Uganda stole the spotlight at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) 2025, captivating regional and international travel trade partners with a spirited showcase of its destination brand, “Explore Uganda – The Pearl of Africa.”

The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), together with Team Uganda, transformed their stand into a hub of culture, colour, and connection. A highlight came when Kenya’s Deputy President, H.E. Abraham Kithure Kindiki, paid a courtesy visit and was warmly received by UTB Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Juliana Kagwa. Traditional Ugandan dancers gave a lively performance that not only energized the crowd but also drew the Deputy President himself to join in an unforgettable moment symbolizing the strong cultural and tourism ties binding Uganda and Kenya.

Building Bridges in Regional Tourism

Ahead of the expo, UTB delivered specialized training sessions for members of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO), the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), and representatives from the Uganda Embassy in Nairobi. These sessions showcased Uganda’s wide-ranging attractions while equipping Kenyan operators with fresh knowledge to craft cross-border travel packages.

According to UTB CEO Ms. Juliana Kagwa:

“Our participation here reflects Uganda’s determination to strengthen partnerships and position the Pearl of Africa as a must-visit destination for adventure and culture. By working with associations like KATO and KATA, we are creating cross-border opportunities that will ensure East Africa stands tall as one of the world’s leading tourism regions.”

A Taste of Uganda’s Adventure and Culture

Throughout MKTE, Uganda delivered a multi-layered showcase of its signature experiences, ranging from:

• Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in pristine forests
• White-water rafting along the world’s longest river, the Nile
• Birding expeditions across diverse landscapes
• Hiking trails up scenic mountain ranges
• Immersive cultural performances and culinary delights

One of the show’s highlights was Uganda’s Rhino Conservation Programme, a compelling success story where biodiversity conservation and tourism growth work hand in hand.

UTB Board Chairperson Ms. Pearl Kakooza stressed the importance of Uganda’s presence at the expo:

“Magical Kenya is more than a showcase; it’s a platform to share our values sustainability, conservation, and collaboration. As a Board, we are committed to driving partnerships that guarantee long-term growth for Uganda and the wider East African tourism landscape.”

Empowering Tour Operators

or Uganda’s private sector, MKTE proved to be a game-changer. Mbabazi Resty of Avent Tour Safaris emphasized how crucial the expo is for operators:

“The B2B meetings and networking sessions are invaluable. They help us grow our businesses while contributing to Uganda’s broader vision of becoming a leading adventure and cultural destination.”

Uganda’s Tourism Promise

With its seamless blend of adventure, wildlife, culture, and conservation, Uganda continues to position itself as Africa’s adventure capital. Platforms like MKTE give UTB the leverage to grow visitor numbers, build regional partnerships, and reinforce the message that Uganda is more than a destination it is an experience.

About Memoir Uganda – Showcasing Uganda

We are a comprehensive tourism and travel media company unleashing information about Uganda. We offer, among others, an all-inclusive guide on everything Uganda such as itineraries, consular information, timely and updated tour and travel news and general information about visiting and living in Uganda.

To us, Uganda is more than a tour destination. It is our homeland. Our knowledge about Uganda is ocean deep and we love showing the country’s splendid beauty to the world. We aim at sharing and showcasing Uganda to the tiniest bit, better than anyone else. We also aim at conserving our home land through our un wavered efforts towards climate change awareness.

Our Memoir Magazine showcases Uganda’s diverse potential in detail that is often left out and unknown. You ought never to miss a copy. We robustly believe that traveling should make the world a better place for everyone.