President Yoweri Museveni unveiled a Tourism Conservation Strategy for the Elgon Sub-region and commissioned Mbale Zoo on Sunday during World Tourism Day 2026 celebrations at Mbale Secondary School Grounds. The initiative aims to safeguard forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats from encroachment, with Museveni warning that environmental degradation threatens Uganda’s tourism industry. He highlighted rising temperatures in the region since the 1960s and urged residents to adopt tourism and other economic sectors as income sources, citing its role in supporting businesses like accommodation and cultural enterprises.
The strategy, announced alongside the zoo’s opening by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), focuses on conservation education and tourism promotion. Museveni praised UWA for the facility, which he said would enhance wildlife awareness and attract visitors. He also called for leveraging Uganda’s four wealth-creation sectors—agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT—to improve household incomes. The event, themed "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism," featured discussions on tech-driven solutions like digital booking platforms and AI-supported safari planning to enhance visitor experiences.
Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime emphasized the government’s push for digital technologies to market Uganda’s tourism. He noted challenges such as limited investment and visa barriers but highlighted opportunities for European collaboration. Netherlands Ambassador Angèle Samura cited a surge in European tourist arrivals from 38,000 in 2024 to 150,000 in 2025, urging partnerships in sustainable hospitality and AI integration. Mbale City Mayor Joyce Matuka Kidulu praised digital tourism for positioning the city as a regional gateway, citing improved visibility and accessibility for visitors.
The World Tourism Day event brought together officials, stakeholders, and cultural leaders to showcase Uganda’s tourism potential. Discussions centered on technology, investment, and innovation to expand the sector, with a focus on the Elgon Sub-region’s unique attractions, including Mount Elgon, cultural heritage, and culinary offerings. The initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to balancing conservation, economic growth, and digital transformation in tourism.