Uganda, EU Launch Inaugural Pearl of Africa Tourism Awards 2026
Entries open as new awards will elevate Uganda’s tourism industry with winners to be honoured at POATE 2026 later this month
Kampala, Uganda — The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), in partnership with the European Union delegation and major tourism stakeholders, has officially launched the inaugural Pearl of Africa Tourism Awards 2026. This new initiative is designed to celebrate and elevate excellence across Uganda’s dynamic tourism sector.
The announcement was made today at the EU offices in Kampala. Winners will be honored at the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) on May 23, 2026, at the Munyonyo Speke Resort, marking a high-profile milestone in Uganda’s growing reputation as a premier African destination.
Celebrating Excellence Across the Sector
The awards recognize outstanding contributions in tourism products, storytelling, media, conservation, and community-driven projects. Tourism operators, media professionals, conservationists, photographers, influencers, and the general public are invited to submit entries or nominate deserving candidates.
More than a ceremonial event, the awards serve as a strategic tool to:
- Raise service and operational standards
- Champion innovation and sustainable practices
- Boost Uganda’s visibility on global tourism platforms
- Establish a benchmark for industry excellence
“These awards are a celebration of the people and organisations who are quietly doing extraordinary work to put Uganda on the global tourism map,” said Samora M. Semakula, Acting Deputy CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board. “By formally recognising excellence in storytelling, conservation, eco-tourism, and community programmes, we are not just handing out trophies, we are setting a standard. We are telling the world that Uganda’s tourism industry is professional, innovative, and ready to compete.”
Categories and EU Support
The awards span a wide range of categories to ensure representation across the entire tourism value chain. Several categories will include cash prizes, funded by the European Union as part of the UG-EU@50 partnership, which commemorates 50 years of EU-Uganda cooperation.
Award Categories Include:
- Best Tourism Documentary 2026
- Best Community Tourism Programme / CSR Initiative
- Best Tourism Photographer
- Best Tourism Storyteller
- Best Tourism Influencer
- Best New Tourism Product 2026
- Best Eco Lodge 2026
- Best Eco Tour Operator 2026
- Best Booth Stand / Exhibitor at POATE 2026
The EU has invested over EUR 40 million in Uganda’s tourism development, including the recent EUR 15.5 million ‘We Explore’ project, implemented by a consortium of ENABLE, UNESCO, UNDP, and UNCDF. This initiative aims to promote Uganda globally, improve access to finance for tourism businesses, strengthen the sector’s business environment, and ensure local communities benefit from tourism growth.
A Partnership for Sustainable Growth
His Excellency Mr. Jan Sadek, Ambassador of the European Union to Uganda, emphasized the deeper significance of this collaboration:
“Tourism transcends economics, it bridges cultures, drives inclusive growth, and showcases Uganda’s unparalleled natural and cultural heritage to the world. Through POATE, Uganda has strengthened its position as a regional leader, and these awards extend that ambitious vision.”
He added:
“For the European Union, this support is part of a broader partnership focused on sustainable development, job creation, and private sector growth, especially meaningful this year as we celebrate 50 years of EU-Uganda cooperation. We promote a model of tourism that benefits communities, protects the environment, and empowers entrepreneurs, particularly youth and women.”
Ambassador Sadek also highlighted the role of EMPCO, the EU framework that supports SMEs in adopting sustainability practices like eco-certification and fair trade standards. EMPCO helps Ugandan tourism businesses access European markets and improve competitiveness, aligning with POATE’s broader goals.
A New Chapter for Ugandan Tourism
The launch of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Awards signals a maturing industry ready to meet global standards. Backed by strong institutional support, EU investment, and a growing ecosystem of innovative tourism products, Uganda is positioning itself as one of Africa’s top travel destinations.
Entries and nominations for the 2026 awards are now open. Interested parties can submit via the Uganda Tourism Board’s official website: www.ugandatourism.go.ug or contact the UTB directly for more information.
