At the conclusion of the “62 Since 62” tourism campaign at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Diana Museveni, the First Daughter, highlighted Uganda’s vast potential in tourism and called for collective efforts to elevate the country as a leading global destination.
Diana urged Ugandans living abroad to take an active role in promoting and investing in Uganda’s tourism.
“As Ugandans in the diaspora, you have an important role to play as tourism ambassadors,” she said. “Uganda is rich in natural beauty and has so much to offer. You can do more to promote this country globally.”
Diana Museveni, a tourism entrepreneur and founder of AGE Safaris Ltd, stressed the importance of the diaspora’s role in sharing Uganda’s attractions with the world.
The “62 since 62” campaign celebrated 62 years of Uganda’s independence and involved collaboration between young Ugandans in the UK and local creatives. The initiative showcased Uganda’s stunning attractions through nationwide tours, and the content will be shared globally to raise awareness.
The campaign was supported by the State House, the Ministry of Tourism, various tourism bodies, and private sector partners.
In addition to promoting tourism, Diana Museveni highlighted the significant economic contribution of the diaspora, whose remittances add up to $1.2 billion annually. She encouraged further engagement in tourism, stating that their investments could greatly benefit the country.
Tourism experts at the event also spoke about the opportunities for investment in areas such as hospitality, accommodation, and conservation. Samuel John Mwandha, Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), urged partnerships to expand education and conservation centers.
Uganda is targeting five million tourists within the next decade, a significant increase from the 1.5 million visitors before the pandemic. Achieving this goal, Diana believes, will greatly transform Uganda’s economy, and she encouraged the diaspora community to invest in the country’s tourism sector.
As Uganda recovers from the impact of the pandemic, the government’s commitment to revitalizing tourism is clear, with strong support from both domestic and international stakeholders.