The tourism sector continues to be a major driver of employment and economic growth in Uganda, benefiting more than 1.6 million people, according to Tom Butime, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities.
Speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the National Hospitality Skills Competition at the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI), Minister Butime revealed that the sector directly employs 600,000 people while over one million others benefit indirectly.
He praised the organizers of the competition, emphasizing its role in developing skills for Uganda’s fast-growing hospitality industry.
“The hospitality sector is expanding rapidly, and initiatives like this competition are crucial in enhancing the skills of young professionals who will drive the industry forward,” he stated.
The three-day event, themed “Tastes of Uganda,” attracted students from top hospitality training institutions across the country, competing in four key areas: Food Production, Pastry & Bakery, Restaurant Service, and Floristry (Flower Arrangement).
Participating institutions included Kyambogo University, Victoria University, Nile Vocational Institute, Pearl Crest Hospitality Institute, Culinary School Uganda, Nawanyago Technical Institute, International Labour Organisation, and the host institution, UHTTI.
Richard Kawere, Principal of UHTTI, highlighted the competition’s significance in promoting Uganda’s culinary and service excellence.
“We conducted research and benchmarking in China, France, and Belgium before organizing this competition to ensure it meets global standards,” he explained.
He further proposed that winners from the competition should represent Uganda at international hospitality events, saying,
“Instead of handpicking representatives for global competitions, we should use this platform to select the best talent to showcase Uganda’s hospitality skills worldwide.”
Richard Gulume Balyainho, the Resident City Commissioner of Jinja City, commended the government for transforming UHTTI into a world-class training facility.
He noted that funds from the World Bank were used to construct modern facilities, including the new Crested Crane Hotel, which serves as a training ground for students.
Evans Lwanga, Programme Officer at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), emphasized the importance of a well-trained workforce in the tourism and hospitality industry.
“The sector offers immense opportunities, and equipping young people with the right skills is key to its development,” he said.
With the success of this year’s event, organizers confirmed that the National Hospitality Skills Competition will become an annual event, ensuring continuous skill development and global competitiveness for Uganda’s hospitality industry.
