Uganda Showcases Tourism Potential at the Out-Bound Travel Market (OTM) Bombay
The decision to participate in the OTM Bombay for the first time demonstrates Uganda’s proactive approach to commercial diplomacy. Ambassador Kamahungye lauded Uganda’s High Commission in India and Uganda Airlines for their collaboration in ensuring Uganda's visibility at this leading travel trade show. He also thanked other stakeholders, including the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Uganda Tourism Board, and private tour operators, for their unwavering support.

On January 21, 2025, Ambassador Kamahungye Elly, Director of International and Regional Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered a speech on behalf of Hon. John Mulimba, the Minister of State for Regional Affairs, who also holds the portfolio of Minister of Foreign Affairs. The occasion was the media launch of Uganda's participation in the Out-Bound Travel Market (OTM) at the Jio World Convention Center in Bombay, India, one of the most prestigious tourism expos in Asia.
The event underscores Uganda’s commitment to implementing its ambitious economic growth strategy, which aims to grow the economy from USD 49.5 billion in the FY 2023/2024 to USD 500 billion over the next 15 years. This is being pursued through the upcoming National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), which focuses on four key areas:
Agro-industrialization, including light manufacturing.
Mineral beneficiation, including oil and gas. Tourism promotion.
Science, technology, and innovation (STIs). Leveraging Tourism for Economic Growth Tourism, one of the four pillars of Uganda’s economic strategy, is envisioned to contribute $50 billion annually to the economy by 2040.
Hon. Mulimba emphasized that Uganda’s approach to promoting tourism has shifted to a more strategic and impactful level, with the government actively fostering partnerships and marketing the country’s unique attractions on global platforms.
The decision to participate in the OTM Bombay for the first time demonstrates Uganda’s proactive approach to commercial diplomacy. Ambassador Kamahungye lauded Uganda’s High Commission in India and Uganda Airlines for their collaboration in ensuring Uganda's visibility at this leading travel trade show. He also thanked other stakeholders, including the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Uganda Tourism Board, and private tour operators, for their unwavering support.
Under the theme “Explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa,” Uganda's participation at OTM Bombay aims to position the country as a leading tourist destination in Africa. The event features over 1,600 exhibitors from more than 60 countries and at least 30 Indian states, making it a strategic platform to showcase Uganda’s tourism potential to a global audience.
Highlighting Uganda’s unique tourism offerings, the speech pointed out that the High Commission in New Delhi is organizing a Familiarization (FAM) trip for selected travel sellers. This initiative will provide first-hand experiences of Uganda’s diverse attractions, enabling participants to better understand and promote Uganda as a premier tourist destination.
The speech also emphasized the strong bilateral relations between Uganda and India, underscoring the mutual benefits achieved through strategic partnerships. Notable achievements include the direct Entebbe-Mumbai flight route established by Uganda Airlines, which has reduced travel time from 12 hours to just 7 hours. This direct connection not only facilitates seamless trade and investment but also enhances the flow of tourists between the two nations.
Ambassador Kamahungye commended the India High Commission to Uganda for its role in fostering a win-win relationship between the two governments. He noted that high-level exchanges and collaborative initiatives have created an enabling environment for deeper people-to-people connections, trade, and tourism.
The participation of Uganda at OTM Bombay signals the government's commitment to unlocking the immense potential of tourism as a driver of economic growth. The partnership between the public and private sectors, coupled with strategic collaborations with international stakeholders, is expected to yield significant returns for Uganda’s tourism industry.
In conclusion, the speech delivered by Ambassador Kamahungye on behalf of Hon. John Mulimba reflected the government’s dedication to leveraging economic and commercial diplomacy to achieve the country’s development goals. With initiatives like Uganda’s presence at OTM Bombay and the ongoing strengthening of bilateral ties with India, Uganda is well-positioned to realize its ambitious vision of becoming a $500 billion economy by 2040.