The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), the umbrella organisation that brings together all tourism trade associations in Uganda has Saturday announced the appointment of Muhereza Kyamutetera as its Chief Executive Officer.
Kyamutetera’s tenure starts effective 1st October, 2024.
Uganda Tourism Association provides a forum where private sector member associations can advocate for policies and practices that promote sustainable tourism development in Uganda.
UTA is optimistic that Kyamutetera’s wide array of skills and experience gained over his 20 years of working with and for over 100 domestic, regional and international public, private and not-for-profit brands across several sectors such as Tourism, Financial Services, Energy, Education, Aviation, ICT, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Real Estate, Pensions, Fashion and Healthcare, will inform his leadership and steer the entity to greater heights.
“Mr. Kyamutetera brings to UTA a demonstrated skill set in strategy development and execution, business development, marketing and communications, stakeholder relations management and, above all, passion and knowledge about Uganda’s tourism industry,” Yewagnesh Biriggwa (Yogi), UTA President said in a statement issued on Saturday.
He added, “As CEO, he will drive UTA’s purpose and vision building a professional, competitive, thriving and inclusive tourism sector for our member associations, thereby sustainably contributing to Uganda’s national development agenda.”
The appointment of a CEO, according to Bigirwa, is one of the critical milestones the new UTA board set for itself for their first 100 days in office. The new board was voted into office on June 20th, 2024.
Commenting on his new role, Kyamutetera said, “I am excited to infuse my professional experience with my passionate love for Destination Uganda and look forward to being an essential bridge between the private sector, the government, and our development partners as we jointly work to increase the volume and value of tourism to Uganda and ultimately increase tourism enterprise revenues and household incomes.”
Bigirwa further noted that the Association will harness Kyamutetera’s diverse skillset to onboard the much-needed new development strategies to better the sector which is still reeling from the post-COVID-19 effects.
“We are excited about the fresh perspectives and diverse skill sets he brings to UTA and the industry where he is no stranger,” he said.
Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) is the umbrella organisation that brings together all tourism trade associations in Uganda. It is the private sector’s voice in the tourism industry and includes 9 members and 2 affiliates.
The members include; The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA), Uganda Hotel Owners’ Association (UHOA), The Uganda Association of Travel Agents (TUGATA), Uganda Community Tourism Association (UCOTA), The Association of Ugandan Women in Tourism Trade (AUWOTT), The National Arts and Cultural Crafts Association (NACCAU), The Hotel General Managers Association of Uganda (HOGMAU) and The Uganda Association of Conference and Incentive Industry (UACII).
The affiliated members of the Uganda Tourism Association include; Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board (BHTB) and Kasese Tourism Investors Forum (KTIF).
The 11 associations collectively represent tour operators, travel agents, accommodation facilities, tour guides, community-based organisations, cultural organisations, events and conference organisers, as well as arts and crafts, representing more than 2000 enterprises in the tourism sector.