EU-backed €15.5 million initiative to unlock investment in Uganda’s tourism sector

A man feeds chimps at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. PHOTO/EDGAR BATTE

The Government of Uganda has welcomed a new multi-partner initiative to unlock investment in the East African country’s growing tourism sector and create opportunities for small businesses with the potential to create jobs, grow the private sector and provide an inclusive economic boost for the country.

The €15.5 million (Shs62b) Sustainable Tourism Value Chain Initiative (2026–2030) is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Belgian agency for international cooperation Enabel, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The initiative seeks to address key structural barriers that continue to limit investment and growth across Uganda’s tourism ecosystem, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which remain constrained by limited access to finance, high borrowing costs, fragmented value chains and inadequate investment readiness support.

“Uganda is taking deliberate steps to unlock the full potential of tourism as a driver of jobs, investment and inclusive growth,” said Mrs.

Doreen Silver Katusiime, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.

“Our focus is on building a more coordinated, investment-ready and globally competitive sector by improving standards, strengthening partnerships and supporting the development of world-class tourism experiences that create lasting value for communities and the economy.”

The European Union said the initiative reflects its broader commitment to sustainable development, green growth and private sector development in Uganda.

“The European Union sees tourism not only as an economic sector, but also as a tool for sustainable development,” said H.E. Jan Sadek, Ambassador of the European Union to Uganda.

“Over the years, EU support has contributed to heritage promotion, conservation, skills development and community-based tourism initiatives. We have seen encouraging progress in tourism infrastructure, the strengthening of local value chains and a growing recognition of the importance of sustainability in tourism planning and investment.”

Uganda’s tourism sector, especially its nature-based attractions, holds enormous potential to drive exports, earn foreign exchange, create jobs, strengthen rural livelihoods and support inclusive economic development.

The investment initiative follows a 2025 government report that showed international t