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In a strategic move to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), promote tourism, boost trade, and facilitate science and technology transfer, the Uganda Embassy in Ankara has launched a high-impact series of Tourism Roadshows and Business Forums across Türkiye.

The week-long campaign, which began on June 13 and runs through June 20, 2025, is being held in six of Türkiye’s most influential and industrially strategic cities: Ankara, Istanbul, Bursa, Izmir, Konya, and Gaziantep.

Organized under the embassy’s economic and commercial diplomacy mandate, the initiative targets cities with strong economic potential and complementary sectors to Uganda. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the goal is to build a foundation for enhanced bilateral cooperation through friendly exchanges and shared development interests.

Led by Uganda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Nusura Tiperu, and Counsellor Nelson Kasigaire, the delegation includes representatives from key government agencies such as the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), and the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC).

Growing Turkish Interest in Uganda

The campaign has captured the attention of Türkiye’s business community, resulting in productive engagements with major Turkish companies. Speaking at forums in Mersin and Bursa, Counselor Kasigaire highlighted the embassy’s new strategic partnership with Mr. Dilek Dere, regional president of the Türkiye Travel Agencies Association (TURSAB)—the country’s oldest and largest tourism body with over 15,000 members.

“This marketing drive aims to raise awareness about Uganda’s investment opportunities, tourism potential, and business incentives. We’re encouraging joint ventures and trade partnerships between Uganda and Türkiye,” Kasigaire said.

He noted the increasing interest among tour operators to develop tailored travel packages for Turkish tourists and promote Uganda as a top destination under the “Explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa” campaign. Plans are underway to organize familiarization trips and exploratory visits for Turkish businesses and travel agents.

Gala Dinners, Cultural Diplomacy, and Factory Tours

To strengthen networking, the embassy hosted Turkish guests at gala dinners in several cities, offering a taste of Uganda’s hospitality. Guests were treated to cultural performances by the renowned Ndere Troupe, led by veteran entertainer Stephen Rwangyezi.

During these events, Ambassador Tiperu personally presented Ugandan coffee gift packages to guests, including raffle winners, symbolizing Uganda’s premium exports.

In Konya, the delegation visited the Konya Chamber of Commerce, Türkiye’s third-largest chamber with over 30,000 members. The team, invited by the Turkish business association ASKON, also toured prominent industrial facilities, including

• Yemsa Makina, a leading feed machinery manufacturer exporting to over 34 countries;
• Konak Chocolate & Confectionery, a 1958-established factory that currently imports chocolate powder from Ivory Coast but is exploring options to source from Uganda;
• AKONA Irrigation Systems, a major agricultural equipment firm serving 34 global markets.

Momentum Builds in Bursa and Beyond

At the TURSAB regional office in Bursa, several Turkish travel agents confirmed plans to take 80 first-time visitors to Uganda in the near future. Speaking at the city’s gala dinner, Ambassador Tiperu noted an encouraging increase in Turkish tourist arrivals to Uganda, which rose from 1,120 in 2022 to 1,428 in 2023.

“Türkiye is among Uganda’s top 10 potential overseas markets for inbound tourism. With the recent introduction of direct flights, our target is to attract 1,000 more visitors in the next year,” said Tiperu.

UTB’s Marketing Manager, Francis Nyende, pointed out that Uganda currently attracts about 1.5 million tourists annually. However, he stressed that the country offers much more than the traditional “Big Five” safari attractions.

“Uganda’s unique cultural diversity and compact geography create a rich and affordable tourism experience. Events like this cultural gala help reshape Uganda’s image and open doors to new markets like Türkiye,” Nyende said.

Investment Opportunities and Strategic Partnerships

Rita Mugula, UIA’s Deputy Director for Investment Promotion, highlighted Türkiye as a model in developing a structured and successful tourism industry. She commended the embassy’s proactive efforts in presenting Uganda as an untapped opportunity for Turkish investors.

“This is not just about tourism. We are introducing Uganda to a fresh market—one with immense potential for investment in key sectors,” she said.

The roadshow will conclude with a grand finale in Istanbul on June 20, marking the end of a highly successful campaign. Through this bold outreach, the Ugandan Embassy in Ankara has sent a clear message: Uganda is open for business.