Overview:
The State House–backed initiative brings together over 200 chief executives, policymakers, and industry leaders to forge strategies and partnerships that can accelerate Uganda’s economic transformation through tourism.
FORT PORTAL – The 6th Bi-Annual Presidential CEO Retreat opened on Monday in Fort Portal Tourism City under the theme: “Transforming Uganda into a Preferred Tourism Destination: Enhancing Public-Private Sector Investment in Infrastructure, Conservation, Digitalization, Product Diversification, and Tourism Safety.”
The State House–backed initiative brings together over 200 chief executives, policymakers, and industry leaders to forge strategies and partnerships that can accelerate Uganda’s economic transformation through tourism. President Yoweri Museveni is expected to preside over the retreat’s closing ceremony on September 11, 2025.
Tourism has been identified among the “4ATMs”—four key anchors of Uganda’s 10-fold growth strategy, which targets expanding the economy from an estimated US$50 billion in 2025 to US$500 billion by 2040. Achieving this, officials say, will require coordinated investments, innovative strategies, and collaboration across the entire tourism value chain.
The retreat features three panel discussions focusing on critical pillars of tourism development: Activities, Amenities, and Accommodation in line with the National Development Plan IV; Accessibility and Awareness to boost visitor experiences and market reach; and Government Interventions and Funding to strengthen public-private collaboration.
Organisers say the sessions will provide a platform for candid conversations among government representatives, private sector actors, creatives, and conservation experts on how to reposition Uganda as a globally competitive tourism destination.