Hon. Matia Kasaija Meets Canadian Tourism Delegation in Kampala

The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija expressed high optimism that Tourism is expected to be one of the four major sources of Uganda’s high economic growth helping the country to achieve the $500 billion economy.
Welcoming the delegation of Canadian investors led by Uganda's Acting Head of Mission to Canada (Ottawa), Mr Allan Kajik, Kasaija said that There are several investment opportunities within the tourism sector, including: Investment in permanent areas for mountaineering and hill climbing adventures, houseboats, cruises, and launches on the Nile,” he said
Minister Kasaija said the others are: Cable car systems and auxiliary facilities in mountain regions and development of tourism recreation zones, Tourism roads, Waterfalls development.
“Uganda, as you may be aware, has established itself as a great tourism destination over the last 40 years with a stable political and macroeconomic environment’’.
Uganda boasts several waterfalls located in various regions, including Kalangala, Itanda, Sezibwa, Aruu, Karuma, Sipi, and Mpanga and Under mountaineering, key opportunities are in trail development and operations, including establishing camping sites, boardwalks, accommodation, rest areas, and shelters.
He said regarding the River Nile, Minister Kasaija said key investment opportunities include cruise launches, houseboats, and supporting infrastructure such as navigation routes.
“The Minister noted that Rwenzori Mountain, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, is a unique tourist attraction in Africa, particularly in Uganda, with several peaks permanently snow-capped despite being on the equator,” he said.

Matia said it is the largest mountain range in Africa, 120 kilometers long and 65 kilometers wide, with an elevation range of 1,600 meters to 5,109 meters above sea level. The mountain range forms the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
Adding that the park currently receives 10,000 visitors annually, and with proposed developments, this number is expected to increase to over 50,000 per year.
“Preliminary studies have been conducted on cable car systems, including cost estimates, economic viability, and environmental feasibility. The studies show that the project is both financially and environmentally viable and will significantly benefit the economy and tourism industry,” he said.
Minister added: “Uganda has many islands and lakes, yet none is fully developed as a tourism zone. The idea is to develop tourism recreation zones with facilities such as roads, energy, airports, accommodation, recreational centers, water sports, and entertainment facilities.”
He further explained to the Canadian delegation that the Nile, is regarded as the longest river in the world at 6,833 kilometers, has been the lifeline of civilization in Egypt since the Stone Age. It remains a major attraction for international visitors searching for its source.
He noted the key investment opportunities along the Nile include public infrastructure, cultural centers, entertainment facilities, accommodation, water activities, guided museums, zip lines, information centers, monuments, floating restaurants, and an existing golf club.
“Additional opportunities include amusement parks and children's play areas east of the city. There are many more investment opportunities in the tourism sector,” he said.
The State Minister for Privatization and Investment, Hon. Evelyn Anite said that, “holding this docket as a Minister of Investment for 10 years, I can confidently say that investment opportunities in tourism are vast’’. In the places you visited, you saw that we still lack sufficient hospitality accommodation. For those who would like to build hotels, the opportunity is there, and we offer incentives.”
“We exempt taxes on inputs for the hospitality industry equipment like washing machines, windows, and bedding especially for hotels in upcountry areas and within the tourism sector. My senior Minister will provide more details, but I assure you there is a big opportunity in hospitality industry,” she added.
Anite said there are also opportunities in attractions like zip lines and tourism activities such as gorilla tracking. In tour and travel services, the sector is open and growing. Like some of you are already in this field you can come, publish your stories, and expand your businesses.
In summary, Anite assured the Canadians that Uganda is a growing economy with vast opportunities, pointing out that as tourist numbers increase, so do investment opportunities. do not wait for others to take them. We want Canadian investors in our tourism sector. You have seen the potential yourselves now seize it. We are here to support you. We treat our investors as development partners, and we walk the journey together. We do not leave you alone we hold your hand every step of the way.
Ambassador Allan Kajik, introduced the Canadian delegation to Minister. this delegation before you Hon, Minister consists of tourism strategists, writers, journalists, media house owner and tour operators selected from various parts of Canada as you will hear from their introductions. 

The team arrived in the country on April 8th, 2026 and have been introduced to some religious and cultural experiences, some national parks where they have experienced the Big 6, have seen the waters and other wildlife and birds, the scenery, the peoples and the cuisine of Uganda. he said 
Amb. Kajik noted that the number of tourists coming to Uganda has increased from 3,900 in 2013 to 9688 that came to Uganda last year and he wants this number to keep growing. “This is why I came with this delegation to explore the investment opportunities in Uganda’s tourist sector so that they can be able to offer us what they can do,” he said
Finally, thank you Hon. Minister, for enhancing the Mission budget, especially the Economic Commercial Diplomacy budget which has enabled the Mission to engage more in promotion activities for trade, tourism and investment said by Ambassador Allan Kajik Acting Head of Mission to Canada (Ottawa).