Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has joined the country in commemorating World Tourism Day, using the occasion to highlight the important contribution of tourism to Uganda’s economy while also showcasing its institutional history.URA noted that tourism contributes about 9.8 to 10 percent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generating approximately USD 11.6 trillion worldwide. The sector supports employment, creates business opportunities and contributes to government revenue in many countries.In Uganda, the tourism sector remains an important part of economic activity, supporting jobs, businesses and tax revenue. URA Commissioner General John R. Musinguzi has previously highlighted the importance of the sector, saying, “The hotel and accommodation sector is vital to Uganda’s socio-economic development.”
During the World Tourism Day commemoration, URA also showcased its museum, which preserves the authority’s institutional history. The museum offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the development of revenue administration in Uganda since URA was established in 1991.The exhibition showed how revenue administration has transformed over the years, moving from processes that were largely manual to systems increasingly supported by digital technology. The transformation reflects the wider changes taking place in public service delivery as institutions adopt modern technologies.URA said it is also exploring new ways of making its museum more engaging and accessible to visitors. The authority is considering opportunities such as digital archives, artificial intelligence-powered guides and virtual tours as part of efforts to improve the tourism and learning experience.
According to URA, embracing technology does not mean abandoning the past. Instead, digital tools can help preserve institutional history and make important records and stories available to a wider audience, including people who may not be able to physically visit the museum.The authority said tourism continues to connect Uganda with the rest of the world, while preserving the country’s history remains essential. Through its museum and plans to incorporate new technology, URA is seeking to combine heritage, tourism and innovation as Uganda continues to promote its economic and cultural potential.
