UTA Member Profiles
The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) is the umbrella body representing over 2,500 enterprises in Uganda’s tourism sector.
Its member associations collectively contribute to industry development, strongly emphasising employment creation, particularly for women (60%) and youth (72%).
These associations play a crucial role in marketing Uganda as a tourism destination, improving industry standards, and advocating for policies that support sustainable tourism growth.
- Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO)
AUTO was founded in 1995 to represent the interests of professional tour operators in Uganda. The association currently has over 425 registered members.
It focuses on promoting responsible tourism, marketing Uganda as a destination, and ensuring high standards among tour operators.
- Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA)
UHOA was formally registered in May 2000 to advocate for the interests of the hotel and accommodation industry in Uganda.
The association has a membership of over 748 hotels, representing various levels of accommodation facilities across the country.
Women constitute 58% of its workforce, while 77% of its employees are youth.
- Uganda Association of Travel Agents (TUGATA)
TUGATA was established in May 1999 with five founding members and has since grown to over 100 registered members.
The association represents travel agencies and ticketing businesses in Uganda.
It employs more than 800 individuals and plays a critical role in ensuring professionalism within the travel industry.
- Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA)
USAGA was established in the year 2000 to represent professional tour guides and specialists in various tourism sub-sectors.
The association focuses on birding, butterflies, reptiles, and cultural tourism.
It has a membership of over 800 experienced tour guides across Uganda.
- Uganda Community Tourism Association (UCOTA)
UCOTA serves as the apex body for community-based tourism groups in Uganda.
The association consists of over 70 community tourism groups, representing a total of 2,121 individuals.
Women make up 63% of its total membership, emphasising its role in empowering women through tourism.
- National Arts and Cultural Crafts Association of Uganda (NACCAU)
NACCAU was founded in 2003 with the goal of promoting, preserving, and transforming Uganda’s cultural heritage and tourism industry.
It has a total of 96 members, with 67% being women.
The association plays a crucial role in supporting women in the arts and crafts industry, as 85% of its overall membership consists of women.
- The Uganda Association of Conference and Incentive Industry (UACII)
UACII was launched in Kampala in 2018 to unite Uganda’s private sector players in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.
The association currently has 46 members who work towards positioning Uganda as a premier conference destination.
- Hotel General Managers’ Association of Uganda (HOGMAU)
HOGMAU was established in 2017 to represent the leaders and managers of hospitality businesses, including hotels, lodges, motels, and inns.
It focuses on improving hospitality management standards and best practices within the industry.
- Association of Ugandan Women in Tourism Trade (AUWOTT)
- AUWOTT focuses on enhancing the participation of women in Uganda’s tourism, hospitality, and travel sectors.
- Despite women making up 68% of Uganda’s tourism workforce, most are in low to middle-level positions.
- The association works towards improving gender representation in leadership roles within the industry.
Affiliate Associations
- The Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board (BHTB)
BHTB manages and promotes cultural heritage sites within the Buganda Kingdom. It plays a key role in preserving and showcasing the kingdom’s rich cultural history to both local and international visitors.
- Kasese Tourism Investors Forum (KTIF)
KTIF was registered in 2019 to bring together tourism investors in the Rwenzori region.
The association has over 150 tourism investors as members. Its primary objective is to enhance tourism’s volume, value, and quality in the Rwenzori area.
