The government of Uganda, through the National Planning Authority (NPA), is in advanced plans to establish a network of tourism circuits across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) to unlock the city’s largely untapped tourism potential, boost revenues and create jobs, according to a new feasibility study.
The GKMA Tourist Circuit Feasibility Study, done by Joadah Consult on behalf of NPA, notes that although Greater Kampala hosts some of Uganda’s most significant cultural, religious, natural and urban attractions, its tourism potential has remained largely untapped, with most visitors using the capital mainly as a transit point to other attractions like national parks.
“Notwithstanding the fact that GKMA is the gateway to one of the most biologically and culturally diverse countries on earth, the tourism potential has remained largely untapped,” the study states.
The study also identifies poor infrastructure as the leading barrier to tourism growth in the metropolitan area, noting that access roads, congestion and lack of site amenities continue to discourage visitors.
“The leading impediment to tourism development in the GKMA is the undeveloped infrastructure with many attractions that are not easily accessible due to the state of access roads and traffic congestion,” the study says.
It further observes that tourism infrastructure investment has failed to keep pace with urban population growth, limiting mobility within the city and between key attractions.
To address these challenges, the study proposes the establishment of three integrated tourism circuits linking major attractions across Kampala and neighbouring districts.
One is the GKMA Heartland Circuit, a 46-kilometre loop within central Kampala, that would provide a classic city tour experience combining cultural, historical, religious and shopping attractions. This circuit, the report says, would cover the core of Kampala City, providing a typical city tour experience.
The other is the GKMA Suburb Circuit, stretching about 181 kilometres, which could connect key sites including Namugongo Martyrs Shrines, Kasubi Tombs, the Bahai Temple and the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe.
The third one is the GKMA Urban Fringe Circuit that would focus on nature and marine tourism around Lake Victoria, forests and wetlands, offering what the study describes as low-density, tailored tourism experiences distinct from traditional national park safaris.
In addition to the three circuits, the study also recommends developing and marketing the Uganda Martyrs route as a standalone faith-based tourism product because of the millions of pilgrims it attracts annually.
It also proposes the development of Lake Victoria waterfront tourism sites since the lake is a unique asset for Kampala’s tourism offering.
“Together these attractions provide a diverse palette of activities for potential visitors,” the report reads.
The total estimated cost of implementing the GKMA tourism circuit project is valued at US$22.6 billion, covering road upgrades, tourism amenities, marine transport, rail connections and institutional strengthening.
Once operational, the study says, this project is expected to generate US$469 million in revenue in the first year, which could rise to nearly US$5.9 billion annually by 2040.
The study acknowledges that the project’s financial returns are modest but argues that its wider economic benefits justify the investment.
“The GKMA tourism circuit project will generate a multitude of economic benefits, including improving infrastructure connectivity, jobs, attracting tourism investment and enabling development of the communities,” the report states.
