Uganda’s preparations for a major tourism rebound gained momentum yesterday as the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, officially launched the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2026.
The launch took place at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, drawing tourism leaders, private-sector representatives and government officials.
POATE 2026, slated for May 21–23 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, will run under the theme “Wanderlust – It’s Your Time to Thrive.”
According to officials, the theme reflects Uganda’s renewed optimism and its push toward sustainable economic recovery and tourism sector growth.
The launch marks the beginning of a series of many other nationwide engagements leading up to the expo in May.
According to the organizers, this edition is expected to attract a host of international buyers, investors, media, and tourism professionals from across Africa and beyond.
The event will also showcase Uganda’s diverse tourism offerings, including wildlife, adventure activities, cultural heritage and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) tourism.
Ms Juliana Kagwa the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), emphasized the expo’s strategic importance in restoring Uganda’s global tourism footprint.
“POATE 2026 comes at a time when Uganda’s tourism sector is regaining strong momentum,” Kagwa said. “We are inviting the world to reconnect with Uganda a country of resilience, diversity, and opportunity.”
Representing the private sector, Mr Isa Kato, the Vice President of the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), said the industry is prepared to leverage the opportunities the expo will create. “Ugandan tourism enterprises are resilient, innovative, and fully prepared to re-engage global markets,” he noted. “POATE 2026 provides the environment, the connections, and the momentum the private sector needs.”
The UTB Board Chairperson Pearl Kakooza highlighted the expo’s role in strengthening Uganda’s competitive position in the region noting that the tourism industry has a vital role in translating the country’s renewed optimism into tangible gains.
In his keynote address, Minister Butime reaffirmed the government’s commitment to positioning tourism as a key driver of socio-economic transformation.
“Through POATE, Uganda is not only marketing its natural and cultural wealth but also reinforcing partnerships that fuel investment, job creation and sustainable development,” he said.
As preparations build up, officials say POATE 2026 will serve as a platform for collaboration, idea-sharing and business generation. UTB is calling on tourism stakeholders, regional partners and global travel buyers to participate in what it describes as a defining moment for the sector’s resurgence.