In a strategic move to revitalize Uganda’s tourism sector, the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) and the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA) have joined forces to advocate for the removal of tourism-related taxes.
The collaborative effort, highlighted by a high-level meeting held on August 14th, 2025, underscores a shared commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that could attract new investments and boost visitor numbers.
Led by Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) President Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa and Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA) Chairperson Mrs. Suzan Muhwezi, the meeting brought together key figures including Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) Vice President Isa Kato, Secretary General Peter Mwanja, Technical Advisor Prof. Edwin Sabuhoro of Penn State University, and Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA) representatives such as Counsel Cephas Birungi and Jean Byamugisha, CEO of Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA).
The discussions built on Uganda Tourism Association’s recent engagement with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House Entebbe, where the President reaffirmed his stance that tourism, as an export sector, should be exempt from taxation.
President Museveni’s directive has prompted the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) and Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA) to develop practical proposals, set to be submitted to relevant government bodies in the coming weeks.
This aligns with the 2024 Income Tax Amendment Act, which introduced tax holidays for significant investments, such as USD 10 million for foreign investors, aiming to stimulate growth in key sectors like tourism.
The joint advocacy seeks to harmonize tax policies, addressing longstanding constraints that have hindered the sector’s potential despite its 7.7% contribution to Uganda’s GDP in 2019 and employment for over 600,000 people (World Bank data).
The collaboration also capitalizes on Uganda Hotel Owners Association’s recent growth, with membership now exceeding 500 lodging properties and the inclusion of international brands like Hilton and Marriott.
This influx signals growing investor confidence, a trend Uganda Tourism Association’s new president, Yogi Biriggwa, hopes to expand through innovative strategies inspired by regional successes, such as Rwanda’s visa-free policy, which boosted its tourism revenue by 20% between 2018 and 2023 (UNWTO report).
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy, with the sector’s recovery post-pandemic showing promise. However, inconsistent tax policies have historically deterred investment.
The Uganda Tourism Association-Uganda Hotel Owners Association dialogue aims to position Uganda as a competitive destination within East Africa, potentially increasing visitor numbers and hospitality investments.
Proposals under consideration include streamlined tax exemptions and incentives, mirroring global models that have proven effective in driving tourism-led growth. Prof. Edwin Sabuhoro emphasized the economic stakes, noting, “Removing tax burdens on tourism will not only attract investors but also create jobs and enhance Uganda’s global appeal.”
The initiative follows Uganda Tourism Association’s recent State House appeal, a rare direct intervention by the President, highlighting the government’s recognition of tourism’s export potential.
As the proposals move forward, stakeholders anticipate a formal response from government authorities by late 2025.
The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) and Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA) plan to leverage their combined influence, supported by Uganda Hotel Owners Association’s partnership with the Uganda Tourism Board for hotel ratings and Uganda Tourism Association’s technical expertise, to ensure sustainable growth.
With tourism’s historical resilience and Uganda’s rich natural and cultural assets, this collaboration could mark a turning point in the sector’s development.
For more updates, visit Uganda Tourism Association website.
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