Uganda’s strong tourism growth has renewed calls for the government to establish tourist information centers at major land border crossings, with industry stakeholders arguing that the country’s first impression on most international visitors begins far from Entebbe International Airport.
The appeal comes as Uganda continues to record rising visitor arrivals and tourism earnings, reinforcing the sector’s importance to the national economy.
According to the 2025 Tourism Statistical Abstract, Uganda welcomed 1.64 million international visitors in 2025, representing a 19.7 percent increase from 1.37 million arrivals in 2024. Tourism earnings also climbed by 21.3 percent to UGX 5.83 trillion, or about $1.62 billion, highlighting the industry’s continued expansion beyond its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The figures also reveal that land borders remain the country’s main gateway for international travelers. More than one million visitors, representing about 65 percent of total arrivals, entered Uganda through border posts, while approximately 570,000 travelers arrived through Entebbe International Airport.
Despite handling the majority of visitors, key border crossings including Katuna, Mirama Hills, Malaba, Busia, Bunagana, Mutukula, Kyanika and Vurra lack dedicated tourist information centers where travelers can receive guidance after entering the country.
Tourism experts say many visitors arrive after months of planning their trips but are immediately confronted with crowded border environments, transport operators, money changers and clearing agents, often with little official guidance on how to continue their journeys.
For first time visitors, that experience can quickly replace excitement with uncertainty.
Industry players argue that simple information desks staffed by trained personnel could provide maps, travel advice, emergency contacts, accommodation recommendations and guidance on nearby attractions. Such services could also assist travelers seeking last minute gorilla trekking permits, safe currency exchange locations, transport options and restaurant recommendations.
Beyond improving visitor experiences, tourism stakeholders believe information centers could generate wider economic benefits by encouraging tourists to spend more time in border towns instead of driving directly to established destinations.
That would create additional business opportunities for hotels, restaurants, craft shops and other local enterprises that currently receive limited tourism spending despite being located along major travel routes.
The proposal also aligns with Uganda’s broader tourism ambitions. Tourism remains one of the country’s leading foreign exchange earners and forms part of the government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, which aims to expand Uganda’s economy to $500 billion by 2040.
The 2026/27 national budget allocated UGX 567.32 billion to the tourism sector, with funding earmarked for destination branding, tourism infrastructure, roadside sanitation facilities and rest stops.
Stakeholders are now urging the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and the Uganda Tourism Board to dedicate part of that funding toward establishing tourist information centers at major land border crossings, arguing that a warm welcome, reliable information and professional assistance can shape visitors’ perceptions of Uganda and encourage repeat travel.
They say that while marketing campaigns may attract travelers to Uganda, the experience they have within the first few minutes of crossing the border can determine whether they leave with memories worth sharing or frustrations they are unlikely to forget.
