The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), in partnership with the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), concluded a two-day hospitality impression training for airport taxi operators and tour guides in Entebbe.
The initiative is part of ongoing national efforts to present a more welcoming and professional image of Uganda, following the Presidential directive of April 19, 2023.
The training, facilitated by Dr. Faith Mugisha Ahabyoona from Hasting Business Training, focused on equipping frontline tourism service providers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to create a positive, safe, friendly, and unforgettable first impression for visitors entering the country.
Key areas covered included customer care, communication etiquette, tourism awareness, peace and political stability knowledge, and promotion of Ugandan products and destinations.
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A total of 185 participants attended the opening day.
PACEID Head of Secretariat, Matthew Bagonza, encouraged participants to embrace their role as the “first faces of Uganda.” He emphasized the importance of improving tourism information flow and practicing established customer care values.
“I know most of you here already know these good practices; we are simply here to remind ourselves,” Bagonza said. “Let us practice what we have learned because it is mutually beneficial. We look forward to being partners and allies.”
The final day attracted 155 participants and delivered engaging sessions on customer experience, business improvement strategies, and feedback assessment, designed to reduce scrambling and competition for clients and instead promote professionalism and structured service delivery.
PACEID Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo officiated at the closing ceremony and awarded certificates to participants.
He applauded the strong partnership between PACEID and UCAA, and commended the facilitators…… for painting an aspirational picture for Uganda’s tourism industry.
“You are the first point of welcome,” Rwabwogo told participants. “You welcome every visitor to Uganda and often see them off. You are a vital gateway for the country. Not engaging with you harms our reputation, and that is why we need continuous sessions.”
He praised the attendees for their patriotism and commitment to self-improvement.
“You are the gateway to increased tourism revenues,” he added. “You shape our visitors’ opinion more than anyone else.”
Rwabwogo offered practical leadership lessons: working with people you disagree with, rejecting rumours, and embracing failure as part of the journey to success.
