Uganda Joins Africa’s Push for Better Air Travel and Tourism
Uganda’s tourism sector is taking a big step forward at the Second International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and UN Tourism Ministerial Conference on Air Transport and Tourism in Africa. Held in Luanda, Angola from July 22 to 24, 2025, the event brings together leaders from across the continent to discuss how air transport and tourism can work better together. Uganda’s delegation is being led by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, who is actively participating in these important talks.
On the first day of the conference, Hon. Butime held a productive meeting with Angola’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Marcio Daniel. The two leaders discussed ways their countries can collaborate to strengthen tourism ties and improve air connectivity between Uganda and Angola. This kind of partnership is a great example of African countries coming together to find shared solutions for mutual growth.
The conference is more than just a series of meetings. It’s a turning point for tourism and air travel in Africa. Both sectors play major roles in economic development and job creation. However, poor connectivity and limited infrastructure have often held them back. This event aims to fix those issues by building stronger links between air travel networks and tourism development across Africa.
Guided by global goals like the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the conference is focusing on how to make travel easier, safer, and more efficient within the continent. Leaders are working to identify both challenges and opportunities that can help grow these sectors in a sustainable way.
Uganda’s presence and active participation in this conference show its commitment to growing tourism and improving its links with other African countries. As the world continues to open up after years of travel restrictions, Uganda is making sure it is ready to welcome more tourists, attract more investment, and play a bigger role in Africa’s development story.
