Author: Johnson Thembo

Dr. Lilly Ajarova has been appointed as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, a move that recognizes her exceptional leadership and contributions to Uganda’s tourism sector. As the outgoing Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Dr. Ajarova has been instrumental in advancing Uganda’s tourism industry globally. In her new role, Dr. Ajarova will advise the President on strategic tourism policies and initiatives, ensuring that the sector’s growth aligns with the national development agenda. She will also promote Uganda’s diverse tourism offerings and foster international collaborations that benefit the tourism sector. “Dr. Ajarova’s…

The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime has appointed Dr. James Musinguzi as the new Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), effective April 01, 2025. He will succeed Mr. Sam Mwandha, who retires on March 31, 2025, after serving as Executive Director since 2018. Dr. Musinguzi is a dedicated conservationist with extensive experience in wildlife management, conservation education, and community conservation among many others. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), where he championed conservation awareness, wildlife rescue, and public engagement. Following the merger of UWEC and…

Over the weekend, Uganda was honored as the Best Promising New Destination at the prestigious Outbound Travel Market (OTM) 2025 held in Mumbai, India. According to the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), this recognition highlights the country’s appeal to international travelers seeking unique cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife. At the expo, UTB, in partnership with Uganda Airlines and the Uganda High Commission in New Delhi, showcased the “Pearl of Africa” to over 300 travel trade partners eager to promote Uganda as a travel destination. Uganda’s Pavilion was also elevated as the best exhibitor based on the pre-determined criterion that included clientele…

Michael Turyakira has emerged as the overall Best Travel Writer of 2024, taking top honors at the 4th Edition of the annual Travel Writing Competition organized by Uganda Uncovered. The award ceremony, held on January 31, 2025, at the Uganda Tourism Board offices in Kampala, saw a team of 20 finalists celebrated for their exceptional writing skills and contribution to promoting Ugandan tourism. The top 3 writers bagged shs500,000, shs300,000 and shs200,000 in their ascension order plus brand new mobile phones and fully paid-for-trip. The best writer was also given a timeless plaque Award. Winnie Nakiboneka and Bushirah Nalutaaya took…

The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) last year entered into a strategic partnership with Emirates Airlines, aiming to elevate Uganda’s profile as a premier tourism destination. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was to significantly enhance Uganda’s tourism sector by attracting more international visitors and showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse wildlife experience. Eight months down the road, the government of Uganda hosted a special delegation of 11 travel trade partners for a familiarization trip that lasted for six days from January 21-27, 2025. Coordinated with the Uganda Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the visit…

Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has concluded his official visit to Algeria, returning home this evening. During his trip, he met with his Algerian counterpart, General Saïd Chanegriha, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence and Chief of Staff of Algeria’s People’s National Army. The two military leaders discussed the upcoming signing of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UPDF and the Algerian military. This MoU aims to enhance cooperation and bilateral ties between the two nations’ militaries. Gen Kainerugaba was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including…

The United Kingdom has announced a significant funding commitment of £16.5 million (UGX 74.2 billion) to support Uganda’s refugee response. This funding, which will be channeled through the World Food Programme (WFP), aims to provide critical assistance to over 800,000 vulnerable refugees in Uganda. Uganda hosts the largest refugee population in Africa, with over 1.7 million refugees, mostly women and children, fleeing protracted armed conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan. This funding will enable the WFP to expand cash transfers for General Food Assistance in nine settlements, promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment among refugees. According…

As the new year kicks off, adventure seekers are gearing up for unforgettable experiences, and Extreme Adventure Park in Busiika should be at the top of everyone’s list. While affordability is a key consideration, there are five compelling reasons why this thrilling destination deserves your special attention in 2025. 1. Wide Range of Activities Located just 40 kilometers north of Kampala, Extreme Adventure Park is the largest facility of its kind in Uganda. It boasts a wide range of exhilarating activities guaranteed to appeal to thrill-seekers of all ages. Visitors can enjoy high-rope obstacles, paintballing, go karting, quad biking, ziplines,…

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has entered into a groundbreaking 25-year concession agreement with One Nature Hotels Limited. The agreement, finalized today at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Headquarters in Kampala, paves the way for the development and operation of a luxury lodge at Channel Track, near the famous Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The signing ceremony, presided over by Hon. Tom Butime, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, was attended by various dignitaries, including UWA Chairman Prof. James Kalema and One Nature Hotels Managing Director Eng. Hani Saliba. The partnership marks a pivotal milestone…

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has encouraged Dubai investors to consider Uganda as a prime destination for investment and business growth in Africa. She made these remarks while presiding over a bilateral business forum in Kampala, organized by the Dubai International Chamber, part of the Dubai Chambers network. Nabbanja highlighted Uganda’s abundant resources and the strengthening relationship between Uganda and the UAE, which is founded on mutual respect and shared interests. “This partnership has fostered impressive trade growth, with bilateral trade exceeding $3.8 billion in 2023,” she stated. Outlining Uganda’s ambitious goal of transforming its economy into a $500 billion powerhouse…