KAMPALA, UGANDA — Rukiga County Member of Parliament Hon. Counsel Patrick Kiconco Katabaazi yesterday called on the government to strengthen Uganda’s diplomatic engagement with other countries to promote foreign tourism, which he said had been significantly affected by health epidemics.
Katabaazi made the call during parliamentary proceedings, where he emphasised the need for deliberate measures to strengthen diplomatic relations and improve international confidence in Uganda as a tourist destination.
The legislator argued that health epidemics could have far-reaching consequences for the tourism industry, particularly when concerns about disease outbreaks influence travel decisions and discourage foreign visitors from coming to the country.
He urged the government to adopt a coordinated approach involving diplomatic missions, health authorities and tourism stakeholders to communicate accurate information about Uganda’s health situation and reassure potential visitors.
Katabaazi’s concerns highlighted the vulnerability of the tourism sector to public health emergencies, which can affect international travel, hotel bookings, tour operations and other businesses that depend on foreign visitors.
Uganda’s tourism industry plays an important role in generating foreign exchange, creating employment and supporting livelihoods. Hotels, tour operators, transport providers, guides and local communities all depend, to varying degrees, on the steady arrival of visitors.
The MP’s proposal underscored the importance of using Uganda’s diplomatic networks to engage foreign governments, international tourism agencies and other stakeholders in addressing concerns that may affect travel to the country.
He also highlighted the need for effective public communication during health emergencies, arguing that timely and credible information could help address misinformation and enable prospective travellers to make informed decisions.
A decline in foreign tourist arrivals can affect business revenues, employment opportunities and household incomes, particularly in communities where tourism-related activities provide a major source of livelihood. Strengthening international relations and promoting confidence in Uganda could therefore support the sector’s recovery.
Katabaazi’s call placed renewed emphasis on the relationship between diplomacy, public health and tourism development. His proposal challenged the government to pursue deliberate international engagement to protect Uganda’s tourism reputation, strengthen foreign relations and encourage more visitors to choose the country as a destination.
