BY D KASULE: President Yoweri Museveni has officially opened the 2026 Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE), calling for longer visa durations for international visitors while promoting Uganda’s unique climate, culture, and tourism potential. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Museveni described Uganda as one of the few countries located on the equator yet elevated enough to enjoy mild temperatures throughout the year.
He said the country’s position on the equator, combined with its high altitude, makes it more comfortable than many hot and humid equatorial regions. “The airport where you landed is about 200 meters north of the equator,” Museveni said. “We get sunshine all year round, but because our altitude is high, the temperatures remain very mild.”
Museveni noted that Uganda’s geography had impressed early explorers such as Henry Morton Stanley and Winston Churchill, who famously referred to Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa” in 1907. He highlighted the Rwenzori Mountains, where snow can be found despite the country’s proximity to the equator, as one of the features that continue to surprise international visitors. He added that Uganda’s natural climate reduces the need for air conditioning.
“If you come here, you just enjoy the weather the way it is,” he said, noting that even at State House he rarely uses air conditioning. Beyond climate, Museveni promoted Uganda’s culture and traditional lifestyle, saying the country has preserved many indigenous practices due to its relatively recent interaction with the outside world.
He pointed to Uganda’s diverse languages, traditional foods, and indigenous knowledge systems as key differentiators. He also praised local foods as healthier and less chemically processed than some imports. Singling out millet as highly nutritious, he said it contains protein, carbohydrates, and iron, and noted the growing use of traditional medicine modernized by Ugandan scientists.
Museveni emphasized that tourism is a key sector in Uganda’s ambition to transition from a lower middle-income to a high middle-income and eventually a first-world economy. “Tourism falls under services together with transport, music, entertainment, and ICT,” he said. “By coming here, you help us advance our economy.”
Turning to visa policy, the President criticized the issuance of short-term tourist visas, noting complaints from some foreign visitors, particularly Americans. “They say, ‘We give Ugandans visas for three years, but you give us only three months,’” Museveni said.
He proposed introducing three-year multiple-entry visas to encourage repeat visits. “Let them come and go as they wish. As long as they spend money here, why should you worry?” he added. Museveni also highlighted regional integration efforts within East Africa, aimed at restoring historical trade and travel connections disrupted during colonial rule. He said this was reflected in the playing of both the Ugandan and East African anthems at the ceremony.
The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo brings together international buyers, investors, tour operators, exhibitors, media representatives, and tourism professionals. Juliana Kagwa said the expo is part of Uganda’s broader strategy to increase tourist arrivals and position the country among the world’s leading destinations.
She noted that while countries such as France and Spain receive tens of millions of tourists annually, Africa attracts far fewer visitors despite its vast potential. Uganda, she said, aims to change this through collaboration, innovation, and aggressive marketing.
Kagwa revealed that buyers and tourism representatives from countries including Australia, Portugal, Brazil, Argentina, and Japan attended this year’s expo.
According to her, Uganda’s tourism sector has recovered beyond pre-COVID-19 levels, with arrivals rising by 19.7 percent in 2025 and earnings increasing from UGX 4.85 trillion in 2024 to UGX 5.829 trillion in 2025.
She added that European visitor numbers grew by 208 percent, while African arrivals increased by 6 percent to about 1.3 million. Kagwa said Uganda expects further growth as the country prepares to host matches during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Yogi Birigwa, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Association, thanked the government for maintaining peace and stability, which he described as critical to tourism growth. He, however, called for the operationalization of a dedicated tourism fund to support private sector players in marketing, product development, and quality standards.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Doreen Katusiime, praised government investments in security, infrastructure, digital connectivity, and Uganda Airlines, saying they have improved accessibility and attractiveness. She added that regional cooperation among Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda continues to strengthen cross-border tourism and support multi-destination travel.
Katusiime also noted that international events such as the Non-Aligned Movement Summit, the G77+China Summit, and the upcoming AFCON 2027 tournament are helping to market Uganda globally and expand opportunities in conference and sports tourism.