Business 13 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Tourism Association Elections Postponed Amidst Governance Reform Calls
Uganda's Minister for Tourism, Tom Butime, has ordered a postponement of the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) elections, citing a need for governance reforms. This decision has met with some resistance from industry stakeholders. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/markets/minister-butime-wants-tourism-governance-reforms-defers-uta-elections--5630702
Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Tom Butime, has directed the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) to suspend its upcoming elections. The directive, issued on October 12, 2023, calls for a review and reform of the association’s governance structures before elections can proceed.
Sources indicate that the minister’s decision stems from concerns over the current leadership and operational framework of the UTA, with a perceived need to ensure more robust and effective governance mechanisms are in place. The postponement is intended to provide a window for these critical reforms to be addressed, ensuring the association is better positioned to advocate for and support the tourism sector.
However, the move has not been without its critics. Some members of the UTA have expressed reservations about the timing and the implications of the deferral. They argue that delaying elections could create a leadership vacuum or hinder the association’s ability to respond to pressing industry issues. Discussions are reportedly underway between the ministry and UTA leadership to find a path forward that balances the need for reform with the operational continuity of the association.
The tourism sector in Uganda, like many globally, has faced significant challenges in recent years. Effective leadership and governance within industry bodies like the UTA are considered crucial for recovery and future growth. The ministry’s intervention suggests a desire to strengthen the foundations of sector representation and policy advocacy.
Further details on the specific governance issues and the proposed reform agenda are expected to be communicated as consultations progress. The ultimate goal, according to the ministry, is to foster a more unified, transparent, and impactful tourism association that can effectively drive the sector’s agenda.