Uganda is stepping up efforts to attract more visitors from France, with a target of bringing between 13,000 and 15,000 French tourists to the country in 2027.
The target comes as tourism authorities seek to increase Uganda’s visibility in the French market and convert growing interest in the country into more visitors, investment and employment opportunities.
Uganda’s Ambassador to France, Spain and Portugal, Doreen Ruth Amule, said the target was achievable despite challenges facing international tourism, including health concerns and global instability.
Recent figures indicate growing interest from the French market. French tourist arrivals to Uganda more than doubled in 2025 to 7,439, while Uganda received more than 1.64 million international visitors during the same period.
Tourism generated about US$1.62 billion in receipts, highlighting the sector’s growing contribution to the economy.
Uganda is now seeking to build on this momentum by promoting its wildlife, landscapes and cultural attractions, while positioning itself as an alternative destination to the more established East African tourism markets of Kenya and Tanzania.
At the International and French Travel Market in Paris, Uganda showcased its tourism attractions through branded buses, digital displays and promotional images featuring mountain gorillas and other wildlife.
However, tourism operators say awareness remains one of the major challenges. Some potential French travellers are still unfamiliar with Uganda and its tourism offerings.
The government and tourism stakeholders therefore face the task of turning increased visibility in France into actual travel bookings.
With attractions such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda hopes to translate its promotional campaign into a stronger flow of French tourists ahead of 2027.
