Govt Awards 2025 Tourism Champions
As Uganda intensifies efforts to promote its tourism industry, the government has recognized exceptional contributors as 2025 tourism champions during the World Tourism Day celebrations in Arua City. The event, themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” celebrated individuals and organizations that have shaped Uganda’s tourism landscape through innovation, conservation, and investment.
The awards, presented under the Tourism Recognition of Excellence framework, honored both national and regional figures across key categories such as cultural tourism, agro-tourism, wildlife conservation, and infrastructure development.
Among the notable recipients was businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, founder and chairman of the Ruparelia Group, who received the Golden Flamingo Trophy for his outstanding dedication to the tourism industry. His Speke Resort Convention Centre (SRCC) was also named International Tourism Investment of the Year.
Other honorees included conservationist Boniface Kadabara, recognized as Local Tourism Personality of the Year; Lilly Ajarova, former CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), who received the Tourism Personality of the Year Award; and the CTC Conservation Center, led by Thomas Benjamin Price, which won the Transformation Tourism Project Award. The Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board was also recognized for offering a rich cultural experience that promotes Uganda’s heritage.
Tourism as a Driver of Growth
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who presided over the ceremony, emphasized that tourism remains a vital pillar of Uganda’s economic transformation. She noted that the sector contributes significantly to employment, investment, and foreign exchange earnings.
“Tourism is more than a luxury; it is a key economic engine for our country,” Ms Nabbanja said. “Globally, tourism contributes around seven percent of world trade, ranking third among major export categories. Uganda, too, has shown resilience and growth post-pandemic.”
She revealed that in 2024, Uganda welcomed 1.37 million international visitors—representing 89.2 percent of pre-pandemic levels—and tourism revenue rose by 26 percent to Shs 4.8 trillion (about USD 1.28 billion). Consequently, she urged the tourism sector to adopt sustainability and technological innovation to maintain this momentum.
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Investment and Sustainability Initiatives
Ms Nabbanja reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a favorable investment climate through tax credits, financing, and public-private partnerships for tourism-related programs. According to her, the government’s long-term goal is a 25-fold increase in tourism earnings within the next decade.
To achieve this, Uganda is investing heavily in infrastructure projects, including the expansion of Entebbe International Airport, development of Kabale International Airport, and upgrading aerodromes in Arua, Kidepo, Jinja, Kasese, and Kisoro. She also called upon local communities and the Uganda Wildlife Authority to protect wildlife and introduce new species to boost the country’s natural appeal.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities Tom Butime commended Arua City and the entire West Nile sub-region for their growing role in national tourism development. However, he acknowledged the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades such as airfield expansion, improved roads, and reliable ferry services to enhance accessibility and competitiveness.
He stated that tourism now contributes about 5.7 percent to Uganda’s GDP and supports more than 803,000 jobs. “The rise of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) tourism has elevated Uganda’s global profile,” Butime said. “Through the ATMS strategy—Agro-industrialization, Tourism Development, Mineral Development, and Science and Technology—Uganda aims to grow foreign exchange earnings to $50 billion by 2040.”
The Road Ahead
Arua Central legislator Jackson Atima echoed the call for infrastructure development and reaffirmed the region’s commitment to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation through tourism. He noted that strengthening transportation links in northern Uganda will enhance both local and international tourism flows.
As the event concluded, Prime Minister Nabbanja reiterated that Uganda’s tourism success depends on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. She emphasized that a well-coordinated effort between the government, private sector, and communities will transform Uganda into a premier African tourism destination.
The recognition of the 2025 tourism champions demonstrates Uganda’s dedication to building a sustainable and competitive tourism industry. With increased investment, community involvement, and policy support, the country’s tourism future looks bright and transformative.
