Uganda visitor arrivals rise 3.7% in first half of 2026
Uganda recorded a 3.7% rise in international visitor arrivals, reaching 793,815 between January and June 2026. The increase is driven by strong cross‑border travel from Kenya, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, as well as growing numbers from overseas markets.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- International visitor arrivals increased 3.7% to 793,815 in Jan‑June 2026
- Timing
- Data covers the first half of 2026
- Who is affected
- Regional and overseas tourists visiting Uganda
The details
Overall Visitor Growth
Official tourism statistics show that Uganda welcomed 793,815 international visitors in the first six months of 2026, up from 765,307 in the same period of 2025. The 3.7% year‑on‑year increase adds 28,508 extra arrivals.
- Total African arrivals rose to 651,838, representing 82.1% of all visitors
- Tourism receipts climbed to approximately US$631 million
Key Regional Source Markets
Kenya remained the largest single source, delivering 249,427 arrivals (31.4% of total). Rwanda contributed 187,541 visitors, a 4.6% rise, while the Democratic Republic of Congo saw a sharp 43% jump to 53,214 arrivals, overtaking South Sudan.
- Malaba (Kenya) recorded 121,519 arrivals across all nationalities
- Katuna (Rwanda) saw 120,266 arrivals
- Mpondwe (DRC) handled 21,930 arrivals
Economic Impact and Longer Stays
Tourism receipts grew 25.6% year‑on‑year to US$631 million, outpacing the modest rise in visitor numbers. The average length of stay increased from 7.4 to 8.3 nights, indicating deeper visitor engagement despite a slight dip in daily spending per visitor.
- Accommodation accounted for 27.9% of inbound expenditure
- Food and beverage services contributed 16.2% of spending
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers should expect higher demand for hotels in major border towns such as Malaba and Katuna
- Airline capacity at Entebbe International Airport rose 4.7%, potentially easing flight availability
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation requirements are reported for visitors
- Existing visa and entry procedures remain unchanged
What you need to do
- Monitor accommodation availability in border regions during peak travel weeks
- Check flight schedules at Entebbe for any adjustments linked to increased visitor flow
Who this affects
-
Kenyan nationals
Kenya supplied the largest share of visitors, 249,427 arrivals in Jan‑June 2026
-
Rwandan nationals
Rwanda was the second‑largest source with 187,541 arrivals and a 4.6% growth
-
DRC nationals
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s arrivals jumped 43% to 53,214, becoming the third‑largest African source
-
South Sudanese nationals
South Sudan remained a major source despite a 6.3% decline, contributing 44,041 visitors
-
Overseas tourists (e.g., United States, United Kingdom)
Europe and the Americas recorded notable growth, with the United States becoming the top overseas market
Frequently asked questions
How many international visitors did Uganda receive in the first half of 2026?
Uganda welcomed 793,815 international visitors between January and June 2026, according to official tourism statistics.
Which country was Uganda's largest source of tourists in early 2026?
Kenya remained the top source, delivering 249,427 arrivals, or about 31.4% of all international visitors.
Did tourism revenue increase despite the modest rise in visitor numbers?
Yes, tourism receipts grew 25.6% year‑on‑year to roughly US$631 million, outpacing the 3.7% increase in arrivals.
What was the average length of stay for visitors in the first half of 2026?
The average stay rose to 8.3 nights, up from 7.4 nights in the comparable period of 2025.
Which border crossing saw the highest number of arrivals in early 2026?
Malaba, the Kenya‑Uganda crossing, recorded 121,519 international arrivals across all nationalities.
