Uganda and Kenya Sign Tourism, Trade Deals as Cross-Border Travel Rises

The fifth Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism and Innovation Summit, held on October 26 and 27 at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa, served as a pivotal platform for strengthening regional cooperation in tourism, trade, and investment. On its opening day, three significant memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed between key private-sector bodies from both nations, signaling a concerted effort to foster economic growth and integration across East Africa.

Among the agreements, the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) inked an MoU aimed at promoting sustainable tourism practices and enhancing regional tourism cooperation. Complementing this, the Uganda Association of Travel Agents (TUGATA) and the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) signed a separate MoU to implement the Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Collaboration, which establishes a framework for cooperation on innovation, investment, youth participation, and regional integration.

Furthermore, the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and the Mombasa chapter of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) formalized an agreement focused on broadening trade, investment, and private-sector partnerships.

The summit, convened by Uganda's Consulate General in Mombasa, adopted the theme "Unlocking Tourism Opportunities: Resolving Policy Bottlenecks through Technology, Youth and Seamless Mobility across East Africa." This theme underscored the organizers' intention to shift from mere tourism promotion to concrete policy action and measurable results. Specific targets for the event included securing at least two digital tourism prototypes ready for commercial backing and facilitating a minimum of 10 business-to-business links between Ugandan and Kenyan coastal operators, with progress slated for review over three months. Attendees, comprising government officials, tour operators, technology developers, and investors, also aimed to review Article 104 of the East African Community (EAC) Treaty, which governs the free movement of people, labor, and services, to identify and address existing cross-border travel barriers. A joint declaration signed by government representatives is expected to be submitted to the EAC Secretariat, and a communiqué detailing institutional commitments and deadlines is anticipated within two weeks, with its implementation to be reviewed at the 2027 summit.

Evidence of strengthening ties between the two nations is reflected in rising travel figures. According to the Uganda Tourism Board, Kenyan visitors to Uganda increased from 466,902 in 2024 to 519,041 in 2025. Similarly, Kenya Tourism Board data indicates 234,556 Ugandan arrivals in Kenya in 2025, positioning Uganda as one of Kenya's largest source markets, with Kenya targeting 300,000 Ugandan visitors this year.

Ambassador Herbert Kiguli, Uganda's Consul General in Mombasa, emphasized a collaborative approach, stating, "Our approach is to embrace complementarity rather than competition, connecting Kenya's coast to Uganda's rich natural and cultural heritage through the 'Beach to Bush, Bush to Beach' concept, for the mutual benefit of both countries." Ambassador Charles Ssentongo, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirmed the government's commitment to "facilitate, work with and advocate for the interests of tourism stakeholders," noting that trade barriers are being addressed through the Uganda-Kenya Joint Permanent Commission. Ssentongo highlighted tourism as one of four critical sectors, alongside agriculture, minerals, and science, technology, and innovation, under Uganda's Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, which aims to expand the economy from approximately $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040.

Susan Nakawuki Nsambu, Uganda's Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, stressed the importance of transforming partnerships into enduring business relationships. She articulated, "The value of this partnership lies not simply in the meetings we hold, but in the relationships we build, the businesses we connect, and the opportunities we unlock." She also requested the inclusion of ministry officials in familiarization trips to enhance policy coordination. Delivering the keynote address, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Uganda's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, called for tourism cooperation that extends beyond promoting destinations to "empowering local communities, protecting our natural resources and creating sustainable economic opportunities." She advocated for formal cooperation frameworks, business-friendly policies, improved transport infrastructure, and enhanced visitor safety.

The summit's momentum was built upon a preceding six-day familiarization tour of the Kenyan coast, which involved over 70 Ugandan tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, and Uganda Tourism Board officials. Looking ahead, operators are optimistic about leveraging the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, to attract a wider influx of visitors to both countries. This annual gathering, which began in 2022 as the Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference, is an integral part of Uganda's broader Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Strategy for 2025/26 to 2029/30, a plan that mandates the country's missions abroad to actively promote exports, investment, and tourism.