Summary:

• Uganda aims to increase annual birding earnings to $700 million by 2030, highlighted during the 2023 International Conference for Women Birders in Kampala, emphasizing the country’s untapped potential as a key global birding destination.

Uganda aims to boost its revenue from birding to a minimum of $700 million (approximately Shs2 trillion) annually by 2030, with a target of attracting at least 100,000 birders each year. This revelation emerged at the 2023 International Conference for Women Birders held in Kampala last week, where tourism stakeholders urged the government and the broader Ugandan community to capitalize on the abundant opportunities within birding.

Despite having over 1,100 bird species, constituting about 11 percent of the world’s total bird population and over 50 percent of Africa’s, Uganda has not fully tapped into the potential of this natural resource. The conference highlighted that Uganda, unlike many other countries with limited bird species, possesses extraordinary biodiversity, making it a significant global destination for birding enthusiasts.

Participants emphasized the need for urgent interventions to transform the birding sub-sector into a lucrative source of income for the country. Ms. Andrea Molina, a bird guide from Ecuador, South America, expressed her awe at Uganda’s outstanding variety of birds and biodiversity, emphasizing the untapped potential.

Ms. Maggie Kigozi, a business consultant, pointed out the substantial growth of birding, citing a 280 percent increase in the US over the last decade. She urged strategizing on how to attract these tourists and claim a share of the significant expenditures on birding trips.

The International Conference for Women Birders, attended by participants from various African countries, Europe, the US, South America, China, and Australia, was organized by Uganda Women Birders, Uganda Safari Guides Association, Bird Uganda Safaris, and other stakeholders, with support from Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU). The conference aimed to leverage Uganda’s current birding potential to enhance the tourism industry.

Ms. Sarah Kagingo, the PSFU vice chairperson, committed to continuing efforts, in collaboration with development partners, to empower tourism stakeholders, especially women who are currently underrepresented in the sector. She encouraged women to carve out a niche in birding, establish businesses, and explore the numerous opportunities available, emphasizing the commitment to supporting women in tourism.