Women hold influential leadership roles across Uganda’s tourism sector, shaping policies and driving growth.
According to monitor.co.ug, from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism to the CEOs of major industry associations, female leaders are at the forefront of the country’s thriving tourism industry, reinforcing Uganda’s commitment to gender inclusivity in leadership.
Also from the outgoing chief executive officer (CEO) of Uganda Tourism Board, the senior presidential advisor on Tourism, CEO of Uganda Hotel Owners’ Association and the executive director (ED) there, the chairperson of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), chairperson of Uganda Tourism Association and board chairperson of the tourism board.
Here are snippets from the profiles of some of these women.
Doreen Silver Katusiime
Doreen Silver Katusiime serves as the Permanent Secretary at Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA), where she oversees the formulation and implementation of policies aimed at promoting tourism, wildlife conservation, and cultural heritage for the country’s socio-economic development.
Under her leadership, the ministry’s budget has grown significantly from approximately UShs90 billion in the 2015/16 fiscal year to UShs214 billion in the upcoming financial year. This increase has enabled agencies like the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to double their revenue collections from about UShs70 billion annually before COVID-19 to approximately UShs130 billion.
Katusiime emphasizes the importance of public awareness in conservation efforts, advocating for sensitizing communities about the benefits of preserving wildlife and cultural heritage. She highlights the need for increased investment in Uganda’s unique cultural and natural assets to enhance tourism and national development.
In August 2024, she played a pivotal role in formalizing a partnership between MTWA and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Uganda by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration aims to address challenges in wildlife conservation and promote sustainable development in the tourism sector.
Katusiime’s dedication to strengthening partnerships extends to regular engagements with the private sector and development partners, focusing on capacity building, anti-poaching initiatives, and promoting Uganda’s rich cultural heritage. Her efforts have been instrumental in the recovery and growth of Uganda’s tourism industry, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Lilly Ajarova
Dr. Lilly Ajarova is a distinguished Ugandan conservationist and tourism expert who served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) from January 2019 until her departure in March 2025. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in promoting Uganda as a premier tourist destination and implementing strategies that enhanced the country’s tourism sector.
Dr. Ajarova’s career in conservation and tourism spans several decades. From 1996 to 2005, she worked at the Uganda Wildlife Authority as the Tourism Development and Marketing Manager, where she was instrumental in developing tourism services within Uganda’s national parks. In 2005, she became the Executive Director of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust, managing the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria. Under her leadership, the sanctuary transformed into a safe haven for orphaned chimpanzees, emphasizing conservation and eco-tourism.
In January 2019, Dr. Ajarova was appointed CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board. Her tenure focused on implementing strategies to boost tourism, enhance destination marketing, and promote sustainable tourism practices. She emphasized the importance of community involvement in conservation and worked towards increasing Uganda’s visibility on the global tourism stage.
In 2025 Dr. Lilly Ajarova, was appointed as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Ms. Pearl Hoareau Kakooza
Ms. Pearl Hoareau Kakooza is a distinguished figure in Uganda’s tourism industry, known for her extensive experience and leadership roles.
In May 2024, she was appointed Chairperson of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) by Hon. Tom R. Butime, the Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities.
This appointment was announced during the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE), East Africa’s premier tourism event.
Before her tenure at UTB, Ms. Hoareau Kakooza served as the Managing Director of Uganda Travel Bureau 2004 Limited, one of Uganda’s oldest tours and travel companies established in 1971. She also held the position of General Manager at FCM Travel Solutions (Uganda), a prominent tour and travel agency based in Kampala.
In addition to her executive roles, Ms. Hoareau Kakooza has been actively involved in various industry associations. She served as the President of the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), which unites all tourism associations in the country, and as Chairperson of The Uganda Association of Travel Agents (TUGATA), an umbrella body comprising Uganda’s professional travel agents.
Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to integrity, continuous learning, and excellence. Ms. Hoareau Kakooza emphasizes the importance of honesty and a willingness to learn, believing that these qualities lead to long-term success and recognition.
Under her leadership, the Uganda Tourism Board aims to enhance the country’s visibility as a top travel destination in East Africa, leveraging her vast experience and strategic vision to drive growth and development in Uganda’s tourism sector.
Jean Byamugisha
Jean Byamugisha is a prominent figure in Uganda’s tourism and hospitality industry, serving as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA). Under her leadership, UHOA has experienced significant growth, expanding its membership from 202 to 625 members within six years.
Byamugisha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management from Makerere University and has pursued various postgraduate certificates in Tourism Management from international institutions.
Her career with UHOA began over a decade ago as Executive Secretary, a role she held for four years. She then worked as a Project Manager at the United Nations, focusing on youth employment programs, before returning to UHOA as CEO, a position she has held for nine years.
Her tenure has been marked by initiatives such as training refugees in hotel management, equipping displaced individuals with hospitality skills to foster economic inclusion.
Byamugisha’s contributions have earned her several accolades, including being named among the top 100 women in Tourism in Africa in 2017, recognized as one of Uganda’s Top 40 CEOs under 40 in 2018, and listed among Uganda’s 50 most admirable women in 2020.
She is also dedicated to mentoring young women in tourism, addressing challenges such as perception issues and the scarcity of female role models in the industry. Byamugisha emphasizes the importance of integrity, continuous learning, and excellence in leadership.
Her leadership continues to influence Uganda’s tourism sector positively, promoting growth, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
Civy Tumusiime
Civy Tumusiime is a prominent figure in Uganda’s tourism industry, known for her leadership and dedication to promoting sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation.
Professional Roles:
Chief Executive Officer of Acacia Safaris Limited: Since January 2012, Civy has led Acacia Safaris Limited, a well-established tour and travel company in Uganda, offering a range of safari experiences across East Africa.
Chairperson of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO): From 2020 to 2022, she served as the Chairperson of AUTO, where she worked to advance the interests of tour operators in Uganda and foster collaboration within the industry.
Representative to the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU): During her tenure at AUTO, Civy was elected to represent the tourism sector in PSFU, contributing to policy advocacy and private sector development initiatives.
Advocacy and Contributions:
Civy is an active advocate for increased investment in tourism marketing. In March 2024, she authored an open letter to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, emphasizing the need for enhanced marketing efforts to boost Uganda’s tourism sector
Mrs. Yewagnesh Biriggwa (Yogi)
Mrs. Yewagnesh “Yogi” Biriggwa is a distinguished leader in Uganda’s tourism and aviation sectors, renowned for her extensive experience and commitment to fostering industry growth.
Professional Experience:
Country Manager for Uganda and Rwanda at South African Airways: In this role, Mrs. Biriggwa has been instrumental in enhancing air travel connectivity and promoting tourism between these countries.
Managing Director at South African Airways Uganda: As Managing Director, she has demonstrated a passion for leveraging partnerships to stimulate tourism growth across nations.
Leadership Roles:
Chairperson of the Confederation of Uganda Tourism Associations (COUTA): In June 2024, Mrs. Biriggwa was elected to lead COUTA, an umbrella organization representing various tourism associations in Uganda. Her leadership is anticipated to drive strategic initiatives aimed at advancing the country’s tourism industry.
Board Member of the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA): Serving as a central member, she contributes to the governance and strategic direction of UHOA, which plays a pivotal role in Uganda’s hospitality sector.
Industry Engagement:
Mrs. Biriggwa actively participates in key industry events, such as the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo 2025, where she collaborates with other leaders to showcase Uganda’s tourism potential and attract investment.
Through her various roles, Mrs. Yewagnesh “Yogi” Biriggwa continues to be a driving force in enhancing Uganda’s tourism landscape, fostering partnerships, and promoting sustainable growth within the industry.
Recently, Yogi was elected President of the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) .
