Executive Summary
Uganda's tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, contributing significantly to the national economy through direct GDP contribution, employment generation, and foreign exchange earnings.
The 2024 analysis reveals that tourism contributes $10.5 billion to Uganda's GDP, representing approximately 12.8% of the total economic output. This marks a substantial 22.3% increase from the previous year, highlighting the sector's robust recovery and expansion trajectory.
The sector directly employs over 165,000 people across various subsectors, with indirect employment reaching an estimated 450,000 individuals. Foreign exchange earnings from tourism reached $2.5 billion in 2024, making it one of Uganda's top foreign currency earners alongside coffee and other agricultural exports.
Key Highlights
- 22.3% revenue growth in 2024
- 165,000 direct jobs created
- $2.5B foreign exchange earnings
- 12.8% of total GDP
- All regions benefiting
GDP Contribution Analysis
Tourism GDP Growth Trajectory
The tourism sector's contribution to Uganda's GDP has shown consistent growth over the past five years, with particularly strong performance in 2024. The sector recovered from the 2020-2021 challenges and has exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
GDP Contribution Breakdown (2024)
Direct Contribution
Indirect Contribution
Accommodation Sector
26.7% of tourism GDP
Food & Beverage
20.0% of tourism GDP
Transportation
18.1% of tourism GDP
Employment Impact Analysis
Tourism Employment Generation
The tourism sector is a significant employer in Uganda, providing both direct and indirect employment opportunities across various skill levels and regions. The sector's employment impact extends beyond traditional tourism businesses to include suppliers, service providers, and related industries.
165,000
Direct Employment
450,000
Total Employment
15.2%
Employment Growth
8.5%
Of Total Employment
Employment by Tourism Subsector
Foreign Exchange Earnings
Tourism Foreign Exchange Performance
Tourism is one of Uganda's leading foreign exchange earners, contributing significantly to the country's balance of payments. The sector's foreign exchange earnings have shown consistent growth, with 2024 marking a record year.
2024 Foreign Exchange Highlights
- $2.5 billion total earnings
- 18.5% increase from 2023
- 2nd largest forex earner
- 15.8% of total forex earnings
Monthly Foreign Exchange Earnings Comparison
| Month | 2023 (Million USD) | 2024 (Million USD) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 120 | 145 | +20.8% |
| February | 135 | 160 | +18.5% |
| March | 180 | 210 | +16.7% |
| April | 165 | 195 | +18.2% |
| May | 145 | 175 | +20.7% |
| June | 190 | 225 | +18.4% |
Regional Economic Distribution
Tourism Revenue by Region
Tourism revenue is distributed across Uganda's regions, with each area contributing based on its unique attractions and tourism infrastructure. The Central region leads due to Kampala's position as the main entry point and business hub.
Central Region
Kampala, Entebbe, JinjaWestern Region
Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth NPEastern Region
Mount Elgon, Sipi FallsSouthwest Region
Lake Bunyonyi, MgahingaNorthern Region
Murchison Falls NP
Economic Multiplier Effects
Tourism Economic Multipliers
Tourism's economic impact extends beyond direct spending through multiplier effects that benefit the broader economy. Every dollar spent by tourists generates additional economic activity through supply chains and induced spending.
Sectoral Linkages
Tourism creates strong linkages with other economic sectors, generating demand for goods and services across the economy.
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