested a comprehensive calendar of Uganda’s international tourism marketing events to guide their participation and support.

The meeting also explored the critical need for domestic flight connectivity to major tourism hubs such as national parks and cultural sites. UTA requested Uganda Airlines’ consideration in expanding domestic routes and advocated for government engagement to upgrade and extend runways at strategic domestic airstrips, enabling small aircraft to access more remote tourist attractions across the country.

With Uganda Airlines preparing to add 10 new aircraft to its fleet, the timing is ideal to improve both international and domestic travel infrastructure in support of tourism development.

To strengthen collaboration, both parties agreed to form a dedicated tourism working group (TWG) that will streamline joint activities, monitor progress and address challenges affecting the aviation-tourism value chain.

Additionally, UTA committed to expanding its membership to include a broader range of tourism industry players, ensuring inclusivity and stronger representation. The Association will also enhance its data-driven advocacy efforts, using domestic travel trends and statistics to lobby for improved infrastructure and policy reforms, particularly in the area of regional aerodromes.

This engagement marks a new chapter in Uganda’s tourism sector, as key stakeholders come together to drive coordinated, strategic, and impactful promotion of the Pearl of Africa.

The heroes of Uganda, Happy Heroes Day

Uganda Tourism Association

05/06/2025

Uganda Tourism Association extends warm wishes to all Muslims friends on Eid al-Adha. We celebrate the spirit of sacrifice and compassion that brings us closer to our communities and our beautiful country. Let's explore, appreciate, and share the beauty of our beloved Uganda.

03/06/2025

23/05/2025

UTA President honors esteemed panelists at the Sustainability Transformation Conference during POATE 2025’s 9th edition!

Congratulations to Dr. Gladys Kalema Zikusoka, John Makombo (Senior Manager, Biodiversity Management, UWA), and Phd. Edwin Sabuhoro (Assistant Professor, Penn State University & UTA Technical Advisor) on their well-deserved recognition!

08/05/2025

UTA PRESIDENT, YOGI BIRIGGWA: HONOURED FOR HER OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO WOMEN, YOUTH, AND CHILDREN

On 2nd May 2025, during the prestigious Queen’s Ball, Yogi Birigwa, President of the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), was honoured by the Nnaabagereka Naginda Women’s Fund in recognition of her exceptional commitment to empowering women, youth, and children across Uganda.

The Queen’s Ball, hosted by Her Royal Highness Queen Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, of the Buganda Kingdom, is a signature annual event dedicated to raising awareness and resources for mental health—a growing public health concern in Uganda and beyond.

This year’s theme, “Healing Minds,” underscored the need for sustained investment in the mental well-being of communities, particularly the most vulnerable.

Yogi Birigwa’s recognition is a reflection of her decades-long dedication to inclusive development. Through her leadership at UTA, she has amplified the voice of a sector that employs over 60% women and 72% youth, championing policies and programs that create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and professional growth.

She also volunteers her expertise as a board member with the Uganda Hotel Owners Association, Association of Ugandan Women in Tourism & Trade (AUWOTT), Uganda Chamber of Commerce, and Canadian Physicians for Aid & Relief (CPAR)—building on previous service with institutions like the Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, and the Board of Airlines Representatives Uganda.

She is a well-rounded and a household name in the Aviation and hospitality industry as well as the Chairperson of the Board of Uganda Aviation Academy.

Yogi also quietly lends her voice and resources to deeply personal causes. She has been a steadfast advocate for children with special needs, particularly those living with autism and nodding syndrome—offering support, visibility, and compassion to families navigating complex challenges.

Her commitment to social equity, empowerment, and community well-being continues to inspire a generation of leaders, particularly women, to rise, lead, and serve.
We join the Nnaabagereka Naginda Women’s Fund and all well-wishers in congratulating Yogi Birigwa on this well-deserved honour and celebrating her unwavering service to humanity.

15/03/2025

New location Alert 🚨

08/03/2025

*UGANDA TOURISM ASSOCIATION (UTA) MESSAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2025*

for gender equality in the Tourism Industry.

Today, as we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 under the global theme "Accelerate Action", we recognise and honor the invaluable contributions of women in Uganda’s tourism industry. Women make up over 68% of the tourism workforce, playing key roles as entrepreneurs, guides, hoteliers, artisans, and conservationists. Yet, they continue to face barriers to leadership, financial inclusion, and equitable pay.

At the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), we believe a thriving tourism sector must be a gender equal one too.

We call upon all stakeholders—government, private sector, development partners, and communities—to step forward in solidarity and commit to real, tangible change.

Together, we can build a tourism industry that uplifts, empowers, and accelerates opportunities for women, ensuring that Uganda remains a beacon of inclusive and sustainable tourism.

Some initiatives are being undertaken, but let’s step forward to for a more equitable tourism industry and a more just world!

21/02/2025

Yesterday, February 20, 2025, we had a very good board meeting.

We discussed the project pipeline for 2025, enhancing stakeholder relations and coordination; improving governance and most importantly, creating the UTA that we all want!

2025 is definitely going to be a great year for UTA, our member associations and the tourism industry.

A luta continua!