The 10th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE 2026) officially opened at Munyonyo with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni presiding over the ceremony as Guest of Honour.  Organised by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), this year's edition is running from 21st to 23rd May 2026 under the theme "Wanderlust."

According to UTB, the President’s presence reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to positioning tourism as a key driver of economic growth, investment and destination visibility.

The opening ceremony brought together tourism leaders, international buyers, exhibitors, investors, media representatives and development partners to showcase Uganda’s tourism potential and strengthen collaborations within the sector.

In a statement shared after the launch, President Museveni described Uganda as one of the world’s most unique tourism destinations.

“I was glad to launch the 10th Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo at Munyonyo today. Uganda remains one of the most unique tourism destinations because of our favourable climate, rich culture, peace and natural beauty,” Museveni said.

The President also addressed concerns regarding Ebola, assuring visitors and investors that Uganda was managing the situation scientifically while maintaining economic activity.

“Regarding Ebola, there is no cause for alarm. We are applying targeted measures and continuing to work scientifically to keep people safe while keeping our economy open,” he said.

Museveni further revealed that Uganda plans to improve tourism experiences as the country progresses toward upper-middle-income status, including introducing friendlier visa arrangements to attract more international visitors.

“I therefore welcome the world to come and explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa,” he added.

Tourism officials at the expo emphasized the sector’s growing contribution to Uganda’s economy and employment opportunities.

“Tourism continues to create jobs for our young people, to empower communities, to generate foreign exchange, stimulate investment, conserve the environment and support multiple sectors of the economy through its multiplier effect. Indeed, it remains one of the clearest demonstrations that conservation and economic development can work hand in hand,” said Katusiime Doreen, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism Uganda.

President Museveni also highlighted the importance of services linked to tourism, including ICT, entertainment and hospitality, saying the industry contributes significantly to Uganda’s international visibility and economic advancement.

“Tourism is anchored in services such as entertainment, ICT, and hospitality, and your presence here today, contributes to advancing Uganda’s income status and visibility on the international stage,” Museveni stated.

He further noted Uganda’s ongoing cooperation with neighbouring countries including Tanzania and Somalia to strengthen regional integration and expand market opportunities.

Meanwhile, Uganda Tourism Board CEO Juliana Kagwa revealed that the 10th edition of POATE had attracted strong international interest.

“This 10th year of POATE 2026, we have over 1,500 delegates express interest in Uganda and actually lock in attendance at the expo. People are here for partnerships, commerce, investment, collaboration, and most importantly, to Explore Uganda,” Kagwa said.

UTB Chairperson Pearl Hoareau Kakooza also highlighted the anticipated tourism opportunities linked to Uganda co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“Uganda has officially obtained the rights to host AFCON for the year 2027, and through sports tourism, we expect to not even double but triple the number of our visitors next year because of the Africa Cup of Nations,” she said.

POATE remains Uganda’s flagship tourism and travel trade exhibition, bringing together global tourism stakeholders to market Uganda as a leading travel and investment destination in Africa.