Jinja Source of the Nile to be developed into tourism site
Speaking about achievements and expectations in the sector, Kasaija said that there is need to harness tourism, which is an income earner for the country.
Uganda will be marketed and promoted as a world-class tourist destination, with the Source of the Nile to be developed into a Tourism site, Finance minister, Matia Kasaija has said.

Speaking about achievements and expectations in the sector, Kasaija said that there is need to harness tourism, which is an income earner for the country.

“There is therefore need to harness this cash cow. In addition to tourism infrastructure development, Uganda will be marketed and promoted as a world-class tourist destination. The Source of the Nile, will be developed into a Tourism site.” The minister said in a budget speech he read on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni.

“This will complement the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s acquisition of three speed boats, five buses and the development of tourism facilities including restaurants and shopping areas.”

He said that in addition the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute and the Uganda Wildlife Research and Tourism Institute will be rehabilitated and equipped to build hospitality skills.

International tourist standards, he said, will also be enhanced with the continued certification of hotels and restaurants. So far 61 hotels have been star-rated, he said.

The minister noted that tourism has developed rapidly, with Uganda ranked as the fourth world’s best tourist destination including the best in Africa by ‘Rough Guides’ last year.

“Tourist arrivals to Uganda have more than doubled to 1.3 million people in 2015, rising from 540,000 in 2006. Tourism also employs 1.2 million people both directly and indirectly,” he said adding that consequently, Uganda is targeting tourist arrivals to increase to four million visitors per year, and double tourism earnings from USD 1.35 billion today to USD 2.7 billion by 2020.

“This will translate into significant jobs for Ugandans,” he said.