FAMReports News Desk | May 2026
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially launched the 10th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo 2026, unveiling plans to ease visa entry frameworks as part of broader efforts to increase international tourist arrivals and strengthen Uganda’s position as a leading African travel destination.
The President opened the three day flagship tourism and trade exhibition on Thursday at Speke Resort Munyonyo, where global travel buyers, hospitality leaders, tourism investors, media representatives, and regional exhibitors gathered to explore Uganda’s tourism opportunities and expand business partnerships.
Organized by Uganda Tourism Board, the annual expo is running under the theme “Wanderlust” and is regarded as one of East Africa’s premier tourism marketing and networking events.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, President Museveni emphasized that Uganda possesses unique natural and geographical advantages that position the country competitively within the global tourism market.
“Uganda remains one of the most unique tourism destinations because of our favourable climate, rich culture, peace and natural beauty,” Museveni stated.
The President highlighted Uganda’s biodiversity, cultural heritage, wildlife, and stable environment as major assets capable of driving economic growth, employment creation, and foreign exchange earnings through tourism.
Government Plans To Simplify Travel Access
Museveni also announced that government intends to simplify visa and entry frameworks to make Uganda more accessible and attractive to international travelers and investors.
Tourism remains one of Uganda’s key export sectors and an important source of employment for thousands of citizens working in hospitality, transport, tour operations, conservation, arts, and related industries.
According to government officials, improving immigration systems and visitor accessibility forms part of broader national efforts to strengthen Uganda’s competitiveness within the regional and international tourism market.
Industry players have repeatedly argued that streamlined visa processes, improved transport infrastructure, and digital tourism services are essential for attracting more international tourists and conference business to Uganda.
The President further reaffirmed government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure projects aimed at improving visitor experiences across the country’s tourism destinations.
These include roads connecting national parks, hospitality facilities, air transport systems, and digital tourism promotion platforms.
Ebola Concerns Addressed
During his address, Museveni also directly addressed concerns regarding Ebola, seeking to reassure international tourists, travel operators, and investors attending the expo.
“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,” the President noted.
The comments come amid heightened sensitivity around public health issues and international travel following previous outbreaks that affected tourism and regional movement across parts of Africa.
Museveni emphasized that Uganda’s health authorities are implementing scientific and targeted interventions designed to maintain public safety without disrupting economic activities or tourism operations.
Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the government’s efforts to balance public health management with economic continuity, especially as the sector continues recovering from the effects of global travel disruptions experienced in recent years.
Tourism As A Strategic Economic Pillar
Through a statement shared on X, State House Uganda described tourism as a strategic export sector capable of generating significant employment opportunities, investment, and foreign exchange revenue for Uganda’s economy.
Government officials say tourism remains central to Uganda’s ambitions of achieving upper middle income status through increased exports, infrastructure development, and service sector expansion.
Related: Uganda Strengthens Cultural and Tourism Ties with China at Henan Expo 2026
Uganda’s tourism industry contributes substantially to the country’s GDP and supports thousands of businesses ranging from hotels and tour operators to artisans, transport providers, and conservation agencies.
The country is internationally known for attractions such as mountain gorillas, national parks, waterfalls, cultural sites, lakes, and adventure tourism experiences.
Events such as Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo 2026 are therefore viewed as critical platforms for marketing Uganda globally while connecting local tourism operators with international travel buyers and investors.
Global Buyers And Investors Gather
This year’s expo has attracted tourism stakeholders from across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, with exhibitors showcasing travel packages, hospitality services, conservation projects, and investment opportunities.
Industry leaders are expected to hold business to business meetings, destination marketing sessions, investment discussions, and tourism exhibitions throughout the three day event.
Analysts say Uganda’s growing focus on conference tourism, eco tourism, cultural tourism, and regional travel integration could significantly strengthen the sector if supported by consistent infrastructure improvements and aggressive international marketing.
As Uganda intensifies efforts to position itself as a preferred tourism and investment destination, Museveni concluded his remarks with a direct invitation to the international community.
“I therefore welcome the world to come and explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa,” the President said.
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