PATRICK BITATURE: A profile of one of Uganda’s foremost tourismpreneurs Before Covid-19 struck, Uganda’s tourism sector was one of the biggest sectors in the economy. Sector earnings reached USD1.6 billion in 2018/19 just about twice of all agriculture export earnings, making up about 7.7 per cent of GDP. The Sector employed 667,600 jobs- an equivalent of 6.3% of all total formal employment. The sector was bad hit by Covid-19. Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA) estimates indicate that Uganda in 2020, lost about about 1 million visitors. Monthly bedspace occupancy rates slumped from an average 30% in Q1 of 2020, dropping to just 1.8% in April 2020 as the country went into total lockdown. However recent statistics show the sector is starting to recover, with occupancy rates reaching about 27% in December 2020. As the sector embarks on a post-Covid-19 recovery, CEO East Africa, in recognition of the sector’s resilience, shall each week profile a major player in the sector, highlighting their contributions in the sector. Today, we are honoured to present, Patrick Bitature the Founder, Chairman and CEO of the Simba Group of companies as our first tourismpreneur.