SPEECH BY THE STATE MINISTER FOR TOURISM, WILDLIFE AND ANTIQUITIES, HON. MARTIN MUGARRA AT THE PRESIDENTIAL CEO FORUM 6TH BI-ANNUAL PRIVATE SECTOR CEO RETREAT MEDIA LAUNCH ON TUESDAY, 19TH AUGUST 2025, AT UGANDA MEDIA CENTER.
19th August 2025 | Kampala, Uganda
It is my great honour to be here today at the media launch of the Presidential CEO Forum (PCF) 6th Bi-Annual Private Sector CEO Retreat, specifically focusing on tourism. This is yet another significant milestone in our continued partnership with the private sector as we chart Uganda’s path to becoming a preferred tourism destination in Africa and globally.
Tourism continues to be one of the most resilient and dynamic sectors of our economy. Beyond its contributions to GDP, employment, and foreign exchange, tourism is a powerful vehicle for inclusive growth, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability.
Our vision as the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities is clear: To position Uganda as the leading sustainable tourism destination in Africa. We are blessed with extraordinary natural beauty—from the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, the source of the Nile, the iconic mountain gorillas in Bwindi, to our diverse cultures and warm-hearted people. But this potential can only be fully realised through strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors.
In this context, the Presidential CEO Forum (PCF) plays a crucial complementary role. Through consistent dialogue, innovative partnerships, and shared objectives, the PCF provides a platform for businesses to align with national tourism priorities, invest in quality service delivery, and create market-driven solutions that respond to evolving traveller expectations.
This retreat shall not just be an opportunity for reflection and strategy; it will be an embodiment of national ambition where the private sector strengthens its position as a co-pilot in driving tourism development. I am encouraged by the increasing participation of private players in destination marketing, product innovation, and digital transformation of the tourism value chain.
Let me also echo the words of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda, who once said: “Tourism is not only about wildlife and scenery, but also about people and peace. Uganda must continue to position itself as the Pearl of Africa by ensuring that tourists come, stay longer, spend more, and return with friends.” These words remind us of the strategic importance of stability, hospitality, and infrastructure in supporting the growth of tourism.
This year’s retreat comes at a particularly opportune time as it coincides with September, our National Tourism Month. This is the month when we place a special spotlight on Uganda’s diverse tourism offerings, organize nationwide activities, and mobilise both local and international audiences to experience the best that our country has to offer. The 6th Bi-Annual Private Sector CEO Retreat will therefore add even greater momentum to the Tourism Month celebrations, amplifying our message that Uganda is ready, competitive, and welcoming to the world.
I therefore take this opportunity to invite all tourism actors—public, private, community, and development partners—to join us for the three-day PCF 6th Bi-Annual Private Sector CEO Retreat to be held in Fort Portal from 9th to 11th September 2025, and actively contribute to shaping the future of Uganda’s tourism sector. We are honoured that His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda, will grace the event as our Guest of Honour.
As a Ministry, we are committed to working hand-in-hand with the private sector to address barriers in tourism development and promotion, enhance regulatory frameworks, improve market access, and strengthen destination branding. Our agencies will continue engaging with CEOs and stakeholders to implement policies that foster innovation and competitiveness across the tourism value chain.
To the media fraternity present today, your role is equally vital. The story of Uganda as a destination must be told positively, widely, and accurately. Let us work together to showcase the rich tapestry of our culture, heritage, nature, and people.
As I conclude, I wish to commend the leadership of the Presidential CEO Forum for their commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities to organize the 6th Bi-Annual Private Sector CEO Retreat. This conversation will bring to life tourism’s contribution to the tenfold growth strategy and will indeed speak to His Excellency’s timely commission to have this dialogue on tourism this year. I look forward to seeing transformative outcomes from the upcoming retreat that will ensure that the President’s and Cabinet’s objectives in shaping the future of Uganda’s tourism are realized.
Let us all stay dedicated to our shared vision — making Uganda the preferred tourism destination in Africa.
I thank you.
Hon. Mugarra Martin Bahinduka