(KAMPALA) – Uganda’s tourism industry stakeholders have expressed strong dissatisfaction with a recent international safety ranking that placed the country alongside South Sudan, Somalia and the Central African Republic as risky destinations for travellers. Tour operators and investors argue that the categorisation is unfair, harmful to business, and overlooks recent progress in Uganda’s tourism and infrastructure sectors.
Industry leaders note that while Uganda has faced challenges, including regional instability and occasional security incidents, the country remains one of East Africa’s most popular destinations for wildlife and cultural tourism. They argue that grouping Uganda with fragile states creates a misleading picture for international visitors and investors.
Tour operators say the ranking could discourage potential tourists and undermine years of investment in conservation and hospitality. They argue that countries such as South Sudan and Somalia face more complex security situations compared to Uganda. The grouping, they claim, ignores Uganda’s relative stability and the importance of tourism as a driver of foreign exchange and employment.
Stakeholders have also criticised other pressing issues that, in their view, continue to affect tourism more directly than security perceptions. These include poor road infrastructure, particularly the Fort Portal highway, which is vital for connecting travellers to key national parks. Industry representatives also point to inefficiencies at Entebbe International Airport, where the lack of a dedicated domestic terminal forces local passengers to queue alongside international travellers, leading to long delays.
The concerns have been voiced across the tourism business community in Kampala, with many calling for stronger government engagement in improving infrastructure, airport management, and international public relations. Industry voices stress that promoting Uganda’s positive image abroad is crucial to ensure tourists continue to see the country as a safe and attractive destination.
The debate comes at a time when neighbouring South Sudan is also working to improve its own image in regional and global tourism. While South Sudan’s industry is still emerging, driven by cultural heritage and eco-tourism opportunities, it faces persistent challenges linked to infrastructure, investment gaps, and ongoing security concerns.
A Tour operator who spoke to Jakony Media Agency said the way Uganda has reacted to its ranking could provide useful lessons for South Sudan’s tourism stakeholders in shaping their own long term development strategies.
For South Sudan, where the economy is dominated by oil, international tourism could become a vital sector for generating hard currency revenues. However, experts have warned that safety perceptions remain one of the most significant barriers to attracting international visitors and investment.
