By Spy Uganda
The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) 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 strengthen collaboration 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 mandate to advocate for sector-friendly policies, drive public-private partnerships, and promote professionalism and high service standards across the tourism value chain. She emphasised UTA’s role in capacity building for its members to enhance visitor experiences and strengthen Uganda’s competitiveness regionally and continentally.
The UTA delegation included Isa Kato, Vice President (AUTO); Azhar Jaffer (UHOA); Aldrine Nankunda (USAGA); Evans Seruganya (NACCAU); and Peter Kagwa (UACII).
MOFA leadership was represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Vincent Waiswa Bagiire; Ambassador Henry Mayega, Head of the Department of International Economic Cooperation; and Ms. Florence Kyasiimire, Counsellor in charge of Regional Affairs. Officials welcomed the UTA team and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to aligning tourism promotion with Uganda’s foreign policy priorities.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that Uganda’s diplomatic missions will be pivotal 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.
- Sharpened focus on regional and international travel promotion, including Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) markets.
- Enhanced support for private-sector teams promoting Uganda abroad, particularly through improved visa facilitation.
- Strengthened collaboration on tourism content development to ensure missions abroad have updated, compelling, and standardised promotional material.
The Permanent Secretary encouraged UTA to accelerate training and skilling initiatives, especially in service excellence, as a pathway to boosting Uganda’s global competitiveness. He acknowledged existing gaps in tourism content at missions but expressed confidence that the renewed collaboration between UTA, MOFA, and the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) will address these challenges effectively.
A major resolution was the establishment of a tripartite engagement framework involving UTA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities. The framework aims to streamline and expedite Uganda’s visa application processes, which is an essential step in improving destination accessibility and global competitiveness.
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.
