Amos Wekesa, the visionary CEO of Great Lakes Safaris, captured widespread attention in Uganda following his compelling keynote address at the POATE2025 Conference, held from May 25-26, 2025, in Kampala. Reflecting on his 24-year journey in the tourism sector, Wekesa highlighted the industry’s transformative potential while sparking a heated debate with his claim that tourism currently sustains 500,000 direct jobs in Uganda, a significant drop from 1.5 million in 2019. He attributed the decline to recent economic and global challenges impacting the sector.
Critics have questioned the accuracy of his job figures, arguing they may be overstated or lack sufficient data to substantiate. Despite the skepticism, Wekesa’s speech resonated with many, as he emphasized tourism’s broader economic ripple effects, including its support for local businesses and communities. Adding to his prominence, Wekesa extended an enthusiastic invitation to the upcoming Coffee Marathon Uganda, an event aimed at promoting the country’s coffee industry and tourism. His remarks on these initiatives have fueled discussions across social and economic circles, cementing his influence in shaping Uganda’s tourism narrative.
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