The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has moved to protect the country’s tourism image by suspending the licenses of 18 tour operators, ordering them to halt all tourism-related activities with immediate effect.
In a public notice issued this week, UTB explained that the suspensions are temporary and will remain in place as investigations into alleged fraudulent practices continue.
The public has been cautioned against engaging with the listed companies until further notice.
Among the suspended firms are some well-known operators, including Makaayi Tours and Travel, Travel Times, Vendoro Safaris, Karumuna Safaris Limited, and Gorilla Holidays (U) Limited.
The list also features:
Akia Quest Tours
Varitus Resourcing (U) Ltd
Saso Uganda Safaris Limited
Primate Journeys Africa Limited
Mohan Tours and Travel
Gotovate Tours and Travel
Dream Bandas Uganda Limited
Birchill Expeditions Limited
Azas Safaris U Ltd
Dorabo Tours and Travel Ltd
Brooklyn Safari Limited
All Budget Gorilla Safaris Ltd
Beyond Frontiers Travel (U) Ltd
Dr. Simplicious Gessa, UTB’s Public Relations Manager, emphasized that the crackdown was necessary to preserve the reputation of Uganda’s tourism sector.
“We cannot allow fraudulent operators to tarnish the image of our tourism sector,” Gessa said. “These suspensions are a precautionary measure as we investigate the allegations. Our priority is to protect visitors, ensure value for money, and maintain the integrity of Uganda’s tourism brand.”
The latest action follows a similar move last month, when UTB suspended Exclusive Africa Safaris over related concerns, signaling the board’s tougher stance against malpractice in the industry.