Uganda is set to consolidate its growing reputation as a regional hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) following the announcement of the inaugural Africa Destination Celebrations Conference & Expo (ADCCE), scheduled for March 23–27, 2026, at the Speke Resort and Convention Centre in Munyonyo.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at Forest Cottages in Bukoto, where organisers and tourism stakeholders said the five-day expo will position Uganda as a competitive destination for high-value celebrations, conferences, and global events.
Speaking at the briefing, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) Senior MICE Officer Mellon Tukeikieiza said the expo aligns directly with the UTB Strategy, the National MICE Strategy and the new Tourism Policy, noting that business events remain a key pillar for sustainable tourism growth.
“MICE is a critical driver of product diversification. It not only increases tourism numbers but also enhances value, ensuring long-term and sustainable impact for the sector,” Tukeikieiza said.
She added that hosting a continental expo of ADCCE’s scale offers Uganda an opportunity to attract decision-makers, planners, and investors while extending tourism benefits beyond leisure travel.
The Africa Destination Celebrations Conference & Expo will bring together destination marketers, event planners, creatives, hospitality players, and tour operators from across Africa and beyond, creating a business-to-business platform for networking, deal-making, and destination promotion.
Ms Sonia Hadijah, Reservations Manager at Entiiko Safari Lodge, described the lodge—one of ADCCE’s key partners- as a leading destination for weddings and celebration tourism in Uganda.
“Our accessibility, strategic location, cultural richness, and commitment to responsible eventing make Entiiko Safari Lodge an ideal venue for memorable celebrations,” Hadijah said.
ADCCE President and Wild Celebrations Africa founder Ms. Jackline Nanteza said the expo is designed as a comprehensive marketplace that fuses tourism, culture, and the events industry.
“This is more than showcasing destinations. ADCCE will spotlight designers, decorators, hairstylists, venues, lodges, and tour operators, creating a 360-degree platform that connects international planners to real business opportunities and collaborations,” Nanteza said.
She added that the expo will elevate Africa-owned celebration brands while encouraging cross-border partnerships and innovation within the events and tourism ecosystem.
Mr. Peter Kaggwa, Chairman of the Uganda Association of Conference and Incentive Industry (UACII) and Events Warehouse, said sustainability will be central to the expo’s execution.
“Responsible eventing will be at the core of ADCCE, with practices such as recyclable décor, waste reduction, and zero-litter initiatives. Hosting the first edition of this landmark expo reinforces Uganda’s growing global credibility in MICE. With world-class facilities like Speke Resort and Convention Centre, which can host over 4,000 delegates, Uganda is ready to shine,” Kaggwa said.
The organisers say ADCCE will position Uganda among emerging global event destinations, alongside established markets, while welcoming delegates from across Africa as the country prepares to host the world.
The press conference was moderated by events professional Ms. Ruth Aine and drew participation from key players across the tourism, hospitality, and events sectors, signaling strong industry backing for the continent-wide expo.