The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), the umbrella organisation that brings together all tourism trade associations in Uganda, has appointed journalist Muhereza Kyamutetera as its Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st October 2024.
According Yewagnesh Biriggwa (Yogi), the UTA President, Mr. Kyamutetera brings to UTA a demonstrated skill set in strategy development and execution, business development, marketing and communications, stakeholder relations management and, above all, passion and knowledge about Uganda’s tourism industry.
“These skills have been gained from over 20 years (15 years of them at C-suite level) of experience working with and for over 100 domestic, regional and international public, private and not-for-profit brands across several sectors such as Tourism, Financial Services, Energy, Education, Aviation, ICT, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Real Estate, Pensions, Fashion and Healthcare.” She noted.
As CEO, Kyamutetera is expected to drive UTA’s purpose and vision⏤ building a professional, competitive, thriving and inclusive tourism sector for our member associations, thereby sustainably contributing to Uganda’s national development agenda.
About the Uganda Tourism Association
Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) is the umbrella organisation that brings together all tourism trade associations in Uganda. It is the private sector’s voice in the tourism industry and includes 9 members and 2 affiliates.
The members include; The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA), Uganda Hotel Owners’ Association (UHOA), The Uganda Association of Travel Agents (TUGATA), Uganda Community Tourism Association (UCOTA), The Association of Ugandan Women in Tourism Trade (AUWOTT), The National Arts and Cultural Crafts Association (NACCAU), The Hotel General Managers Association of Uganda (HOGMAU) and The Uganda Association of Conference and Incentive Industry (UACII).
The affiliated members of the Uganda Tourism Association include; Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board (BHTB) and Kasese Tourism Investors Forum (KTIF).
The 11 associations collectively represent tour operators, travel agents, accommodation facilities, tour guides, community-based organisations, cultural organisations, events and conference organisers, as well as arts and crafts, representing more than 2000 enterprises in the tourism sector.
Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) exists to provide a forum where private sector member associations can advocate for policies and practices that promote sustainable tourism development in Uganda. UTA aims to be a vibrant, resilient and diverse tourism private sector umbrella association that creates growth opportunities for its members within and outside Uganda.
Fresh Perspectives And Increasing The Volume And Value Of Tourism
Commenting about the appointment, Yewagnesh Biriggwa (Yogi), the President, said: “UTA is thrilled to have Mr Kyamutetera onboard at this critical time when our sector is still reeling from the post-COVID-19 effects. We are excited about the fresh perspectives and diverse skill sets he brings to UTA and the industry, where he is no stranger”.
“The appointment of a CEO is one of the critical milestones our new board set for itself in our first 100 days since we were voted into office on June 20th 2024. I thank my fellow board members for working tirelessly to close this key deliverable,” she said.
Commenting on his new role, Kyamutetera said, “I am excited to infuse my professional experience with my passionate love for Destination Uganda and look forward to being an essential bridge between the private sector, the government, and our development partners as we jointly work to increase the volume and value of tourism to Uganda and ultimately increase tourism enterprise revenues and household incomes.”
