Uganda tourism industry has long been recognised as having great potential, thanks to its stunning landscapes and abundance of natural beauty. Despite the country’s attractiveness as a safari and adventure tourism destination, poor road infrastructure remains a major impediment to growth. The state of Uganda’s roads, particularly the feeder roads that lead to major attractions, remains a pressing concern, negatively impacting the tourism experience for both international and domestic visitors.

The Impact of Poor Roads on Tourism

Uganda’s natural landscapes, from the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, are some of the most picturesque in Africa. These areas are home to diverse wildlife, including mountain gorillas, elephants, and numerous bird species, making Uganda a sought-after destination for nature lovers. However, poor road conditions create barriers to these attractions, significantly hindering tourism growth.

Many of the roads leading to Uganda’s key tourism spots are not adequately paved, leaving them prone to deterioration, especially during the rainy season. As a result, visitors often encounter long travel delays, uncomfortable rides, and sometimes, impassable roads. This has a direct impact on tourist satisfaction, with many visitors opting to avoid locations with unreliable access.

Accessibility Challenges for Tourists

Tourists wishing to visit Bwindi National Park, for example, often have to navigate winding, rough roads, particularly during the rainy season when roads become muddy and treacherous. The Mubende–Mityana–Fort Portal corridor, which connects Kampala to western Uganda’s parks, is notorious for its potholes and poorly maintained stretches. This poor infrastructure not only increases the travel time but also raises the cost of vehicle maintenance for tour operators. The negative effect on visitor experience is compounded by the absence of rest stops or proper signage along these roads.

The result of such conditions is a growing reluctance among travelers to venture to less-developed parts of the country. Tourist reviews frequently mention the discomfort and delays faced on Uganda’s roads, which can lead to frustration and a diminished overall travel experience. This is especially true for tourists who have a limited amount of time to spend in the country and are unable to endure long travel times to reach their destinations.

A National Tourism Crisis

Government reports have increasingly highlighted how poor roads affect the growth potential of Uganda’s tourism sector. The Uganda Tourism Board has pointed to inadequate road infrastructure as one of the major hindrances to reaching the country’s tourism goals. In 2025, the country’s tourism receipts reached US$1.5 billion, a modest figure considering Uganda’s diverse offerings. However, industry experts argue that without improvements in road connectivity, the sector will continue to struggle to expand to its full potential.

The tourism sector’s challenges are not only related to transportation access. They also affect the competitiveness of Uganda compared to its neighbors, particularly Kenya and Rwanda. These countries have invested heavily in road networks that connect their tourism hubs, offering smoother access to safari destinations and national parks. As a result, Uganda risks losing tourists to these better-connected destinations, where travel is more comfortable and efficient.

Government Efforts to Improve Infrastructure

The Ugandan government has acknowledged the issue and included infrastructure development as a priority in its national tourism strategy. The National Development Plan III outlines several road projects aimed at improving access to national parks, including the construction of new highways and the rehabilitation of existing ones. However, progress has been slow, and many of the roads connecting key tourist areas remain in a state of disrepair.

In addition to government efforts, there has been a call for public-private partnerships to help accelerate road improvements. Local businesses and international investors have also shown interest in financing infrastructure projects that could benefit Uganda’s tourism sector. However, funding constraints and competing priorities have meant that many of these proposals have yet to be fully realized.

The Role of Local Communities and Tourism Operators

Local tour operators, who are directly affected by the poor road conditions, have been vocal in advocating for better infrastructure. Some have attempted to mitigate the problem by investing in off-road vehicles capable of handling the rough terrain. However, these solutions are not sustainable in the long term, as they increase operational costs and make it more difficult to offer affordable travel packages.

Tourism-dependent communities, particularly those in rural and remote areas, also suffer from the lack of road access. These communities rely on tourism to drive local economies through jobs in hospitality, guiding, and handicraft sales. Without improvements in road networks, these opportunities remain limited, hindering economic growth at the grassroots level.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Improved Infrastructure

Uganda’s tourism industry remains one of the country’s most important economic sectors, with the potential to generate billions of dollars in revenue and create jobs for millions of Ugandans. However, addressing the poor road infrastructure is essential for realizing this potential. Experts agree that if the country is to remain competitive in the global tourism market, there must be immediate investment in the development and maintenance of road networks that connect key tourist attractions.

As tourism stakeholders, including the Uganda Tourism Board, tour operators, and international organizations, continue to advocate for improved infrastructure, there is hope that the government will prioritize road development in the coming years. The benefits of such investments are clear: improved access would lead to higher visitor numbers, better experiences, and a stronger local economy.

While challenges remain, Uganda’s untapped potential as a premier tourism destination is undeniable. With the right investments in infrastructure, the country could soon see its tourism industry thrive, offering both local communities and global visitors a much-enhanced experience.

Conclusion

Uganda’s natural beauty is undeniably appealing to visitors, but the country’s road infrastructure remains a barrier to tourism development. Investment in road development is urgently required to fully realize Uganda’s tourism potential and provide tourists with a seamless travel experience. With better access to national parks and remote destinations, Uganda has the potential to become one of Africa’s top tourism destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year.