A Ghanaian delegation is in Uganda to advocate for free visa movement for Africans, meeting with President Museveni to discuss its benefits.
KAMPALA, UGANDA – A high-profile delegation of African nationalists from Ghana has arrived in Uganda, spearheading a continental campaign to champion free visa movement for Africans across Africa. The delegation's mission includes a scheduled meeting with His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to discuss the strategic benefits of such a policy for Uganda and the continent at large.
This visit marks the 22nd nation on the group's itinerary, where they have been engaging in high-level dialogues to exchange ideas and build a coalition for borderless travel.
The head of the delegation, Honourable Ras Mubarak, a former Member of Parliament in Ghana, addressed the media during a breakfast meeting at the Kampala Club. "Our mission is rooted in the dream of a truly integrated Africa," Mubarak stated, confirming the delegation's upcoming meeting with the President. He further revealed that the group's itinerary includes visits to iconic Ugandan cultural sites, such as the Masiro, the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, and the Source of the Nile, to deepen their connection with the nation's heritage.
The campaign has been warmly received by Uganda's tourism and government officials. Dr Basir Ajel, a Director at the Ministry of Tourism, endorsed the initiative, highlighting its potential to revolutionise the African tourism sector.
He pointed to stark global disparities, citing previous World Tourism Organisation statistics. "At a continental level, the world saw 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals. Yet, a mere 7.3% came to Africa, with an overwhelming 42% of those visitors going only to North African nations," Dr Ajel explained. "This campaign is a direct key to unlocking the vast, untapped potential of intra-African travel."
Echoing this sentiment, Mr Issa Kato, Vice President of the Uganda Tourism Association, pledged his organisation's full support. "We commend this move and stand firmly behind it. A free visa regime is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a practical strategy to boost our tourism sector, enhance people-to-people connections, and strengthen African markets," Kato affirmed.
The ambitious free visa campaign was officially launched on August 18th, with prior advocacy stops in Togo, Cameroon, Namibia, and Equatorial Guinea. The delegation's journey is set to continue, with future missions planned for Ethiopia and Sudan, as they build momentum for a borderless Africa.
