📷 India minister praises Uganda's tourism potential

Indian tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawa has praised the friendly relations between Uganda and India.

The minister said Uganda should use her friendly relations with India to attract more Indian tourists.

The Uganda stall also received CEO and founder of Forum Worldwide Viral Shah, who recently brought 80 tourists from India to Uganda. (Courtesy Photos)

Shekhawa made the remarks in India during the visit to the Uganda Pavilion during the open (outbound) travel market at the Bombay Tourism Expo.

The event opened on Thursday, January 30, 2025, and is set to conclude on Saturday at the Jio World Convention Center, Bombay.

Shekhawa, the chief guest, was received by Uganda's High Commissioner to India, Prof. Joyce Kikafunda and Ambassador Elly Kamahungye from the foreign affairs ministry.

Shekhawa said Uganda’s participation at this tourism Event (OTM) is a step in the right direction and wished Uganda success, according to a statement released yesterday by the foreign affairs ministry.

The ministry noted that the Indian tour operators have shown interest in selling Destination Uganda and other tourism players like film actors and tourism influencers.

"Among these is Mr Ramji, an iconic Indian film producer who had started work in Uganda with a view of producing a movie capturing all tourism iconic features and scenic areas but had almost given up, " the ministry said.

It added that Ramji was able to meet with the high commissioner and the team from Kampala, who rekindled his interest in continuing with the project.

Both foreign affairs, tourism ministries, Uganda Tourism Board and the wildlife authority are working in partnership with the Uganda High Commission in India to support the project.

The ministry said the successful execution of the project guarantees a viewership of over 50 million in both India and Asia.

"This should be able to raise at least one million tourists. It could be a good value addition to the tourism revenues," the statement said.

The Uganda stall also received CEO and founder of Forum Worldwide Viral Shah, who recently brought 80 tourists from India to Uganda.

According to the ministry, Shah pledged to sell destination Uganda, adding that Shah hopes to visit Uganda in June.

During the visit, Shah is expected to capture more promotional content tailored to sell Uganda to potential Indian visitors.

Other visitors included Amey Amladi and businessman Bhupesh.

The former is the chief operations officer of India Akbar Travels of India PVT Ltd, the leading tour and travel agent in India, while the latter closely worked with various embassies and high commissions to develop international business.

On the whole, over 50 companies visited the Uganda stall including individuals that expressed interest in Uganda.

Others want to come as tourists, while a reasonable number expressed the need to partner with Uganda and sell to destination Uganda.

The OTM is organised by the Uganda High Commission New Delhi and Uganda Airlines in partnership with foreign affairs, tourism ministries, UTB, UWA and the Uganda tour operators.