Muhereza Kyamutetera Appointed CEO of Uganda Tourism Association

The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) has appointed Muhereza Kyamutetera as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2024. Kyamutetera’s appointment comes at a critical moment for Uganda’s tourism sector as it continues to recover from the significant disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kyamutetera, an experienced journalist and business professional, brings over 20 years of expertise in strategic development, marketing, business growth, and stakeholder management. He has worked with more than 100 brands across a wide range of industries, including tourism, financial services, healthcare, and energy. His appointment is seen as a key development for UTA as it seeks to strengthen and expand the country’s tourism industry.
The President of UTA, Yewagnesh Biriggwa, expressed her excitement over Kyamutetera’s appointment. She noted that his skills and experience make him the ideal candidate to lead UTA as it strives to build a professional, competitive, and inclusive tourism sector. She highlighted that Kyamutetera’s familiarity with the tourism industry, along with his fresh perspectives, will help the association navigate its challenges and capitalize on future opportunities.
“This is a significant milestone for the new board, which took office on June 20, 2024. We committed to appointing a CEO within our first 100 days, and I am proud of the board for accomplishing this goal,” Biriggwa said. She added that Kyamutetera’s leadership will be essential in driving UTA’s mission forward, which is to contribute to Uganda’s national development through the promotion of a vibrant tourism sector.
As the voice of the private sector within the tourism industry, UTA represents 11 different trade associations, including the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), the Uganda Hotel Owners’ Association (UHOA), and the Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA). Together, these associations represent over 2,000 enterprises within the tourism industry.
Kyamutetera is enthusiastic about his new role and is eager to apply his professional skills to advance Uganda’s tourism. “I am excited to combine my love for Destination Uganda with my business experience. I look forward to working closely with the private sector, government, and development partners to enhance tourism revenues and improve household incomes,” he said.
He also emphasized UTA’s commitment to advocating for sustainable tourism practices and the creation of growth opportunities for its members. Kyamutetera’s appointment is viewed as a significant step toward achieving these objectives and further developing the tourism industry in Uganda.
Key Details
Information
Appointed CEO
Muhereza Kyamutetera
Effective Date
October 1, 2024
UTA President
Yewagnesh Biriggwa
Associations Represented
AUTO, UHOA, USAGA, and 8 other associations
Total Enterprises
Over 2,000
Experience
20+ years in business growth, marketing, and strategy
Sectors Worked In
Tourism, Financial Services, Healthcare, Energy, etc.
Kyamutetera’s leadership is expected to bring valuable insights and strategies that will strengthen UTA’s position as a leading voice in the tourism industry and contribute to the sustainable growth of Uganda’s tourism sector.