The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has officially launched the 6th Bi-Annual Private Sector CEO Retreat, scheduled to take place from September 9–11, 2025, in Fort Portal City, with a key focus on strengthening public-private partnerships in the tourism sector.
Speaking at the media launch at Uganda Media Center in Kampala on Tuesday, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Hon. Mugarra Martin Bahinduka said the event, organized in collaboration with the Presidential CEO Forum (PCF), marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s efforts to position itself as the leading sustainable tourism destination in Africa.
“This retreat will serve not just as a platform for reflection and strategy, but as a national statement of ambition, where the private sector plays a central role in driving tourism development,” said Bahinduka.
Minister Bahinduka highlighted tourism as one of Uganda’s most resilient economic sectors, citing its contributions to GDP, employment, foreign exchange earnings, and its potential to promote inclusive growth, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability.
The three-day retreat is expected to draw high-level participation from CEOs, investors, tourism stakeholders, and government officials. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is confirmed to attend as Guest of Honour, signaling strong political backing for the initiative.
According to the Ministry, the retreat aligns with the national Tourism Month in September, during which Uganda will promote its diverse tourism offerings both locally and internationally. Key areas of focus at the retreat will include destination marketing, service quality, infrastructure development, digital transformation, and the regulatory environment.
Minister Bahinduka emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in implementing Uganda’s tourism growth strategies and called on businesses to invest in innovative, market-driven solutions that align with national goals.
“The PCF plays a crucial complementary role through dialogue and partnership, enabling businesses to support government priorities and improve competitiveness across the tourism value chain,” he added.
The Minister also underscored the need for improved storytelling and destination branding, calling on the media to help portray Uganda positively and accurately to the global tourism market.
The retreat is expected to contribute to the government’s broader tenfold growth strategy for the sector and support Cabinet objectives aimed at transforming Uganda into a globally competitive destination.
