The 6th Bi-Annual Private Sector CEO Tourism Retreat Launched
6th Kampala, 19th Aug 2025 – The Presidential CEO Forum (PCF), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, has launched the 6th Bi-Annual Private Sector CEO Tourism Retreat, scheduled to take place from 9th to 11th September 2025 at Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Fort Portal. The retreat will bring together over 200 CEOs, policymakers, investors, and stakeholders to foster strategic dialogue and strengthen public-private collaboration in tourism.
The Presidential CEO Forum CEO, Irene Birungi Mugisha, noted that the retreat is about strengthening public-private collaboration, showcasing Uganda’s unique attractions, driving investment in tourism, and celebrating outstanding leadership. She further appreciated the Ministry of Tourism, through the PS, for championing the conversation, noting that tourism rightly belongs within the Ministry and thrives with its full support.
The Presidential CEO Forum CEO, Irene Birungi Mugisha, noted that the retreat is about strengthening public-private collaboration, showcasing Uganda’s unique attractions, driving investment in tourism, and celebrating outstanding leadership. She further appreciated the Ministry of Tourism, through the PS, for championing the conversation, noting that tourism rightly belongs within the Ministry and thrives with its full support.
Officiating at the launch, State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra, emphasized the sector’s role in economic growth, job creation, cultural preservation, and boosting Uganda’s global visibility, noting that platforms like the CEO Retreat are key to positioning Uganda as a top travel destination. “Tourism is one of the most resilient & dynamic sectors of our economy. Beyond its contributions to GDP, it is a powerful vehicle for inclusive growth, cultural preservation, & environmental sustainability.”
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Basil Ajer, Director of Tourism at the Ministry, highlighted priority areas for the retreat, including investment, digitalization, infrastructure, conservation, product diversification, and tourist safety. He noted tourism's 6.6% contribution to GDP, over USD 1.2 billion in foreign exchange earnings, and support for more than 800,000 jobs.
Dr. Ruth Biyinzika Kasolo, Vice Chairperson of the PCF, underscored the importance of media integration in promoting tourism and ensuring that outcomes from the retreat inform national planning, budgets, and policy.
Juliana Kaggwa, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, mentioned that UTB is re-engineering its strategy to move in tandem with the private sector, ensuring stronger collaboration. Promoting Uganda as a destination goes hand-in-hand with building the capacity to accommodate more visitors as well as collaborating with the five East African states to create cross-border packages and partnerships, giving the region greater leverage in tourism development than pursuing separate national efforts.
James Musinguzi, Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority, notes that tourism is the second pillar in the ATMs to transform Uganda’s economy tenfold by 2040. The private sector plays a vital role in promoting the sector and ensuring that every Ugandan can enjoy the country’s natural wonders. The Uganda Wildlife Authority is collaborating with the private sector to provide both high-end and affordable accommodation, ensuring accessibility for all. Several conservation areas are still under development, creating more opportunities for visitors to experience Uganda’s rich wildlife.
Juliana Kaggwa, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, mentioned that UTB is re-engineering its strategy to move in tandem with the private sector, ensuring stronger collaboration. Promoting Uganda as a destination goes hand-in-hand with building the capacity to accommodate more visitors as well as collaborating with the five East African states to create cross-border packages and partnerships, giving the region greater leverage in tourism development than pursuing separate national efforts.
James Musinguzi, Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority, notes that tourism is the second pillar in the ATMs to transform Uganda’s economy tenfold by 2040. The private sector plays a vital role in promoting the sector and ensuring that every Ugandan can enjoy the country’s natural wonders. The Uganda Wildlife Authority is collaborating with the private sector to provide both high-end and affordable accommodation, ensuring accessibility for all. Several conservation areas are still under development, creating more opportunities for visitors to experience Uganda’s rich wildlife.
Under the theme “Transforming Uganda into a Preferred Tourism Destination: Enhancing public-private sector investment in infrastructure, conservation, digitalization, product diversification, marketing, and tourist safety,” the retreat aims to build strategic partnerships, spotlight Uganda’s unique tourism assets, and shape policy for sustainable sector growth.
A series of activities organized by the Presidential CEO Forum will lead up to the main retreat.
These will begin with the Top Tourist Investors engagement on 21st August, followed by creative workshops on 22nd August involving media practitioners, content creators, and fashion innovators. Sector-specific dialogues with tourism stakeholders are scheduled for 29th August. A birding experience at the newly established Hoima Stadium will take place on 2nd September, and a high-level stakeholder engagement with the Prime Minister and key MDAs is set for 4th September. The retreat will culminate in Fort Portal from 9th to 11th September 2025, concluding with the adoption of resolutions under the leadership of H.E. the President of Uganda.
#ShapingTheNation #CEOForumUG2025
#ShapingTheNation #CEOForumUG2025