The government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting agritourism as a strategic pillar for tourism diversification, agro-industrial growth, and rural transformation.
This was revealed during the National Agritourism Symposium held on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Gudie Leisure Farm in Najjera II, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District.
The symposium brought together government leaders, private sector investors, farmers, tourism operators, and development partners to devise a coordinated strategy for developing agritourism into a high-value industry. This initiative aims to boost rural incomes, expand Uganda’s tourism offerings, and accelerate national development.
Addressing journalists at the symposium, Prof. Gudula Naiga Basaza, Managing Director of Gudie Leisure Farm, emphasized that the event is transforming agritourism from a niche activity into a structured and competitive economic sector.
“Agritourism presents a unique opportunity to integrate agriculture and tourism in ways that generate income, create jobs, and stimulate rural economies,” Prof. Basaza stated. “This platform highlights investment opportunities, showcases innovation, and generates policy-focused solutions to support sustainable sector growth.”
She pointed out that agritourism aligns with Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, which prioritizes agro-industrialization and tourism as key engines of economic growth. Strengthening the connections between farms, leisure tourism, and markets has the potential to attract investment, increase visitor spending, and unlock new demand for locally produced goods and services.
Vivian Lyazi, Commissioner for Tourism Development at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, noted that agritourism aligns with national development priorities outlined in the National Development Plan and complements Uganda’s wildlife and cultural tourism offerings.
“Agritourism allows Uganda to diversify its tourism portfolio while directly benefiting communities,” Mr. Lyazi explained. “It provides an avenue for farmers and rural enterprises to meaningfully participate in the tourism value chain while preserving natural resources and cultural heritage.”
He underscored the importance of close collaboration with the private sector to address challenges such as limited market access, information gaps, and technology adoption. Mr. Lyazi also encouraged leisure and commercial farm owners to open their facilities to visitors, improve connectivity to domestic and regional markets, and leverage infrastructure such as transport and port systems to enhance tourism and trade flows.
“With the global agritourism market projected to grow significantly over the next decade, Uganda must position itself strategically to compete and benefit,” he added.
The private sector has welcomed the government’s commitment and called for stronger collaboration to build a sustainable agritourism ecosystem. Joseph Taremwa Ruhakana, Chief Executive Officer of the Agritourism Association Uganda, stated that agritourism has the potential to transform farming communities into vibrant tourism destinations.
“By increasing farm incomes, creating new tourism experiences, and protecting Uganda’s heritage, agritourism delivers shared value,” Mr. Ruhakana said. “The symposium provides a timely opportunity to align stakeholders, encourage innovation, and promote inclusive growth across the sector.”
The National Agritourism Symposium aims to establish a coordinated national approach to agritourism development, positioning Uganda to harness the combined strengths of agriculture and tourism in support of economic growth, community empowerment, and sustainable development.
