The Uganda High Commission in New Delhi, in collaboration with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Uganda Airlines on Friday successfully concluded a 10-day Indian Travel Trade Familiarization (FAM) Trip, a significant milestone in the growing Uganda-India bilateral relationship.
The FAM Trip showcased Uganda’s exceptional tourism potential to a delegation of prominent Indian tour operators, fostering new partnerships and reinforcing the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Held in late May 2025, the trip was led by Her Excellency Prof. Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda, Uganda’s High Commissioner to India. Speaking at the closing press conference, H.E. Kikafunda emphasized the longstanding historical ties between Uganda and India, noting that 2025 marks 60 years of diplomatic relations.
“This FAM Trip is a testament to our commitment to deepen tourism cooperation with India, a trusted partner and one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets,” she remarked.
H.E. Kikafunda further underscored Uganda’s Vision 2040 — a national development strategy that seeks to grow the economy tenfold to USD 500 billion positioning tourism as a key pillar alongside agro-industrialization, rural development, and innovation.
Highlighting the deepening bilateral ties under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she described Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa,” citing its rich biodiversity and immense tourism potential. She also stressed the need for enhanced global marketing and outlined Uganda’s Economic and Commercial Diplomacy strategy, which places tourism at the forefront of economic growth initiatives.
She noted Uganda’s recognition at Mumbai’s OTM 2025, where it was named the Most Promising New Destination, and lauded efforts such as the introduction of direct Uganda Airlines flights from Mumbai to Entebbe and expedited e-visa processing within 48 hours.
H.E. Kikafunda called for stronger collaboration with Indian stakeholders to boost tourist arrivals by 20% over the next two years, leveraging India’s vast and growing outbound tourism market.
Immersive Experiences Across Uganda
The Indian delegation explored Uganda’s iconic attractions, including the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Highlights included rhino tracking at Ziwa, a scenic Nile River cruise at Murchison Falls, magical chimpanzee encounters in Kibale, and vibrant wildlife sightings at Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Delegates praised Uganda’s natural beauty, warm hospitality, and diverse tourism offerings, describing the country as “Africa compressed into one destination.”
Indian Support and Endorsements
Upendra Singh Negi, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Uganda, commended Uganda’s tourism promotion efforts and highlighted its unique appeal:
“In Uganda, you can enjoy game drives, majestic waterfalls, and boat rides on the Nile all in one day. This is a powerful selling point that must be broadcast widely.”
He reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s tourism growth, noting the current 37,000 annual Indian tourist arrivals and the potential for exponential growth given India’s 30 million outbound travelers annually.
Strategic Outlook from UTB
Francis Nyende, Marketing Manager at the Uganda Tourism Board, outlined UTB’s strategic objectives for penetrating the Indian market. These include increasing Uganda’s visibility, building partnerships with Indian travel companies, diversifying tourism offerings, and encouraging investment in tourism infrastructure.
“We want Uganda to be top of mind for Indian travelers. Beyond gorillas and safaris, we offer rich culture, adventure, and unmatched hospitality,” he said.
UTB also announced a Uganda-India Travel Campaign, a 2026 roadshow across Indian cities, and partnerships with the Indian film industry to promote film tourism.
Government’s Vision and Commitment
Ambassador Kamahungye Elly, Director of International and Regional Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the government’s economic diplomacy efforts to elevate Uganda’s tourism sector.
“Our vision is to scale Uganda’s tourism to USD 40 billion. If we can attract just 5 million Indian tourists, we’ll achieve two-thirds of that goal,” he noted.
He encouraged Indian investment in key tourism infrastructure such as roads, airstrips, and resorts to enhance the visitor experience.
Glowing Reviews from Delegates
Indian tour operators described their Ugandan journey as “thrilling,” “humbling,” and “unforgettable.” Memorable experiences included the tranquil yet exciting Nile cruise at Murchison Falls, close encounters with hippos and elephants, and the awe-inspiring chimpanzee tracking in Kibale.
At Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kazinga Channel cruise and lion sightings left a lasting impression, with warm hospitality at Mweya Safari Lodge receiving particular praise.
Facilitating Seamless Travel
Uganda has made remarkable progress in easing travel for international visitors. The launch of direct flights between Mumbai and Entebbe by Uganda Airlines in October 2023 cut travel time to under seven hours. Additionally, the Uganda High Commission in New Delhi now processes e-visas in less than 48 hours.
Significant improvements in infrastructure including better roads, domestic airports, electricity, and internet connectivity, further reflect Uganda’s commitment to becoming a top-tier global tourism destination.
A New Chapter in Uganda-India Tourism Cooperation
This successful FAM Trip marks the beginning of a new and dynamic chapter in Uganda-India tourism relations. Both nations are committed to a win-win partnership that promotes economic growth, cultural exchange, and mutual prosperity.
The Uganda High Commission and Uganda Tourism Board invite Indian travelers, investors, and partners to discover the wonders of the Pearl of Africa and to join Uganda on its journey to becoming a leading global tourism hub.
