A Ugandan tourism operator, Akampurira Rodgers, has through X formerly known as twitter appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni over the growing impact of health-related travel advisories on Uganda’s tourism sector. In his message, Rodgers acknowledged the government’s strong response systems in handling security and health emergencies but expressed concern over the economic damage caused by international publicity surrounding outbreaks such as Ebola, Marburg, and COVID-19.
According to Rodgers, every outbreak announcement and foreign travel advisory triggers widespread panic cancellations from tourists and international partners, leading to major financial losses for tour operators, hotels, transport providers, guides, and communities that depend on tourism. He noted that Uganda continues to suffer reputational and economic setbacks despite its ability to manage emergencies effectively.
Rodgers further appealed for stronger international public relations, balanced media reporting, support for affected tourism operators, and the establishment of a national tourism recovery framework to help protect both public health and livelihoods during future outbreaks.
Below is the detailed appeal:
” AN APPEAL TO H.E. THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA ON THE IMPACT OF HEALTH-RELATED TRAVEL ADVISORIES ON TOURISM
For God and My Country Your Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, I write to you as a concerned Ugandan and tourism operator on behalf of many citizens whose livelihoods depend directly and indirectly on tourism.
First and foremost, we appreciate your leadership and the Government of Uganda for the strong response systems in security, health emergencies, and national stability. Uganda has built a reputation across Africa for handling emergencies with speed, discipline, and coordination. Our security and medical response teams continue to demonstrate commitment whenever crises arise.
However, Your Excellency, despite these efforts, the tourism sector continues to suffer heavily due to the way health-related communication and international publicity are managed globally. Every outbreak announcement, travel advisory, or international publication concerning diseases such as Ebola, Marburg, and previously COVID-19 immediately triggers panic cancellations from tourists and foreign partners.
As tourism operators, we are now facing: Massive booking cancellations Pressure to process refunds from hotels, airlines, permits, and transport providers Loss of confidence from international markets Reduced safari bookings and conference tourism Financial distress among tour operators, guides, drivers, hotels, and local communities dependent on tourism Tourism employs thousands of Ugandans directly and supports many more through hospitality, crafts, transport, agriculture, entertainment, and conservation. Yet one international publication or advisory can economically isolate Uganda for months or even years.
Your Excellency, we feel that Uganda is increasingly losing business and competitiveness in the region. While neighboring destinations such as Rwanda and Tanzania continue receiving tourists, Uganda often suffers prolonged reputational damage despite having strong emergency response capabilities.
We respectfully request your intervention and leadership in the following areas: Strengthening Uganda’s international public relations and crisis communication strategy. Engaging diplomatic missions and international media to provide balanced reporting about Uganda. Supporting tourism operators affected by cancellations and financial losses. Creating a national emergency tourism recovery framework whenever outbreaks occur. Promoting factual communication that protects both public health and economic survival. Your Excellency, our appeal is not against public health measures.
We fully support disease prevention and national safety. Our concern is the long-term economic suffocation affecting ordinary Ugandans whose survival depends on tourism. We believe Uganda can protect both lives and livelihoods through strategic communication, coordinated diplomacy, and stronger tourism recovery mechanisms. I would also appreciate an opportunity to present detailed research, testimonies, and facts showing how these repeated advisories continue to affect citizens, businesses, employment, and Uganda’s tourism image internationally. For God and My Country.
Yours faithfully,
Akampurira Rodgers ( Travel specialist )
Tourism Operator Uganda “
