President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today attended the 10th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE 2026) at Speke Resort Munyonyo, reaffirming government’s commitment to positioning tourism as one of Uganda’s leading economic drivers.
The three-day expo, organised by Uganda Tourism Board, is running from May 21 to 23 under the theme “Wanderlust” and has attracted global buyers, tourism investors, exhibitors, tour operators, media representatives and industry leaders from across the world.
The annual event has become Uganda’s flagship tourism marketing platform, showcasing the country’s vast tourism opportunities and strengthening its visibility on the international travel market.
President Museveni’s attendance underscored the strategic importance government is placing on tourism as a major source of jobs, foreign exchange earnings, investment and inclusive economic growth.
Speaking at the high-profile gathering, officials highlighted Uganda’s unique position as the “Pearl of Africa,” endowed with diverse wildlife, rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes and adventure tourism experiences that continue to attract visitors from around the globe.
POATE 2026 is also expected to provide a major networking and business engagement platform for local and international stakeholders seeking partnerships in hospitality, conservation, aviation, travel technology and tourism infrastructure development.
The expo comes at a time when Uganda is intensifying efforts to recover and expand its tourism sector following years of global travel disruptions. Industry leaders say the country is increasingly positioning itself as a competitive destination for eco-tourism, meetings and conferences, cultural tourism and luxury travel experiences.
Uganda’s tourism sector remains one of the country’s top foreign exchange earners and a critical contributor to employment, particularly among youth and women. Government has in recent years increased investment in tourism promotion, infrastructure development and conservation initiatives aimed at unlocking the sector’s full economic potential.
Delegates attending POATE 2026 are expected to participate in exhibitions, business-to-business meetings, destination marketing sessions and familiarisation tours across Uganda’s major tourism attractions.
The event further strengthens Uganda’s ambition to market itself as a premier tourism destination in Africa, leveraging its natural beauty, mountain gorillas, national parks, lakes, cultural diversity and warm hospitality to attract more international visitors and investors.
