Revisiting Uganda’s Tourism Development Path in the National Development Agenda

Tourism represents a strong economic opportunity for many developing countries to earn foreign exchange, create jobs, investment and alleviate rural poverty. In Uganda, East Africa tourism features strongly in the key national development plans and strategies, often described as an untapped economic sector. Despite these sound plans and strategies, the sector is failing to alleviate rural poverty and to engender economic transformation. The performance of the sector is below par despite its enormous potential. This paper discusses key strategic issues in Uganda’s tourism development, and shows what needs to be done to ensure that tourism contributes positively to Uganda Vision 2040. The paper identifies theoretical, policy and practical issues which need to be dealt with in order to develop the tourism sector in Uganda. Useful recommendations are also presented.