Kampala, 19th Aug 2025 – The Presidential CEO Forum (PCF), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, has launched the 6th Bi-Annual Private Sector CEO Tourism Retreat, scheduled to take place from 9th–11th September 2025 at Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Fort Portal. The retreat will bring together over 200 CEOs, policymakers, investors, and stakeholders to foster strategic dialogue and strengthen public-private collaboration in tourism.
Officiating at the launch, State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra, emphasized the sector’s role in economic growth, job creation, cultural preservation, and boosting Uganda’s global visibility, noting that platforms like the CEO Retreat are key to positioning Uganda as a top travel destination.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Basil Ajer, Director of Tourism at the Ministry, highlighted priority areas for the retreat including investment,
digitalization, infrastructure, conservation, product diversification, and tourist safety. He noted tourism’s 6.6% contribution to GDP, over USD 1.2 billion in foreign exchange earnings, and support for more than 800,000 jobs.
Dr. Ruth Biyinzika, Vice Chairperson of the PCF, underscored the importance of media integration in promoting tourism and ensuring that outcomes from the retreat inform national planning, budgets, and policy.
Under the theme “Transforming Uganda into a Preferred Tourism Destination”, the retreat aims to build strategic partnerships, spotlight Uganda’s unique tourism assets, and shape policy for sustainable sector growth.
A series of activities organized by the Presidential CEO Forum will lead up to the main retreat.
These will begin with the Minister’s engagement on 21st August, followed by creative workshops on 22nd August involving media practitioners, content creators, and fashion innovators. Sector-specific dialogues with tourism stakeholders are scheduled for 29th August. A birding experience at the newly established Hoima Stadium will take place on 2nd September, and a high-level stakeholder engagement with the Prime Minister and key MDAs is set for 4th September. The retreat will culminate in Fort Portal from 9th–11th September 2025, concluding with the adoption of resolutions under the leadership of H.E. the President of Uganda.