The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the national body responsible for promoting Uganda as a premier tourist destination, has officially commenced the search for a new Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Deputy CEO). This significant recruitment drive follows the recent retirement of long-serving official Bradford Ochieng, who departed earlier this year after reaching the mandatory retirement age of sixty. Ochieng's six-year tenure in the Deputy CEO role saw Uganda navigate numerous challenges within the global tourism landscape, including widespread travel disruptions, while actively working to solidify the country's appeal as a leading East African destination.

The vacancy, publicly advertised, invites applications from qualified Ugandan professionals. The selected candidate will be offered a three-year contract term and will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This crucial position carries broad supervisory responsibilities, specifically overseeing the manager for quality assurance, the senior strategic partnership officer, and the senior MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) officer. The emphasis on MICE industry development within the job description underscores the growing recognition of business tourism's substantial economic contributions across African destinations.

UTB describes the Deputy CEO's main purpose as providing strategic and inspirational leadership to the UTB team, ensuring the organization maintains a clear and compelling vision. The role is instrumental in establishing sound risk assurance plans that align with the nation's mandate. Key functions include managing the quality assurance framework of UTB, which encompasses internal controls, risk management, and robust governance processes. Additionally, the successful candidate will be tasked with enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in public procurement and disposal at the board, leading strategy formulation and implementation, driving performance management, contributing strategically, and overseeing policy development and review to support UTB operations and processes. A vital aspect of the role also involves coordinating support to private sector institutions, recognizing the essential collaboration between government bodies and private operators like hotels, tour companies, and transport providers.

Prospective applicants must meet stringent qualification requirements that reflect the seniority and strategic importance of the position. Candidates must be Ugandan nationals and possess a Master's degree in management, economics, business administration, tourism, marketing, law, or a closely related discipline from a recognized university. The experience threshold is substantial, requiring a minimum of ten years of relevant management experience, with at least seven years served at a senior management level within reputable organizations. Furthermore, proven expertise spanning critical areas such as tourism, planning, financial management, human resources, marketing, public relations, and resource mobilization is essential. Beyond technical skills, applicants must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the economic and market environment in which the private sector operates, including the wider African and international regional dynamics. The ability to perform effectively under pressure and consistently meet deadlines completes the demanding requirements profile.

The deadline for submitting applications is April 2, 2026. This relatively concise application window suggests the Uganda Tourism Board's intention to conclude the recruitment process promptly, thereby ensuring continuity in its leadership and strategic direction. For African travel professionals and businesses operating in the East African market, this leadership transition at a national tourism body signals potential strategic shifts that warrant close monitoring. Understanding the priorities outlined for this position will enable operators to better align their offerings with national promotional strategies and identify partnership opportunities that foster mutual objectives.

Uganda is renowned for its remarkable tourism assets, which the new Deputy CEO will be pivotal in promoting. These include unique experiences such as mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, sightings of tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, exhilarating white-water rafting on the Nile at Jinja, and a rich diversity of cultural heritage across its regions. The strategic emphasis on MICE development within the job description aligns with broader continental trends, where business tourism is increasingly seen as a driver of economic impact through conference facilities, accommodation, catering, and ancillary services. As African destinations continue to compete for international meetings and corporate events, this role will be key in positioning Uganda effectively. Industry observers will keenly follow the selection process to see which professional emerges to help guide Ugandan tourism strategy through the coming years, marked by anticipated continental aviation growth and evolving traveler preferences.