Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) Board today held a high-level strategic meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) at the Ministry Headquarters in Kampala, marking a renewed commitment to strengthening cooperation between Uganda’s tourism private sector and the Country’s diplomatic missions abroad.
UTA President Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa introduced the Apex body to the Ministry, highlighting its core mandate of advocating for sector-friendly policies, driving public – private partnerships, and promoting professionalism and service standards across the tourism value chain. She emphasized UTA’s role in championing capacity building for its members to enhance visitor experiences and improve Uganda’s regional and continental competitiveness.
The UTA delegation included: Isa Kato Vice President (AUTO), Azhar Jaffer (UHOA), Aldrine Nankunda (USAGA), Evans Seruganya (NACCAU) and Peter Kagwa (UACII).
The MOFA leadership was represented by Mr. Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Henry Mayega, Head of the Department of International Economic Cooperation, and Ms. Florence Kyasiimire, Counselor in charge of Regional Affairs. The officials welcomed the UTA team and reaffirmed MOFA’s commitment to aligning tourism promotion with Uganda’s foreign policy priorities.
The PS emphasized that Uganda’s diplomatic missions will play a pivotal role in amplifying diaspora engagement, supporting domestic tourism campaigns internationally, and establishing structured communication channels to ensure seamless coordination with the private sector.
Key outcomes of the meeting included:-
👉🏼 A commitment to annual performance reporting on tourism diplomacy.
👉🏼 A sharper focus on regional and international travel promotion, including MICE markets.
👉🏼 Enhanced support for private-sector teams promoting Uganda abroad, particularly through improved visa facilitation.
👉🏼 Strengthened collaboration on tourism content development, ensuring missions abroad have updated, compelling, and standardized promotional material.
The PS encouraged UTA to accelerate training and skilling initiatives, especially in service excellence, as a pathway to boosting Uganda’s competitiveness. He noted existing gaps in tourism content at missions but expressed optimism in the renewed collaboration between UTA, MOFA, and UTB to address these challenges effectively.
A major resolution reached was the establishment of a tripartite engagement between UTA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities. This joint framework aims to streamline and expedite Uganda’s visa application processes- an essential step in improving destination accessibility and competitiveness in the global tourism marketplace.
The meeting concluded with congratulatory remarks to Uganda for securing an award at the recent Tourism Expo in Lugano, Switzerland; an achievement that underscores the country’s rising visibility and appeal on the international tourism stage.
