Uganda wildlife authority (UWA) collected over shs1 billion from tourists between December 15, 2005 and January 15, 2006. This collection came midst increased numbers of visitors to national parks around the country. The number of visitors totalled 11,622 up from 8,213 in 2004.

According to uwa acting executive director, Mr. Damian Akankwansa, about 5,000 Ugandans and 1,664 east African (Tanzanians and Kenyans) visited various national parks namely; Queen Elizabeth, lake Mburo, Murchison falls.

The growth of tourism activities and the subsequent revenue collected is attributed to a growing number of visitors from the East African region. More Ugandans are also taking to visiting national parks. uwa has also recruited a professional marketing manager to oversee the promotion and exposure of the countries tourist activities and facilities.

Akankwansa said uwa provided a one-month 50 percent discount on park entry fees to all Ugandans and a 25-pecent cut for the rest of the east African residents. Ugandans pay an entrance fee of shs 5,000 while EastAfrican residents pay $15 (shs27,000). Other visitors pay $20 (shs36,000).

Akankwansa was speaking during a press meeting at uwa head offices in Kampala on Monday. Uganda’s tourism sector has adopted a proactive approach, inorder to revitalize activities that can increase the sector’s share of Gross domestic product. (GDP)

A part from last year’s us-based discovery channel film that was aired and subsequently attracted international attention, the government injected one million dollars to advertise the country’s economic and tourism potential on CNN

Uganda tourism news