The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has raised concerns over the repeated U.S. government travel advisories on Uganda, saying they are hurting the country’s tourism sector, a key pillar of the economy.
According to a statement from the Office of the CDF, Gen. Muhoozi made the remarks on Wednesday evening during a meeting with the Acting U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Mikael Mika Cleverley.The meeting held in Fort Portal Western Uganda, has marked Cleverley’s first official engagement with Uganda’s military leadership since assuming office last month.
The statement noted that tourism employs thousands of Ugandans and generates significant foreign exchange. However, the advisories reportedly create a negative perception of the country despite improved security in major tourist destinations. It further reiterated Uganda’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all visitors.
The U.S. Department of State currently lists Uganda under Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, citing concerns over crime, terrorism, and health risks, despite Ugandan authority’s consistent argument that such advisories do not reflect the situation on the ground, particularly in national parks and other tourist areas, which remain safer and secure.
“These advisories negatively affect Uganda’s tourism sector, which is a key pillar of the national economy and a significant source of livelihood for many Ugandans. The CDF has reiterated Uganda’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all visitors,” the statement said.
Meanwhile the discussions also focused on strengthening defence cooperation and broader bilateral ties between Uganda and the United States. “The United States is a long-standing partner of Uganda, within the areas of military training, counter-terrorism, health, and regional security. We also appreciate U.S. support in education, agriculture, and infrastructure developments in uganda”. Kainerugaba said.
On his part, Ambassador Cleverley pledged Washington’s commitment to deepening the bilateral relationship. Cleverley recently took over leadership of the U.S. Embassy in Kampala following the departure of Ambassador William W. Popp.
Muhoozi, recently drew controversy after posting inflammatory remarks accusing the U.S. Mission in Uganda of hiding opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, and threatening to halt military ties.
He then quickly deleted the posts and apologized, but U.S. lawmakers including Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch criticized the behavior and urged a broader reevaluation of bilateral security assistance. URN