Kampala, 13 November 2026 — Uganda has recorded 1,642,215 international tourist arrivals in 2025, placing it ninth among Africa’s most visited countries according to data compiled from national tourism ministries and statistical agencies.
The figure marks a 19.7 percent rise from the 1.37 million arrivals registered in 2024 and exceeds the country’s pre-pandemic 2019 levels by 6 percent. Tourism earnings also climbed to US$1.62 billion, up 21.3 percent from the previous year.
In the 2025 continental ranking of international arrivals, Uganda sits behind Zimbabwe, which recorded 1.8 million visitors, and ahead of Mauritius at 1.4 million. The top positions remain dominated by North African countries, with Morocco leading at 19.8 million arrivals, followed by Egypt at 19 million, Tunisia at 11.8 million and South Africa at 10.5 million. Kenya, Algeria and Tanzania complete the list above Uganda.
Official figures from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities show that visitors from other African countries still make up about 79 percent of arrivals, with Kenya and Rwanda among the main source markets. Overseas visitors from India, the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Germany account for roughly one-fifth of the total.
The average length of stay increased to 8.8 nights, while average spending per visitor rose to US$986. The sector supported more than 876,000 direct jobs in 2024 and continues to contribute a significant share of the country’s export earnings.
Ministry officials say the 2025 numbers show the industry has moved past recovery into steady growth, with current efforts focused on encouraging longer stays and attracting higher-spending leisure travellers.
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