Uganda's government is targeting US$5 billion in annual tourism receipts by 2030, with Finance Minister Henry Musasizi calling for increased investment, stronger partnerships and deliberate efforts to attract high-spending tourists.

Musasizi said achieving the target will require more than increasing international visitor numbers, emphasising the need to encourage tourists to stay longer and spend more during their visits.

He made the remarks on Wednesday while officiating at the 4th Annual Tourism Development Programme Review Conference held at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.

According to the Tourism Development Programme Annual Performance Report for FY2025/26, Uganda received 1.64 million international tourists in 2025, compared to 1.37 million in 2024.

Tourism receipts also increased by 21.3 per cent to Shs5.83 trillion, equivalent to approximately US$1.62 billion, reflecting increased visitor spending and longer stays.

The average length of stay increased slightly from 8.7 nights in 2024 to 8.8 nights in 2025, while average expenditure per tourist rose from US$933 to US$986.

Despite the growth, Uganda still needs to significantly increase tourism earnings to achieve the US$5 billion annual target within the next four years.

Musasizi said Government's responsibility is to establish an enabling environment that allows private investors to expand tourism facilities, improve service standards and attract foreign direct investment.

He emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in transforming Uganda's tourism opportunities into commercially viable investments.

The Finance Minister identified several areas with investment potential, including hotels and conference facilities, eco-tourism, cultural and heritage tourism, faith-based tourism, agro-tourism, sports, wellness, adventure, creative and entertainment tourism.

He said developing these tourism products would help diversify Uganda's tourism offerings and increase the country's competitiveness in international markets.

According to the Tourism Satellite Account, the tourism sector directly generates 876,512 jobs, representing 7.5 per cent of Uganda's total employment.

Musasizi noted that expanding the sector would create additional employment opportunities, increase foreign exchange earnings and distribute economic benefits to communities across the country.

The Finance Minister said Government would continue investing in tourism infrastructure, destination marketing, product development, conservation, specialised skills and digital transformation.

He also highlighted the importance of improving the business and investment environment through affordable financing and fiscal incentives.

Additionally, Musasizi pointed to Economic and Commercial Diplomacy as an important strategy for promoting Uganda's tourism potential and attracting investors from international markets.

He urged tourism stakeholders to identify, develop, package and market the country's tourism assets while ensuring their sustainable management.

Musasizi said tourism should contribute to economic growth while protecting Uganda's natural resources and creating opportunities for local communities.

"Tourism is a source of high economic growth, earns the country significant foreign exchange, creates jobs for Ugandans, redistributes income to rural areas, and gives us a compelling reason to protect our nature," he said.

State Minister for Tourism Susan Nakawuki said Government's investments in tourism marketing, infrastructure development and product diversification were beginning to produce results.

She highlighted Uganda's growing visibility in international tourism markets, supported by collaboration with the country's diplomatic missions abroad and local governments.

Nakawuki also pointed to ongoing infrastructure developments aimed at improving access to tourism destinations.

These include the construction of more than 280 kilometres of tourism roads, expansion of Entebbe International Airport, development of Kabalega International Airport and commencement of Kidepo International Airport.

She further commended efforts to diversify Uganda's tourism products and safeguard its cultural and natural heritage.

However, Nakawuki called for additional investment in tourism infrastructure, stronger destination marketing, accelerated development of tourism products and improved skills among people working in the sector.

She emphasised that continued efforts in these areas would be necessary to strengthen Uganda's tourism industry and maximise its contribution to the national economy.

Uganda's US$5 billion tourism revenue target by 2030 comes amid growing international visitor numbers and increased tourism earnings, with Government seeking to attract more high-value travellers and encourage longer stays.