Uganda Tourism Board Seeks New Deputy Chief Executive as Applications Open

Uganda Tourism Board is recruiting a new Deputy Chief Executive Officer following the retirement of the long-serving official who held the position for six years. The national tourism promotion body has published the vacancy and is accepting applications from qualified Ugandan professionals until early April 2026.

The recruitment follows the departure of Bradford Ochieng, who retired earlier this year after reaching the mandatory retirement age of sixty. His six-year tenure saw Uganda navigate significant tourism challenges including global travel disruptions while working to strengthen the country's position as an East African destination of choice.

For African travel professionals, leadership transitions at national tourism bodies often signal strategic direction changes worth monitoring. The qualifications and responsibilities outlined for this position reveal priorities that will shape Ugandan tourism promotion in coming years.

The Deputy CEO role carries a three-year contract term and reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer. The position holds supervisory responsibility over quality assurance, strategic partnerships and the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions segment, commonly known as MICE tourism.

Uganda Tourism Board describes the role as providing strategic and inspirational leadership while ensuring the organisation maintains a clear and compelling vision. The successful candidate will oversee risk assurance planning and manage quality assurance functions including internal controls, risk management and governance processes.

Additional responsibilities encompass enhancing procurement efficiency, strategy formulation and implementation, performance management and policy development supporting organisational operations. The emphasis on MICE industry development reflects growing recognition of business tourism's economic contribution across African destinations.

Candidate requirements demonstrate the seniority Uganda Tourism Board seeks for this strategic position. Applicants must possess a Master's degree in management, economics, business administration, tourism, marketing, law or closely related disciplines from a recognised university.

The experience threshold is substantial. Suitable candidates require minimum ten years of relevant management experience, with at least seven years served at senior management level in reputable organisations. Proven expertise spanning tourism, planning, financial management, human resources, marketing, public relations and resource mobilisation is expected.

Beyond technical qualifications, the tourism board emphasises understanding of broader economic contexts. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the market environment affecting private sector operations, including awareness of African and international regional dynamics. The ability to work under pressure while meeting deadlines completes the requirements profile.

The deadline for applications is April 2, 2026, giving interested professionals approximately two weeks to prepare and submit their candidacies. This relatively brief window suggests the board wishes to complete recruitment promptly and ensure leadership continuity.

Uganda possesses remarkable tourism assets that the new Deputy CEO will help promote. The country offers mountain gorilla tracking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, white-water rafting on the Nile at Jinja and diverse cultural heritage across its regions.

The emphasis on MICE development in the job description aligns with continental trends. Business tourism generates substantial economic impact through conference facilities, accommodation, catering and ancillary services. African destinations increasingly compete for international meetings and corporate events that deliver significant visitor spending.

Private sector coordination also features prominently in the role's responsibilities. Effective tourism promotion requires collaboration between government bodies and private operators including hotels, tour companies, transport providers and attraction managers. The new Deputy CEO will facilitate these partnerships.

Travel businesses operating in the East African market should note this transition. Understanding leadership priorities at Uganda Tourism Board helps operators align their offerings with national promotional strategies and identify partnership opportunities that support mutual objectives.

The recruitment process reflects standard practice for senior public sector positions across African tourism bodies. Transparent advertising and defined qualification requirements support merit-based selection while ensuring candidates understand expectations before applying.

Industry observers will watch with interest to see which professional emerges to help guide Ugandan tourism strategy through the coming years of anticipated continental aviation growth and evolving traveller preferences.