President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has warned that continued destruction of Uganda’s wetlands and forests threatens the country’s tourism potential, calling on Ugandans to protect the environment if they want to benefit from the multi-trillion-dollar global tourism industry.
Museveni made the remarks in Mbale City during celebrations to mark World Tourism Day, where he toured tourism facilities and officially opened the renovated Mount Elgon Hotel.
The President said the restoration of the historic hotel had retained its architectural heritage while introducing modern hospitality facilities, describing the hospitality industry as an important component of Uganda’s service sector because of its role in creating jobs, supporting businesses and driving economic growth.
The Mount Elgon Hotel was originally established in the 1950s and was restored in 2026, with the facility now offering modern accommodation and hospitality services.
Museveni also visited the Mbale Wildlife Education Centre, a facility established to promote wildlife conservation education and tourism in the Elgon sub-region.
He said similar wildlife education initiatives should be extended to other parts of Uganda to bring wildlife closer to communities, particularly young people.
According to Museveni, exposing Ugandans to wildlife from an early age would encourage conservation, strengthen appreciation of the country’s natural resources, promote domestic tourism and inspire young people to pursue careers in tourism and conservation.
‘Uganda Has What Europe Has—and What Europe Doesn’t Have’
Speaking at Mbale Secondary School grounds, where the national World Tourism Day celebrations were held, Museveni urged Ugandans to take tourism seriously and position themselves to benefit from its enormous economic potential.
“Uganda has what Europe has and what Europe doesn’t have,” Museveni said, pointing to the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and Uganda’s favourable climate as some of the country’s distinctive tourism advantages.
He said the global tourism industry is worth about $11.6 trillion, arguing that Uganda must develop its tourism products and infrastructure to capture a bigger share of the international market.
The 2026 World Tourism Day celebrations in Mbale were held under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” reflecting the sector’s increasing focus on technology and digital transformation.
Museveni linked tourism development directly to environmental protection, warning that Uganda cannot simultaneously promote tourism, agriculture and electricity generation while allowing wetlands and forests to be destroyed.
“If you love tourism, agriculture and want electricity, you must be against environmental destruction,” he said.
He described people who destroy wetlands as “enemies of the future,” stressing that Uganda’s natural ecosystems are critical to its long-term economic prospects.
Museveni Demands Infrastructure for Elgon Tourism
The President also called for the extension of last-mile infrastructure to underserved areas of the Elgon region, specifically mentioning Bududa and Manjiya.
He said improved roads, electricity and other infrastructure would help connect communities, open up tourism destinations and support economic activity.
The call comes as authorities seek to unlock what tourism officials describe as largely underdeveloped tourism potential in the Bugisu region. Before the World Tourism Day celebrations, officials said the region’s tourism earnings remained far below those of major destinations such as Murchison Falls despite attractions including Mount Elgon, Sipi Falls and cultural sites.
Museveni also praised the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Ministry of Tourism, saying he was pleased that the institutions had “woken up from kugona”—sleep—and were increasingly focusing on developing Uganda’s tourism potential.
The President’s remarks come as government pushes to diversify tourism beyond Uganda’s traditional national-park circuit and promote attractions in regions such as Eastern Uganda.
The Ministry of Tourism has said the month-long 2026 World Tourism Day programme is intended to showcase tourism products in the Elgon region while using digital technologies and artificial intelligence to expand the sector.
Museveni’s message was therefore not simply about attracting foreign tourists, but also about getting Ugandans themselves to consume, protect and invest in the country’s tourism products.
With restored hotels, wildlife education centres, improved infrastructure and greater use of digital technology, the government is seeking to turn Uganda’s natural and cultural assets into a larger source of jobs, businesses and household incomes.
