Uganda’s tourism and hospitality sector stands at a defining moment, one where leadership, not luck, will determine its global standing.
The country’s breathtaking biodiversity, from the snowcapped Rwenzoris to the misty gorilla highlands, has long been the envy of Africa.
Yet, the true story behind Uganda’s resurgence as a premier destination is not just about its landscapes; it’s about the people leading the charge to transform them into sustainable, world-class experiences.
The CEOs, Managing Directors, and General Managers featured in this list represent the new face of Ugandan tourism: strategic, globally aware, tech-savvy, and fiercely rooted in local authenticity.
It is not an exhaustive list, but these are building integrated value chains, from lodges to logistics, from digital travel systems to hospitality training pipelines, while navigating a complex environment shaped by post-pandemic recovery, shifting consumer behavior, and sustainability imperatives.
Tourism contributes over 7.7% of Uganda’s GDP and employs nearly 600,000 people directly and indirectly.
But as the market matures, competition has intensified; both regionally, against destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, and globally, as eco-conscious travelers demand experiences that are ethical, inclusive, and unforgettable.
The industry’s new leadership is responding with creativity, capital, and courage.
From Amos Wekesa’s homegrown empire to Nathalie Van Pée’s redefinition of eco-luxury, from Praveen Moman’s conservation-led safari vision to Lydia Mpanga’s human-centered regeneration model, these leaders are not just running businesses; they are architects of Uganda’s global tourism identity.
Their work reflects a bold synthesis of innovation and impact, redefining what it means to do business in one of the world’s fastest-evolving travel frontiers.
These are the trailblazers of tourism; visionaries who are proving that Uganda’s greatest export is not only its wildlife or scenery, but its leadership in experience, excellence, and authenticity.
Amos Wekesa – Founder & CEO, Great Lakes Safaris & Uganda Lodges
His entrepreneurial story began with just $200 and a vision. From managing his fledgling tour company out of a briefcase in 2001, he has built Great Lakes Safaris into a regional powerhouse.
A glowing Washington Times feature by a satisfied tourist sparked early international recognition, propelling his business toward sustainable growth and diversification.
His portfolio now spans iconic lodges such as Primate Lodge (Kibale), Simba Safari Camp, Elephant Plains Lodge (Queen Elizabeth), and Budongo Eco Lodge (Murchison Falls); all consolidated under The Great Lakes collection.
Beyond revenue and reach, Wekesa’s leadership stands for authenticity, empowerment, and conservation.
His enterprises employ over 250 Ugandans and generate an estimated $8 million annually, proof that local ownership can thrive in a global market.
Khaled Helmy – General Manager, Kampala Serena Hotel & Conference Centre
Appointed in 2025, Khaled Helmy oversees the 5-star Kampala Serena Hotel, the flagship of Uganda’s premium hospitality landscape.
His leadership comes with a wealth of global experience within the Serena ecosystem, where he previously served from 2006 to 2008.
Helmy manages an expansive 17-acre property with 186 rooms, top-tier MICE facilities, and elite dining outlets, including The Pearl Restaurant & Champagne Bar and Explorer Italian Bistro.
His strategic focus is on defending Kampala Serena’s dominance in the meetings and events market, driving service excellence, nurturing talent, and embedding sustainability in line with AKDN’s net-zero vision.
Akhilesh Malik – General Manager, Speke Group Hotels
Under Akhilesh Malik’s stewardship, Speke Resort Munyonyo and the wider Speke Group have become synonymous with luxury and precision.
Known for his direct engagement with guests and staff alike, Malik leads with transparency, operational rigor, and a commitment to quality.
His forward-thinking leadership is modernizing the group’s MICE and wellness offerings, positioning the Speke brand as an enduring symbol of excellence and resilience in East Africa’s competitive hospitality space.
Praveen Moman – Founder & Managing Director, Volcanoes Safaris
Since 1997, Praveen Moman has been redefining eco-luxury tourism in the Albertine Rift.
His lodges in Uganda and Rwanda serve as gateways to gorilla and chimpanzee sanctuaries, combining conservation with community benefit.
Through the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, Moman has championed projects such as the Batwa Cultural Village and Kyambura Gorge Restoration.
How Africa is Unlocking its Solar Market Momentum for a Sustainable FutureHis approach unites tourism, livelihoods, and environmental stewardship, positioning Volcanoes Safaris as a model for responsible African travel.
Lydia Eva Mpanga — Founder & CEO, Nkuringo Safaris & Lodges
Driven by passion and purpose, Lydia Eva Mpanga has built Nkuringo Safaris & Lodges into a leader in regenerative tourism.
From its roots in Kisoro, the company now operates across East Africa, blending luxury with sustainability.
Her Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge exemplifies her philosophy of connection over consumption.
Through the Gorilla Junction Foundation, she empowers local youth and women, supports Batwa inclusion, and channels tourism revenue into conservation.
Mpanga’s leadership and advocacy in AUTO have made her one of the defining female voices in Ugandan tourism.
Civy R N Tumusiime – Managing Director & Owner, Acacia Safaris
As the head of Acacia Safaris, Civy Tumusiime has turned a family venture into a benchmark for high-value, sustainable tourism.
Her lodges, including Pakuba, Mpogo, and Four Gorillas, embody her belief that conservation and comfort can coexist.
As Chairperson of AUTO, she advocates for innovation, standards, and collaboration in the industry.
Her mix of operational excellence and policy leadership continues to shape Uganda’s tourism identity on the global stage.
Davis H. Mugabi – General Manager, Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz (Simba Group)
A rising star in modern hospitality, Davis Mugabi has repositioned Protea Skyz into a social and lifestyle hub.
Through signature experiences like the Kampala Style Brunch and Skyz Exclusive Nights, he has transformed the property into a space where culture and hospitality meet.
His people-first philosophy, data-driven strategy, and calm leadership have made the hotel a symbol of innovation, service excellence, and emotional intelligence within the Simba Group portfolio.
Nathalie Van Pée – Director, Nile Safari Lodge
At Nile Safari Lodge, Nathalie Van Pée is redefining luxury on Uganda’s iconic river.
Together with her sisters, she has created a property that is as sustainable as it is sophisticated, featuring eight handcrafted bandas, UV water purification, and a saltwater pool system.
Her all-female-led team and eco-conscious design reflect her commitment to empowerment and environmental integrity.
Through innovations like “Elevate”, a helicopter-safari collaboration, she continues to push Uganda’s tourism narrative beyond traditional safaris, positioning the lodge as a benchmark in eco-luxury travel.
Eugenie Nsubuga Windt – CEO, Swanair Travel & Safaris
Eugenie Windt has led Swanair to the forefront of travel management by integrating global systems with local insight.
With operations spanning corporate travel, M&E, and leisure safaris, she combines professionalism with empathy, fostering loyalty and agility across her teams.
As Treasurer of AUTO, Windt has been instrumental in advancing tourism governance.
Her current focus, digital transformation, sustainability, and regional expansion, positions Swanair to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven travel landscape.
Jonathan Wright – Founder & Managing Director, WildPlaces Africa / The Uganda Safari Company
For Jonathan Wright, tourism is not just a business; it’s a calling. Alongside Pamela Kertland Wright, he founded WildPlaces Africa and The Uganda Safari Company in the 1990s, beginning with Semliki Safari Lodge and expanding to Kidepo, Bwindi, and Murchison Falls.
Wright’s leadership emphasizes authenticity, conservation, and local empowerment.
As a former UWA Board of Trustees member, he has been a strong voice for using tourism as a tool to protect Uganda’s wild places.
His lodges continue to define responsible adventure travel and the soul of Ugandan wilderness.
