Museveni Opens POATE 2026 As Uganda Showcases Tourism Potential To Global Investors

By Swift Reporter

Uganda has officially opened the 10th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE 2026), marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to position tourism as a key driver of economic growth, investment, and global visibility.

The three-day international tourism showcase is taking place from May 21 to 23 at the Speke Resort & Convention Centre in Munyonyo, bringing together exhibitors, investors, hosted buyers, development partners, media, and tourism leaders from across the world.

The opening ceremony was presided over by President Yoweri Museveni, underscoring government commitment to advancing tourism as a strategic sector for job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and national development.

Held under the theme “Wanderlust – It’s Your Time to Thrive,” this year’s edition celebrates a decade of POATE while reinforcing Uganda’s branding as the “Pearl of Africa” and its growing competitiveness in regional and global tourism markets.

Organized by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), POATE has evolved into Uganda’s premier tourism marketing platform, combining destination promotion, investment networking, cultural exhibitions, and business matchmaking under one roof.

Inside the convention centre, exhibitors are showcasing Uganda’s diverse tourism offerings, including wildlife safaris, national parks, adventure tourism, cultural heritage, community-based tourism, and luxury hospitality products.

Key discussions during the expo are expected to focus on aviation connectivity, sustainable tourism practices, digital transformation in travel marketing, film-induced tourism, and expansion into emerging international source markets.

The event places strong emphasis on both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) engagements, with structured meetings designed to generate partnerships, tourism deals, and long-term investment opportunities.

One of the major highlights of POATE 2026 is the inaugural Pearl of Africa Tourism Awards, which will recognize outstanding performers, innovators, and storytellers in the tourism value chain.

Ahead of the expo, international hosted buyers were taken on familiarisation tours to key attractions, including Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering firsthand exposure to Uganda’s wildlife experiences and hospitality sector.

The expo also features cultural showcases, culinary experiences, live performances, and networking sessions aimed at linking local tourism operators with global travel trade partners.

Organizers have confirmed free public access on May 22 and 23, with transport arrangements in place to enable wider Ugandan participation in the country’s largest tourism exhibition.

Since its relaunch in November 2025 by Tourism Minister Tom Butime, POATE has increasingly positioned itself as a strategic platform for tourism diplomacy, innovation, and investment promotion.

The Uganda Tourism Board, led by CEO Juliana Kagwa, has been overseeing final preparations, with participation confirmed from Uganda Airlines, leading hotel chains, tour operators, and regional tourism boards.

As Munyonyo transforms into a continental tourism hub for three days, expectations remain high that POATE 2026 will strengthen Uganda’s global tourism footprint and unlock new investment opportunities across the sector.

For industry players, the milestone 10th edition is not just an exhibition, but a statement of confidence in Uganda’s long-term ambition to remain one of Africa’s most attractive and competitive travel destinations.