President Museveni has officially opened the 10th Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE 2026) at Speke Resort Munyonyo, refuting claims that Uganda is facing an Ebola outbreak.
In his address, President Museveni said that Uganda is safe for tourism and thus encouraged tourists all over the world to come and explore the pearl of Africa. He highlighted Uganda’s rich tourism potential, pointing to the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, the mighty River Nile, the famous mountain gorillas, and the legendary warmth of Ugandan people. “Uganda is open for business,” he declared, “and tourism will be a key driver of our prosperity.”
The exhibition hall came alive with colorful booths showcasing luxury safari lodges, community eco-tourism projects, adventure activities, and vibrant cultural displays. International buyers from Europe, Asia, and the Americas moved through the aisles, networking and exploring partnerships.
POATE is one of Uganda’s biggest annual tourism and investment events. This year’s edition, running under theme; “Wanderlust – “Wanderlust – It’s Your Time to Thrive”, carries a strong message of Uganda’s heritage, one needs to explore carrying the country’s tourism industry forward.
The event provides an opportunity for local tourism stakeholders, including tour operators, hotel managers, community initiatives, and cultural organizations, to engage directly with international partners and expand their businesses. This, in turn, enhances Uganda’s global visibility and attracts significant investment in the sector.
