The high level United Kingdom delegation led by Laurence Robertson, the CEO of Westminster Africa Business Association (WABA) on trade, investment, and tourism held a highly fruitful engagement with Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) represented by the CEO Juliana Kagwa and former Board chairperson Hon. Daudi Migereko at the Source of the Nile in Jinja on February 16, 2026.
The engagement provided a conducive setting for substantive dialogue on strengthening bilateral ties through sustainable tourism, adventure product development, infrastructure investment, and community-led growth.
The group is in Uganda on invitation of Rt. Hon Prime Minister Hon. Robina Nabbanja on behalf of the President of Uganda.
Laurence Robertson who described the engagement as exceptionally productive expressed appreciation for the experiences and opportunities observed, pledging to actively share the remarkable atractions and world class adventures with UK investors, tour operators, businesses, and leisure travellers upon return.
Juliana Kagwa highlighted the visit’s strategic value, saying, “This high-level engagementreflects growing international confidence in Uganda’s unique tourism. By showcasingauthentic experiences, we are forging lasting partnerships that promote responsible tourism,drive inclusive economic growth, and reinforce Uganda’s posifion as a regional leader inadventure and nature-based travel.”
Uganda’s tourism sector has shown robust recovery and growth in recent years. In 2024, the country welcomed approximately 1.37 milion international visitors (a 7.7 per cent increasefrom 2023’s 1.27 million), with international tourism receipts reaching a record US$1.28 bilion(up 25.9 per cent from US$1.025 billion in 2023). This contributed about 16 per cent ofUganda’s total exports. The sector’s direct contribution to GDP was UGX 6.06 trillion, while it supported 803,000 jobs.
This engagement aligns with UTB’s mandate to target premium markets such as the UK, advance responsible tourism practices, and attract investments that protect natural and cultural heritage while delivering socio-economic benefits.
The positive momentum from this visit is anticipated further to strengthen UK-Uganda ties intourism and related sectors. The Uganda Tourism Board remains committed to facilitating such impactful initiatives to sustain sector growth, expand Uganda’s global footprint, andposition the country as the Pearl of Africa for adventure and nature based travel.
About Uganda Tourism Board
Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is a statutory organization established in 1994. UTB is mandated to promote and market Uganda domestically, across the region and intenationally, promote quality assurance in tourist facilities through training, grading and classification, promote tourism investment, support and act as liaison for the private sector in tourism development.
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