The Presidential CEO Forum (PCF Uganda), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, has unveiled the 6th Bi-Annual Private Sector CEO Tourism Retreat, slated for September 9th–11th, 2025, at Mountains of the Moon Hotel in Fort Portal.
The retreat is expected to convene more than 200 CEOs, policymakers, investors, and stakeholders for strategic dialogue aimed at strengthening public-private collaboration in the tourism sector.
State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra, who officiated at the launch, underscored tourism’s critical role in economic growth, job creation, cultural preservation, and boosting Uganda’s global visibility. He noted that platforms like the CEO Retreat are instrumental in positioning Uganda as a top travel destination.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Basil Ajer, Director of Tourism at the Ministry, highlighted key priorities for the retreat, including investment promotion, digitalization, infrastructure development, conservation, product diversification, and tourist safety. He revealed that the sector currently contributes 6.6% to Uganda’s GDP, generates over USD 1.2 billion in foreign exchange, and supports more than 800,000 jobs.
PCF Vice Chairperson, Dr. Ruth Biyinzika, emphasized the importance of media integration in promoting tourism, stressing that the outcomes of the retreat should directly inform national planning, budgeting, and policy.
Held under the theme “Transforming Uganda into a Preferred Tourism Destination”, the retreat seeks to foster strategic partnerships, showcase Uganda’s unique tourism assets, and shape sustainable growth policies for the sector.
Leading up to the main event, the PCF has lined up a series of activities: a ministerial engagement on August 21st, creative workshops with media practitioners, content creators, and fashion innovators on August 22nd, stakeholder dialogues on August 29th, a birding experience at the new Hoima Stadium on September 2nd, and a high-level engagement with the Prime Minister and MDAs on September 4th.
The retreat will climax in Fort Portal from September 9th–11th, 2025, where resolutions will be adopted under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
