A survey of stakeholders promoting Uganda's Sports Tourism potential
Abstract
Sports Tourism is a growing sector within both the tourism and sports industry with some
countries are becoming dependant on it. However, the promotion of Sports Tourism in Uganda is
still low due to the little attention given to sports promotion and development. There is also a lot
of competition from the already established tourism activities like cultural tourism and eco
tourism. Yet sports tourists are characterized by long stays in a destination and high disposable
income which Uganda should tap into. This study set out to survey the stakeholders in promoting
Uganda’s Sports Tourism potential and it was guided by the following objectives; to analyze the
different stakeholders in, to examine different sports activities that can be developed and to
establish the challenges associated with promoting Sports Tourism in Uganda.
The analysis from the findings indicate the different stakeholders in promoting Uganda’s Sports
Tourism potential which include the government through Ministry of Education and Sports as
well as Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, private sector, KCCA, UTB, local people,
National Council of Sports, tourists and Uganda Wildlife Authority. Sports industry in Uganda
has largely been dominated by sports like football, Athletics, rugby, golf, basketball among other
games. However, the promotion of Sports Tourism in Uganda has experienced challenges such
as limited funds, limited knowledge about Sports Tourism, competition from other tourism
activities, insecurity around some sports facilities, congestion/ overcrowding on some sports
facilities and poor co- ordination among stakeholders among other challenges.
The study therefore recommends that the government should increase funding for sports. It
should also encourage more private investors to invest in Sports Tourism, increase advertising
and sensitization. The study also recommends proper accountability of sports funds to avoid
corruption and embezzlement of sports funds if Uganda is to promote and be recognized as a top
Sports Tourism destination in Africa.