Amos Wekesa, a well-known figure in Uganda’s tourism industry and the founder of Great Lakes Safaris Limited and Uganda Lodges Limited, has stirred up controversy with his recent commentary on the state of Uganda’s tourism sector.
While he publicly claimed that he is not interested in the role of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) CEO, insider sources suggest that Wekesa may be quietly positioning himself for the post, which has recently been advertised but remains occupied by the embattled Lilly Ajarova.
Wekesa’s candid reflection on the failures of the UTB, including the lack of a consistent national tourism campaign, insufficient marketing resources, and Uganda’s inability to compete effectively with neighboring countries like Kenya and Tanzania, has resonated with many in the industry.
In his piece, he laid out a detailed critique of how Uganda’s tourism sector could be revitalized, stressing the need for a dynamic, business-minded leader at the helm of UTB.
“I am not eyeing for the job,” Wekesa stated in his commentary, emphasizing his commitment to working in the private sector. However, behind the scenes, sources claim that Wekesa is actively lobbying for the position, with some suggesting that his criticism of the current leadership is more than just an outsider’s opinion—it may be part of a broader strategy to build support for his potential candidacy.
The current situation at UTB has been far from smooth. Lilly Ajarova, who has served as the UTB CEO for several years, has faced increasing frustration due to what many within the sector are calling an “invisible hand” working against her.
Sources suggest that a faction within the Ministry of Tourism has been covertly undermining her efforts, hindering her ability to implement meaningful change.
This has led to a perception that Ajarova’s tenure has been ineffective, with critics accusing her of failing to capitalize on Uganda’s natural assets and the growing global interest in African tourism.
According to insider reports, Ajarova’s position was recently advertised, and many see her departure as imminent.
Those pushing for her ouster appear to have significant backing, both from government officials and influential private sector players, including figures like Wekesa.
The UTB CEO role is now seen as a highly coveted position, with various stakeholders quietly vying for control.
The timing of Ajarova’s exit could be seen as a pivotal moment for Uganda’s tourism sector, with key decisions to be made about how the country will market itself on the global stage.
Wekesa’s own commentary underscores the deep frustrations within the industry, where he calls for a more targeted and resourceful approach to tourism marketing.
He advocates for a leadership team with proven business acumen and the ability to attract substantial international investments in the sector.
“Tourism is a business, and it requires individuals with marketing skills, networking abilities, and a long-term vision,” Wekesa argues, echoing sentiments many in the private sector share.
He also emphasizes the need for greater collaboration between UTB, government ministries, and the private sector in order to drive growth and increase Uganda’s market share of the global tourism market.
As the battle for the UTB CEO position intensifies, the focus remains on how the next leader will address these deep-rooted challenges. Will it be someone from the private sector, like Wekesa, with a background in tourism business development? Or will a new face from within government rise to the occasion?
