Museveni Calls for Regional Unity & Sustainable Growth in Tourism at POATE 2025

The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2025 was officially opened yesterday 21st May, with a resounding call for regional cooperation, sustainable transformation, and inclusive growth across the tourism sector.

The keynote address, delivered on behalf of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, underscored the central role tourism must play in driving socio-economic progress in Uganda, across the East African region and the African continent at large.

“This year’s theme, ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’, is bold, strategic, and globally relevant,” she said.

“In an era defined by climate challenges, digital innovation, and shifting traveler demands, we must reimagine tourism as a powerful engine for climate resilience, inclusive growth, and technological advancement.”

POATE 2025, held at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, has drawn over 3,000 delegates from more than 50 countries, making it one of the most significant editions of the expo since its inception.

The event brings together stakeholders from government, the private sector, the media, and international tourism markets to explore business opportunities and craft a unified vision for the future of tourism in the region.

The Prime Minister praised the Government of Uganda’s continued commitment to tourism under the framework of Vision 2040 and the Tenfold Tourism Growth Strategy.

She highlighted major strides made in infrastructure development, product diversification, and human resource capacity aimed at enhancing private sector participation and international collaboration.

She also commended the East African Community’s progress in regional tourism integration, including the Single Tourist Visa, the East African Tourism Platform, and shared marketing strategies.

“These instruments are not only improving the ease of travel for tourists across borders but also enabling investors and operators to think and act regionally,” she noted.

Nabbanja urged stakeholders to rise to global challenges such as climate change and rapid technological evolution.

The Prime Minister applauded all institutions, individuals, and partners who made POATE 2025 a success, singling out the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, East African Community partners, exhibitors, tour operators, media, and international delegations.

To international guests, she issued an invitation: “Go beyond the expo. Explore Uganda. From the snow-capped Rwenzoris to Murchison Falls, our cultural heritage is unmatched, Uganda has stories to tell and memories to make.”

The Minister of Tourism, wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime had the opportunity of welcoming guests, hosted buyers, exhibitors and all individuals to the 9th edition of POATE

“We are delighted to once again bring together the global tourism fraternity to share experiences, forge partnerships, and showcase the very best of Uganda, the Pearl of Africa,” He said.

Leading up to the expo’s grand opening, more than 100 international hosted buyers and media representatives embarked on familiarization tours across Uganda.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” noted the Minister, adding that “many of these stories will soon reach global audiences.”