Uganda tourism has achieved an extraordinary comeback, recording an 89.2% rebound to pre-pandemic levels in the past year. We have witnessed international visitor numbers surge to 1.3 million in 2024, demonstrating the remarkable resilience of the sector.
Indeed, this recovery represents a significant milestone after years of pandemic-related challenges. Furthermore, tourism revenue has reached an impressive $1.28 billion (UGX 4.8 trillion), up from $1.025 billion in 2023, now contributing 16% to Uganda’s total exports.
This growth isn’t just about visitor numbers; the value per tourist has hit an all-time high, reflecting a strategic shift toward quality tourism rather than merely quantity.
Additionally, the Recovery of Uganda’s tourism sector is evidenced by longer visitor stays, with tourists now spending approximately $2,114 per trip while enjoying Uganda tourism attractions for an average of 8.7 nights.
The economic impact is substantial, with tourism now contributing 6.6% to Uganda’s GDP and generating 7.2% of national employment. Despite these challenges, the effort of car rental Uganda companies and other tourism stakeholders has played a crucial role in facilitating this impressive rebound.
Uganda Reports 80% Recovery in Tourist Arrivals
The latest figures from the Ministry of Tourism reveal that international tourist arrivals to Uganda grew to 1.37 million in 2024, marking a 7.7% increase from 1.27 million in 2023. This represents an 89.2% recovery of pre-pandemic tourism levels, a significant achievement since the all-time low of 473,085 visitors in 2020.
Since 2020, the recovery has followed a steady upward trajectory:
| Year | Visitors | Revenue | Annual Growth |
| 2020 | 435,000 | $412M | -65.2% |
| 2021 | 678,000 | $634M | +55.9% |
| 2022 | 945,000 | $876M | +39.4% |
| 2023 | 1,218,000 | $1.11B | +28.9% |
| 2024 | 1,370,000 | $1.28B | +12.5% |
Africa remains the primary source market, contributing 89.2% of all arrivals. Specifically, Kenya provided approximately 466,000 visitors, followed by Rwanda with about 390,000. Among overseas markets, the United States (18.5%), United Kingdom (15.2%), India (10.3%), and Kenya (8.7%) lead as top source countries.
Looking ahead, projections indicate continued growth with visitor numbers expected to reach 1.52 million in 2025 (11% growth), 1.68 million in 2026 (10.5% growth), and 1.85 million by 2027 (10% growth). At the current rate, Uganda tourism is on track for complete recovery to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2025.
Tourism Revenue Surges to $1.28 Billion
The growth stems largely from visitors staying longer and spending more. According to Ministry data, international tourists now remain in Uganda for an average of 8.7 nights, with leisure travelers spending approximately USD 2,114 per trip and USD 125 per night. Overall, the average visitor expenditure stands at USD 934, distributed as follows:
| Daily Tourist Spending | Amount (USD) |
| Accommodation | 45 |
| Activities | 35 |
| Food | 20 |
| Other expenses | 10 |
| Total per day | 110 |
This financial performance exceeds expectations, as tourism now contributes over 3.6% to Uganda’s GDP and supports approximately one in every seven jobs nationwide.
Moreover, the sector has evolved toward quality over quantity. Evidently, leisure tourists—who constitute 19.2% of arrivals spend significantly more than other visitor categories. Consequently, government projections remain optimistic, with annual tourism earnings expected to exceed UGX 11.2 trillion by 2030, fueled by continued growth in both domestic and international markets.
Government and Private Sector Drive Recovery
Meanwhile, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has taken decisive action to maintain industry integrity by suspending 18 tour operators found guilty of fraud and misrepresentation. This bold enforcement measure aims to preserve Uganda’s reputation as a trustworthy destination.
Currently, public-private partnerships are yielding substantial results. Notably, UTB’s collaboration with Emirates Airline includes showcasing promotional videos on flights between Entebbe and Dubai, along with organizing familiarization trips for journalists and travel agents. Tourism professionals booking through Emirates now enjoy exclusive benefits, including 10% fare discounts.
The widely successful “Explore Uganda” campaign, launched by President Museveni in 2022, has effectively boosted domestic tourism. Subsequently, the number of Ugandans visiting protected areas has increased dramatically to 839,000, up from 132,000 previously. Additionally, communities surrounding national parks receive 20% of tourism revenue, creating positive economic ripples in local economies.
Presently, these coordinated initiatives between government agencies and industry stakeholders continue driving Uganda’s tourism sector toward complete recovery.
Conclusion
Uganda’s tourism sector stands as a remarkable success story after years of pandemic-related setbacks. The impressive 89.2% recovery to pre-pandemic levels certainly demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of this vital economic pillar.
Visitor numbers continue their steady climb toward full recovery, with projections indicating complete restoration by the end of 2025 thanks to the impressive input by car hire Uganda companies, lodges in the parks, etc.
Financial indicators equally paint an encouraging picture. The surge to $1.28 billion in tourism revenue reflects not merely increased visitor numbers but also a strategic shift toward quality tourism. Tourists now stay longer and spend more during their visits, delivering greater economic impact per visitor.
Africa maintains its position as the primary source market, though diversification efforts across international markets show promising results. The government’s strategic investments of UGX 430 billion for the 2025/26 financial year will likely accelerate this positive trajectory further.
The Explore Uganda campaign has transformed domestic tourism, dramatically increasing Ugandan visits to protected areas from 132,000 to 839,000. This local engagement, combined with the 20% revenue share for communities surrounding national parks, creates sustainable economic benefits throughout the country.
Uganda’s tourism future looks exceptionally bright. The successful collaboration between government agencies, private stakeholders, Uganda self drive car hire agencies and local communities has established a solid foundation for continued growth.
The sector now contributes significantly to GDP, employment, and export earnings, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of Uganda’s economic prosperity. These achievements highlight Uganda’s enduring appeal as a premier tourist destination poised for even greater success in the years ahead.
