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President Museveni has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at propelling Uganda’s tourism sector to greater heights, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to its development. During the World Life Day celebration in Kyenjojo District, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja delivered the President’s speech, highlighting key areas of investment to bolster the tourism industry’s contribution to the national economy.
The President underscored the significance of the tourism sector, which currently contributes 3.6 percent to Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Moreover, he noted that the sector has generated approximately 1.6 million jobs as of 2023, demonstrating its crucial role in driving employment and economic growth across the country.
President Museveni outlined ten strategic areas of investment aimed at enhancing the tourism sector’s performance. These include reinforcing law enforcement against wildlife crime, refining the regulation of tourism activities, elevating standards across the tourism value chain, and enhancing human resource capacity within the sector.
Infrastructure development emerged as a key priority, with the government focusing on extending electricity grid and ICT infrastructure to tourism attractions. Efforts have also been made to construct tourist trails and rescue facilities, particularly in Mountain Rwenzori. Plans are underway to explore the possibility of installing electric cables to further enhance infrastructure in these areas.
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Moreover, the government intends to bolster the protection of tourists and destination sites by constructing additional tourism roads and upgrading domestic airstrips. Special attention will be given to selected forest reserves and wildlife areas earmarked for elevation to national park status, further enhancing their appeal to visitors.
Addressing the issue of human-wildlife conflicts, President Museveni stressed the importance of constructing more electric fences and animal deterrents. Furthermore, he highlighted the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in conservation and tourism promotion, signaling a concerted effort to integrate digital innovations into wildlife conservation practices.
In line with this year’s celebration theme, “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation,” President Museveni urged stakeholders in the tourism sector to embrace digital solutions. He emphasized the need for innovative approaches to combat challenges such as deforestation, illegal logging, habitat degradation, and climate change effects.
The President reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating human-induced threats to wildlife, including poaching, illegal wildlife trade, encroachment, and deforestation. He called upon all Ugandans and conservation partners to support efforts aimed at conserving Uganda’s rich biodiversity for sustainable development.
Uganda’s exceptional wildlife diversity, including being home to over 50 percent of the world’s mountain gorillas, underscores its importance as a global biodiversity hotspot. President Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s role as a custodian of this precious natural heritage and emphasized the need for collective efforts to preserve it for future generations.
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