UTB Seeks UGX 4 Billion to Counter Negative Impact on Tourism Amid ADF Threats

The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is scrambling to secure additional funding in their 2024/25 national budget, amidst growing concerns over the impact of recent security alerts on the country’s tourism sector.

With reports of ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) rebels allegedly infiltrating Uganda, UTB CEO Lilly Ajarova has sounded the alarm, citing a surge in tourist cancellations and negative travel advisories.

Ajarova made a compelling plea before Parliament’s Tourism Committee, urging for a substantial budget allocation of 4 billion shillings to engage international media in promoting Uganda’s tourism.

This request comes in light of the existing budgetary provision of 1.2 billion shillings, deemed insufficient to address the current crisis.

The urgency of UTB’s appeal stems from a recent pronouncement by the UPDF (Uganda People’s Defense Forces) regarding the alleged presence of ADF rebels within Uganda’s borders.

She notes that the security alerts have heightened fears among tourists and potential visitors, leading to a surge in cancellations and concerns over the safety of Uganda as a destination.

“Yes we prioritize the Shs1.2Bn that we put in, but that is very little and we would appreciate if we could get another Shs4Bn to add onto that because there is a lot of back and forth. I don’t know if you saw the press release from UPDF, it has caused a scare for destination Uganda from last night, the number of phone calls that UTB and even me have received is overwhelming, because the press release is basically saying Uganda is unsafe,” said Ajarova

Ajarova emphasized the need to counter negative perceptions by leveraging international media to verify Uganda’s safety and disseminate accurate information.

“So now, we have to counter that and that means, from that press release we are going to get more negative travel advisories that will come up, so we must be able to counter that by bringing more international media people who can be able to verify that it is safe and then they are able to report back,” She added

According to a statement released on Monday by the UPDF’s Deputy Spokesperson, Col. Deo Akiiki, ADF insurgents are plotting revenge attacks following joint military operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Col. Akiiki said intelligence reports reveal new plots by suspected ADF terrorists, spearheaded by notorious rebel Ahmed Muhamud Hassan, alias Abu Wakas. He further stated that despite previous successes in dismantling terrorist cells, recent infiltrations have  prompted heightened security measures.

The suspected terrorists, including Muhammed Isa, Amigo Kibirige (alias Simba), Muhammed Lumisa, and Nassan Hamidu Biru, are believed to be coordinating to execute terror activities within Uganda.

Col. Akiiki however assured that security agencies are alert and cautioned the public to be  vigilant and collaborate to safeguard the nation.