The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, has officially launched the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2026, Uganda’s flagship tourism and Business to Business (B2B) marketing event.
The launch ceremony was held at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Friday, with the event slated for 21st to 23rd May 2026 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, under the theme “Wanderlust – It’s Your Time to Thrive.”
According to Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the theme reflects Uganda’s renewed optimism and its commitment to driving sustainable economic recovery and tourism growth. The launch, thus signals the start of a series of nationwide engagements leading up to the main expo.
POATE 2026 is expected to attract tourism professionals, international buyers, investors, media, and stakeholders from across Africa and the globe.
As has been the previous editions, POATE 2026 will provide a comprehensive platform to showcase Uganda’s wide array of attractions from adventure and wildlife to cultural heritage and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) tourism.
In his keynote remarks, Hon. Tom Butime reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening Uganda’s tourism sector as a 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. The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that tourism continues to thrive as a pillar of national growth,” the Minister said.
Speaking at the launch, Juliana Kagwa, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), underscored the strategic significance of the Expo.
“POATE 2026 comes at a time when Uganda’s tourism sector is regaining strong momentum. We are inviting the world to reconnect with Uganda — a country of resilience, diversity, and opportunity. This is a defining moment for our industry to thrive through collaboration, innovation, and purposeful marketing,” she said.
Representing the private sector, Isa Kato, Vice President of the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), reaffirmed the industry’s readiness to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the Expo.
Kato said, “The theme speaks directly to the spirit of our industry. Ugandan tourism enterprises are resilient, innovative, and fully prepared to re-engage global markets. POATE 2026 provides the environment, the connections, and the momentum the private sector needs to thrive in the coming year.”
UTB Board Chairperson, Pearl Kakooza, highlighted the Expo’s role in positioning Uganda competitively within the regional tourism landscape.
“Our renewed optimism as a country aligns perfectly with this year’s theme. The tourism industry has a vital role in translating that optimism into tangible gains. POATE 2026 will create the space for business leaders, government, and private players to chart a shared path towards prosperity.”
As Uganda prepares for a revitalized tourism season, POATE 2026 sets the tone for a bold and energetic future.
“Wanderlust – Your Time to Thrive” captures the spirit of discovery, ambition, and renewed confidence that will propel Uganda’s tourism industry forward, UTB says, calling upon tourism stakeholders, regional partners, and the global travel trade to be part of this defining moment.