ENTEBBE – At the 6th Bi-Annual Presidential CEO Forum held in Entebbe, Uganda’s private security industry was publicly recognized for its growing role in supporting national safety, economic development, and the protection of tourism infrastructure. The event, held at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre on Friday, focused on “Positioning Uganda’s Wildlife and Heritage for Global Competitiveness,” with emphasis on conservation, sustainability, and economic integration.
The Presidential CEO Forum is an initiative led by President Yoweri Museveni to bridge communication between the private sector and senior levels of government. The forum brought together over 40 company heads from various sectors, including members of the Uganda Private Security Association (TUPSA), to engage directly with policy leaders.
Uganda’s Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Godfrey Kabbyanga, formally acknowledged the private security sector’s contributions during the forum. He emphasized that Private Security Organisations (PSOs) play a crucial role in complementing the efforts of the Uganda Police Force.
“Private Security Organisations play a very important role in complementing Uganda Police in protecting life and property of Ugandans,” Kabbyanga stated. He assured private sector leaders that the government remains committed to supporting their work and addressing their challenges. Kabbyanga also noted that he would relay sector-specific concerns, such as taxation burdens, to higher government offices through the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja.
“You are in the right hands,” he told the security company CEOs, including Ms. Irene Birungi, CEO of the Presidential CEO Forum, and other senior officials present.
Scope of Private Security Services
Grace Matsiko, Chairman of TUPSA, provided an overview of the scale and importance of private security across Uganda. He detailed how security personnel are deployed from one end of the country to the other, securing critical infrastructure such as telecommunications towers, banking institutions, oil and gas sites, hotels, tourism centers, and commercial enterprises.
“As the Private Security Sector, we are committed to doing our best in providing security to every sector in Uganda,” Matsiko said. “We have the numbers, and we are particularly committed to safeguarding tourism sites.”
However, Matsiko highlighted ongoing industry challenges, with a particular focus on multiple taxation, which he said places financial strain on companies and hampers operational efficiency. He appealed directly for presidential intervention to resolve these issues.
A notable point raised by Matsiko was the role of security personnel in the tourism sector. He emphasized that private security guards are often the first and last point of contact for visitors at hotels and tourism sites. Therefore, he recommended that the government support the training of security personnel in hospitality-specific skills.
“The impression security officers give matters a lot,” he stated, arguing that well-trained guards not only provide safety but also help shape tourists’ overall experience and perception of Uganda.
Ms. Irene Birungi, CEO of the Presidential CEO Forum, welcomed the delegates and affirmed the government’s intent to consider the feedback and proposals raised during the event.
Dicksons Kateshumbwa, MP for Sheema Municipality and Chair of the Uganda Lodge Owners Association, also contributed to the discussion by highlighting the role of local ownership in tourism. He pointed out that many safari lodges in Uganda are owned by Ugandans, which ensures that the revenue generated from tourism remains in the country and contributes directly to national development.
“This model of local ownership is a cornerstone of sustainable development and a massive plus for Uganda,” Kateshumbwa said.
Cultural and Educational Highlights
The forum also included a presentation from the Miss Tourism Uganda finalists, who shared their vision of promoting Uganda’s image internationally. Their presence underscored the role of youth and culture in the broader national branding effort.
At the conclusion of the forum, participants were given a guided tour of the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. The facility, ranked among the most advanced conservation institutions in Africa, showcases how technology and innovation are being integrated into wildlife management and education.