The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) is spearheading a critical initiative to bridge and amplify the synergies between Uganda’s promising oil and gas sector and its vibrant tourism industry.
This strategic alignment, led by Ernest Rubondo, Executive Director of PAU, aims to unlock significant socio-economic transformation across the nation.
In line with this quest, the PAU this week held a pivotal meeting with Ms. Lilly Ajarova, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism, to explore strategic linkages.
This objective is driven by a recent PAU-commissioned study that analysed the existing connections and untapped opportunities between the two sectors, identifying pathways for accelerated economic growth.
Current Landscape and Future Projections
The study highlighted limited direct linkages between tourism enterprises and the oil and gas sector. However, it also underscored the positive impact of oil-related infrastructure development.
Over 700 kilometers of high-quality tarmac roads constructed for oil operations have dramatically improved access to previously hard-to-reach tourist attractions in the Albertine region, such as Kabwoya Game Reserve.
This improved infrastructure has already spurred investments in hospitality facilities.
Importantly, the study projects a significant increase in these linkages and benefits as more oil-related infrastructure is completed and Kabalega International Airport becomes operational by August/September 2025.
This new airport, according to the study, is set to transform access for tourists, opening up the Albertine region’s full tourism potential.
Identifying Gaps and Opportunities
Despite progress, the study identified critical gaps hindering the full synergy between the two sectors, which include:
Limited planning for visitor stopover points along new roads.
Insufficient tourism knowledge and capacity among local communities and MSMEs to seize opportunities.
Inadequate land-use planning to guide integrated tourism development.
Poor dissemination of information on tourism development opportunities arising from new infrastructure.
Fragmented regional planning among districts hinders synergistic development.
Limited coordination between the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA) and District Local Governments (DLGs) in tourism planning.
However, these gaps also present clear opportunities. The study outlines a vision for future linkages and investment, including:
Tourism Infrastructure
This includes visitor stopover points, roadside tourism information centers, duty-free shops promoting local products, airport hotels, and tourist support facilities at train stations.
Product Diversification
This can take the form of marine tour packages connecting Murchison Falls and Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, waterfront accommodation, eco-lodges, agri-tourism, homestays, cultural/natural science museums, and wildlife education centers.
Human Capital
A center of excellence for tourism and hospitality training should be set up to ensure a skilled workforce.
Priorities for Linkage and Growth
To foster robust linkages, the study recommends key strategies:
Product Development and Marketing
There is a need to enhance existing tourism products and develop new ones to appeal to a wider market, with a focus on an Albertine region marketing strategy.
Deepen Sectoral Linkages
Comprehensive mapping of opportunities and partnerships with relevant bodies to support tourism enterprises, especially MSMEs, should be undertaken. This includes developing an integrated regional sustainable tourism development master plan.
Human Resource Capacity Building
There is a need to enhance tourism and hospitality training through competence-based programs, continuous skill upgrading, and the establishment of a Regional Tourism Centre of Excellence.
Environmental Conservation and Sustainability
It’s vital to restore degraded ecosystems, establish conservation education centers, and promote green tourism practices among enterprises.
Research and Communication
This can help to generate and disseminate data to support resource management, planning, and investment, including developing an Albertine regional Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) system.
Economic Impact and Future Employment
The study projects a significant boost to tourism and employment, especially with Kabalega International Airport’s operation. Under this scenario, visitor numbers to national parks are forecasted to grow at 8.7% annually, reaching 678,453 visitors by 2032.
While short-term employment increases may be modest, the medium term (2028-2032) projects a 6.1% growth in tourism-related employment, soaring to 12.2% in the long term (2033-2037).
Crucially, women are expected to secure 56.3% of new employment opportunities in oil and pipeline districts, with Hoima district, central to oil and gas operations, projected to gain the largest share at 39.3%.
This strategic drive by the PAU signals a proactive approach to maximising the multi-sectoral benefits of Uganda’s oil and gas development, ensuring that the country’s natural resource wealth translates directly into a diversified, sustainable, and inclusive economic future, particularly for its booming tourism sector.