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The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has suspended the licences of 18 tour and travel companies over allegations of fraud, misrepresentation, and failure to meet required operational standards.
The suspension, announced this week, takes immediate effect and bars the affected companies from conducting any tourism-related activities until further notice.
UTB says this action follows a compliance audit and stakeholder consultations aimed at improving service delivery and maintaining Uganda’s reputation as a safe and trustworthy destination.
Investigations underway into fraudulent practices
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UTB spokesperson Gessa Simplicious said the move was not intended to punish the companies but to correct serious lapses in compliance.
He stated that some operators had engaged in fraudulent activities that risk damaging the credibility of Uganda’s tourism industry.
Others had failed to meet the minimum regulatory requirements under the Tourism Act. Gessa said the suspension seeks to protect tourists, ensure fair competition, and remove disreputable players from the sector.
“The suspension is part of a broader effort to weed out non-compliant tour operators who damage the industry’s image,” he said.
“The action is not punitive but corrective. It seeks to safeguard the interests of tourists, ensure fair competition among operators, and uphold Uganda’s global image as the Pearl of Africa. Suspended companies have been given an opportunity to address compliance gaps, regularize their operations, and reapply for reinstatement of their licenses.”
UTB has suspended the licences of 18 tour and travel companies
Suspended companies and individuals
The following companies and individuals have been suspended pending further investigations:
Makaayi Tours and Travel: Kayongo Yosius, Mutumba Thomasius, Tarent Arinaitwe
Akia Quest Tours: Sekimuli Andrew
Varitus Resourcing (U) Ltd: Nakasanje Irene Kawuma, Emmanuel Nabuora, Bisaso Willison
Primate Journeys Africa Limited: Rukundo Samuel, Kago Joshua Michade
Mohan Tours and Travel: Lukyamuzi Muhammed, Namiyingo Naema
Gotovate Tours and Travel: Lawrence Rweishengye
Karumuna Safaris Limited: Kisembo Richard
Dream Bandas Uganda Limited: Jurwa Emmanuella
Birchill Expeditions Limited: Koburunga Rauka, Walugembe Eddie
Azas Safaris U Ltd: Aearwadye Simon, Karamaare Clare
Dorabo Tours and Travel Ltd: Nandala Micheal Eddie, Mpumwire Doreck
Brooklyn Safari Limited: Stephen Ochaya
Gorilla Holidays (U) Limited: Mark Ahimbisibwe Kikune, Niwahereza Gabriel
All Budget Gorilla Safaris Ltd: Bisaso Wilson, Nassali Gladys, Rolita Oliver
Beyond Frontiers Travel (U) Ltd: Godfrey Thomson Pule
Next steps for affected operators
UTB has given all suspended companies the opportunity to address compliance gaps and regularise their operations.
Those able to meet the required standards may reapply for licence reinstatement. A tourism licence in Uganda is valid for one year and must be renewed upon expiry and clearance.
The Board maintains that genuine operators will receive full support to return to business.
UTB says this action is part of a wider clean-up to ensure only credible companies represent Uganda in the tourism market.