Uganda Tourism Grading Resumes Nationwide

The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) continues to implement its nationwide tourism grading and classification exercise, an initiative originally announced in August 2023 during a press conference held at the UTB headquarters in Kampala, Uganda.

The exercise remains active and ongoing, with assessments being carried out in phases across different regions of the country as part of Uganda’s long-term tourism quality improvement strategy.

Travellers planning to visit Uganda are required to obtain a Ugandan visa, with the specific visa type determined by the applicant’s nationality, purpose of travel, and intended duration of stay.

Phase One: Covering Key Tourism Hubs

The grading and classification programme is being implemented in phases to ensure systematic coverage and effective evaluation. During the initial phase, assessments focused on major tourism centres, including:

• Kampala
• Entebbe
• Jinja
• Masaka
• Mbarara
• Fort Portal
• Mbale

Subsequent phases have continued beyond these hubs, with UTB expanding the exercise to additional regions and accommodation facilities nationwide.

Importance of Grading and Classification

The ongoing grading and classification exercise plays a vital role in strengthening Uganda’s tourism sector and maintaining consistent service standards.

Ensuring Quality and Safety

The programme ensures that tourism establishments comply with approved national standards, enhancing visitor safety, service quality, and overall travel experience.

Regulation and Licensing

Through this exercise, UTB carries out the registration, inspection, licensing, and classification of tourism enterprises, helping to eliminate substandard facilities and promote professionalism across the industry.

Strengthening Global Competitiveness

A structured grading system positions Uganda as a quality-driven destination, increasing its attractiveness to international travellers and supporting growth in tourism arrivals and revenue.

Encouraging Tourism Investment

A transparent and well-regulated hospitality sector builds investor confidence, supporting infrastructure development and long-term sector growth.

Marketing and Informed Choice

Graded facilities can market themselves within recognised classifications, helping travellers make informed accommodation choices and increasing trust in service standards.

Alignment with International and Regional Standards

The grading framework aligns Uganda’s tourism sector with regional and international tourism standards, supporting cross-border tourism and regional cooperation within East Africa.

Private Sector Support

The exercise is supported by the private sector, including the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA). Collaboration between UTB and accommodation providers ensures that grading standards are practical, transparent, and beneficial to both tourism operators and visitors.

Accommodation as a Core Pillar of Tourism

Accommodation plays a central role in tourism development and is one of the Five “As” of Tourism: Attractions, Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, and Accommodation.

As a foundational service, accommodation significantly influences visitors’ overall experience, satisfaction levels, and destination choice.

High-quality accommodation facilities are essential for attracting tourists, encouraging longer stays, and driving sustainable growth within Uganda’s tourism sector.

Enhancing Guest Experience and International Standards

The Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA) has consistently emphasised the importance of tourism grading in improving guest experience and aligning Uganda’s hospitality industry with internationally recognised standards.

Adherence to recognised grading standards helps tourism establishments:

• Meet international visitor expectations.
• Support transparent and competitive pricing structures.
• Improve the overall quality of products and services offered.

This alignment strengthens Uganda’s reputation as a reliable and quality-driven destination.

Efficiency and Consistency Through Technology

To support accurate and transparent evaluations, the Uganda Tourism Board has equipped field assessment teams with advanced ICT tools and automated classification systems.

These technologies enable:

• Streamlined and standardised assessments
• Consistent application of grading criteria
• Improved reliability of inspection outcomes

The use of modern assessment tools reinforces UTB’s commitment to enforcing quality standards and supporting the long-term development and credibility of Uganda’s tourism sector.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the grading and classification exercise initiated by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB)?
The grading and classification exercise aims to assess, regulate, and standardise the quality of tourism facilities and services in Uganda. It ensures that accommodation and related services meet approved national, regional, and international standards, enhancing Uganda’s competitiveness and appeal as a tourism destination.

When did the grading and classification exercise begin, and what areas does it cover?
The exercise was officially announced in August 2023 and is being implemented in phases. The initial phase, conducted between 1 August and 4 September 2023, covered major tourism centres including Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, Masaka, Mbarara, Fort Portal, and Mbale. Subsequent phases have continued beyond these areas, expanding coverage nationwide.

How does this exercise benefit hoteliers and tourism operators?
Hoteliers and tourism operators who participate in the grading process can enhance the value of their investments. Grading provides an opportunity to market their facilities within accredited grades, attracting more visitors and improving their business prospects.

What role does UTB play in enforcing and monitoring tourism standards?
UTB is mandated to register, inspect, license, monitor, and classify tourism enterprises across Uganda. Through this role, UTB ensures consistent service quality, safeguards visitor experience, and supports orderly growth within the tourism sector.

How does grading align with international standards and guest expectations?
The grading framework helps manage guest expectations by ensuring tourism products and services meet clearly defined quality criteria. This alignment supports transparent pricing, improves guest satisfaction, and strengthens Uganda’s reputation as a quality-driven destination.

What technological enhancements have been implemented to streamline the grading and classification process?
Field assessment teams have been provided with ICT equipment preloaded with an automated Classification System. This technological upgrade ensures efficiency and effectiveness in carrying out the grading process, making it more seamless and accurate.

How does this exercise contribute to Uganda's positioning as a competitive tourism destination in the East African region?
The grading and classification exercise aligns with Article 115(2) of the East African Treaty, where partner states work together to enhance the quality of accommodation and catering facilities. This collaborative effort strengthens Uganda's position as a competitive tourism destination within the region.