Uganda, April 11 -- For years, Uganda's tourism conversation has leaned heavily on what the country offers in wildlife, landscapes, and cultural depth.

But at the inaugural Annual Tourist Guides Conference 2026, the focus shifted to the people central to the visitor experience who interpret Destination Uganda's tourism offerings.

Tour guides, often the first and last point of contact for visitors, are increasingly being recognised as critical to how Uganda is experienced, remembered, and recommended.

On Friday and Saturday, stakeholders from government and the private sector converged to reflect on the role of guides as the country positions itself more competitively within the region.

Opening the conference, Dr Lilly Ajarova, the Sen...