POLITICAL VIOLENCE THREATENS GAINS MADE IN THE TOURISM SECTOR

Unlike other industries, tourism sector is the most fragile and all stakeholder need to be keen on it at all times the fact that anything can tarnish the destination’s image. Looking at the recent protests in Arua and Kampala, they pose high threat on the nation’s tourism sector and yet this is a major foreign exchange earner. Uganda’s tourism sector is dependent on nature whereby thousands of tourists confine into this country to see its beautiful wildlife species in the national parks (Kidepo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Semuliki National Park), reserves, zoo and many more. While endeavors are put to ensure that these natural treasures are well protected, there is need to also blend good image about the destination to the world market. This can be done especially by minimizing violent protest that sell negative image about destination that at end makes most travelers cancel their trips something that impacts hugely on the tourism sector.

On 27^th September, Uganda will join the rest of the world to celebrate World Tourism Day which will take place in Jinja and the chief guest will be H.E. President Yoweri Museveni. During lay out of the plans for this year’s celebrations, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities plus several officials in this sector noted a spike in visitor arrivals especially on the American market and this was attributed to political violence and negative image. Tourism is one of the prime Forex earners in Uganda’s national economy and in 2015, over $1.35 billion. It contributes approximately 10 percent of Uganda’s GDP representing over 7.3 billion shillings in 2015 alone and created about 8 percent employment opportunities due to ideal political climate in the country. However, when political violence starts higher chances are that some tourists will be forced to cancel their trips. Last year, Uganda was ranked among the 5 top African safari destinations. But many other global travel guides especially Rough guides and InterNations have accorded Uganda good publicity that makes it one of the most sought after tourist destination.

In conclusion, Uganda is one of the most endowed countries when it comes to natural attractions. With a lot more to enjoy in this country, there is need to improve on destination’s image so as to attract most tourists.