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. Kasaija said the others are: Cable car systems and auxiliary facilities in mountain regions and development of tourism recreation zones, tourism roads and 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," said the Minister.

He said Uganda boasts of several waterfalls located in various regions, including Kalangala, Itanda, Sezibwa, Aruu, Karuma, Sipi, and Mpanga,adding that under mountaineering, key opportunities are in trail development and operations, including establishing camping sites, boardwalks, accommodation, rest areas, and shelters.

Regarding the River Nile, 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.

Kasaija 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.

The Minister said Uganda has many islands and lakes, yet none is fully developed as a tourism zone. He said 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, the longest river in the world at 6,833 kilometers, has been the lifeline of civilization in Egypt since the Stone Age ,adding that 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.

The State Minister for Privatization and Investment, Hon. Evelyn Anite said that investment opportunities in tourism are vast,adding that some places still lack sufficient hospitality accommodation. 

“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," she said.

Ambassador Allan Kajik, introduced the Canadian delegation comprised of tourism strategists, writers, journalists, media house owners and tour operators selected from various parts of Canada .

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 tourism sector,” he said.

He thanked the Finance  Ministry 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.