Emirates Airline Group highlights Uganda’s iconic wonders and equatorial charm, driving global tourism and positioning the country as a must-visit destination.
The Emirates Airline Group, which transported approximately 51.9 million passengers during the 2023/24 fiscal year, has unveiled its plans to boost Uganda’s tourism potential on a global scale.
A diverse delegation of Emirates representatives from countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan, India, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, and the United Kingdom traveled to Uganda to explore its top tourist destinations. Their goal is to spotlight Uganda’s must-see attractions and promote the country as a premier travel destination to international audiences.
President Yoweri Museveni warmly welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Uganda’s exceptional climate, which he attributed to its location along the Equator and its diverse altitudes.
He also highlighted how this favorable climate supports the cultivation of organic crops, including world-renowned coffee and tropical fruits like pineapples. Responding to a question about Uganda’s coffee quality, President Museveni explained that the equatorial climate creates ideal conditions for its production.
The president encouraged the delegation to visit key tourist sites, including Uganda’s iconic national parks. The country’s tourism industry remains a significant driver of economic growth, welcoming over 1.7 million visitors in 2023 and generating an estimated $1.6 billion in revenue.
Uganda’s top attractions include the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas, and the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls. Other highlights are the Rwenzori Mountains, often called the “Mountains of the Moon,” featuring year-round snow caps, and Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake.
The Emirates delegation’s visit is expected to amplify global awareness of Uganda’s unique offerings and increase international tourism to the region.
As Emirates Airlines marks 25 years of operations in Uganda, this partnership underscores the pivotal role of global airlines in promoting emerging travel destinations. With its vast network, Emirates is poised to elevate Uganda’s visibility on the global tourism stage.
The meeting was attended by key Ugandan officials, including the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Bahinduka Mugarra Martin, Permanent Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities Ms. Doreen Katusiime, and Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mr. Bagiire Vincent Waiswa.
Uganda’s Ambassador to the UAE, Zaake Kibedi, along with Ambassador Elly Kamahungye and officials from the Uganda Tourism Board, such as Pearl Houreau Kakooza, Lilly Ajarova, and Daniel Irunga, also participated. Representatives from the Uganda Embassy in the UAE, Erina Zalwango and Daniel Wadada, joined to support this collaborative effort.
This initiative represents a significant step in positioning Uganda as a global tourism hub and leveraging international partnerships to achieve sustained growth in the sector
