POATE 2026 opens in Kampala with colour, cultural fanfare

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The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) burst into life on Thursday, in a spectacular display of colour, culture and elegance at Speke Resort Convention Centre, Munyonyo in Kampala city.

The first day of the Expo set the stage for another celebration of Uganda’s thriving tourism industry. Against the picturesque shores of Lake Victoria, the venue transformed into a vibrant meeting point where culture, business and destination marketing blended seamlessly.

Traditional performances, dazzling cultural displays and the warm spirit of Ugandan hospitality created an unforgettable spectacle that reflected the beauty and diversity of the Pearl of Africa.

Delegates, tourism players and stakeholders from across the sector mingled amid an atmosphere filled with optimism and anticipation.

President Yoweri Museveni’s presence to launch the expo highlighted the government's commitment to tourism as a key pillar of economic transformation.

The ceremony drew leading figures from the sector, including tourism, wildlife and antiquities minister Tom Butime and tourism state minister Martin Mugarra. Also in attendance were the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Doreen Katusiime and Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism Lilly Ajarova, among other key personalities.

Organised by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the expo brought together tourism enthusiasts, investors and industry leaders under one roof.

UTB chief executive officer Juliana Kagwa, alongside board members led by Pearl Kakooza, reaffirmed a collective vision of positioning Uganda as a premier global tourism destination.

Beyond the glamour, POATE once again showcased Uganda’s unmatched tourism appeal, a nation blessed with breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary wildlife experiences.

As curtains rose on the expo, one message stood clear: Uganda is not merely a destination to visit, it is an experience waiting to be discovered.

The expo will run up to Saturday with a number of more tourism engagements, including cultural performances and nightlife in Kampala.