Museveni opens Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2025
At POATE 2025, companies including tour operators, hoteliers, and government agencies such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority and UTB are showcasing Uganda’s diverse tourism offerings.
Seated; Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (3rd right), The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Tom Butime (centre), the tourism state minister, Martin Mugarra (2nd left), The permanent secretary in Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism, Doreen Katusiime (2nd right), Senior Presidential Advisor on AGOA, Susan Muhwezi (right) and other officials during the official opening of the The 9th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) at the Speke Resort and Convention Centre in Munyonyo on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
Gerald Tenywa
Journalist @New Vision
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For tourists, Uganda is a country where the citizens are so warm that they even welcome strangers. This hospitality precedes their encounters with the country's wildlife-rich areas and vibrant cultural diversity.
While launching the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2025 on May 21, President Yoweri Museveni described tourism as a vehicle for economic development and cultural exchange. He also encouraged visitors to explore Uganda’s vast attractions. “Go beyond the expo and explore the snow-capped peaks and the source of the Nile,” he stated.
This message was delivered on his behalf by the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, during the launch held at the newly expanded Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo. The theme for POATE 2025 is: “Tell your story – Explore Uganda.”
Prime minister Robinah Nabbanja inspecting stalls after official opening the 9th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) at the Speke Resort and Convention Centre in Munyonyo on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
Museveni also called for the transformation of Uganda’s natural wealth and cultural heritage into drivers of national economic development. He emphasised the need for joint marketing strategies to position Uganda as a leading tourism destination.
The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA), in collaboration with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), referred to POATE as Uganda’s flagship tourism and travel trade show. The four-day event brings together global tourism stakeholders under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”
At POATE 2025, companies including tour operators, hoteliers, and government agencies such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority and UTB are showcasing Uganda’s diverse tourism offerings.
Seated; Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja signing as she official opened the The 9th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) at the Speke Resort and Convention Centre in Munyonyo on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
Artists entertaining guests at the 9th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) at the Speke Resort and Convention Centre in Munyonyo on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
The head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col.Edith Nakalema (centre) with miss tourism Uganda and miss conservation at the 9th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) at the Speke Resort and Convention Centre in Munyonyo on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
A Cultural Journey through “Sounds of the Pearl”
One of the key highlights of the opening ceremony was a dynamic live musical performance titled “Sounds of the Pearl.”
This 55-minute production tells Uganda’s rich cultural story through the eyes of Akena, a young traveller portrayed by Walter Ruva.
Akena journeys through the nation’s kingdoms, landscapes, and ancestral heritage, guided by the spirit of Mother Pearl, played by Suzan Kerunen. The story is narrated by the Wisdom Keeper, played by musician Navio.