200808252022 | World Tourism Organisation (WTO) suspends Uganda

World Tourism Organisation (WTO) suspends Uganda

World Tourism Organisation (WTO) has suspended Uganda for non payment of the annual membership fees. Uganda owes $260,000 (about sh419m) arrears. This episode is quite embarassing for the Uganda Government as tourism is Uganda’s highest foreign exchange earner.

The matter was debated in Parliament on Friday.

“If Uganda is to promote the tourism sector, it is important that she clears the arrears as a matter of urgency,” said Kiiza Rwebembera (NRM). The failure to pay up means that Uganda is losing out on promotion as a tourism destination.

Uganda has also not cleared its membership fees to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa ($380,000), the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism ($100,000) and UNIDO ($11,000).

“The arrears in contributions are a constant embarrassment to the country,” Rwebembera said. “The Government should find ways of clearing the total sum.” We believe that the President should intervene in this matter as those who have been entrusted with this responsibility have clearly failed us. The figures involved are relatively small amounts but are causing us maximum embarassment.

Tourism state minister Serapio Rukundo said the finance ministry had promised to release the money. but todate there was nothing.

“Tourism brings the highest foreign exchange but the Government cannot get some of this to subscribe to WTO. It’s a big embarrassment.” Ogenga Latigo said