By Uganda concluded a 10-day Indian Travel Trade Familiarisation Trip (Fam Trip) this week with resounding optimism, as officials from the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and the Ugandan High Commission to India hosted a celebratory press engagement in Kampala to mark the occasion.
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The delegation of Indian travel operators, media professionals, and influencers explored Uganda’s rich tourism offerings — from gorilla trekking and national parks to cultural sites and spiritual destinations. The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UTB, aimed to strengthen Uganda’s presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets.
H.E. Joyce Kikafunda, Uganda’s High Commissioner to India, opened the event by highlighting the significance of 2025 as the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. “As Uganda’s envoy to this great nation, I feel deeply honored and privileged,” she said, noting the pivotal role played by Presidents Yoweri Museveni and Narendra Modi in fostering warm bilateral relations.
Francis Nyende, the UTB Marketing Manager, delivered an impassioned keynote address, stating: “India is not just a tourism market for us — it is a trusted ally with which we share historical, cultural, and spiritual bonds.” He described Uganda as a destination uniquely positioned to serve Indian travelers seeking adventure, wellness, and meaningful experiences.
“Uganda is eager and well-positioned to attract a fair share of India’s growing outbound travel market,” Nyende said, citing that over 25 million Indians traveled abroad in 2023, a figure projected to reach 35 million by 2026. “We welcomed 31,000 Indian visitors in 2023. This is a positive trend, but we know we can do better. We want Uganda to be top of mind for Indian travelers,” he added.
Nyende emphasized that Uganda offers much more than wildlife and gorilla trekking. “Many arrive in Uganda thinking only of gorillas and safaris. But by the end of your visit, I hope you agree that Uganda offers much more—our warm hospitality, rich cuisine, cultural heritage, and unmatched natural beauty.”
UTB unveiled a set of initiatives to bolster this partnership. These include a Destination Certification Programme for Indian travel agents, a multi-channel marketing campaign across India in the 2025/26 financial year, roadshows in Indian cities by 2026, and promotion of Uganda as a location for Bollywood and regional Indian film productions.
“We see a huge opportunity to attract Bollywood and regional Indian cinema productions to Uganda. We have the locations, the diversity, and the hospitality to support film tourism,” Nyende told guests.
He also made a direct call for investment: “We invite Indian investors not just to visit Uganda, but to invest in our parks, accommodation facilities, transport services, and other critical infrastructure that supports tourism growth.”
Nyende left the audience with a memorable message: “Let us craft itineraries that connect Kampala to Kochi, Jinja to Jaipur, and Bwindi to Bengaluru. Let Uganda be your gateway to Africa’s beauty, serenity, and soulful experience.”
The event marked a turning point in Uganda’s destination marketing efforts to India, with both countries committing to deepen tourism ties, enhance visibility, and explore new opportunities in cultural and economic collaboration.
