Uganda is set to spotlight its culinary heritage at the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2026, with iconic dishes such as the rolex, the childhood favorite snack "paani", and the age-old Luwombo taking center stage. This new focus on cuisine marks a notable shift for the Expo, which will run from 21st to 23rd May 2026 at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme “Wanderlust – It's Your Time to Thrive.”

Tourism Minister Tom Butime, during the official launch, emphasized how far the event has come as a global business and investment forum presenting Uganda’s story. He noted that the theme captures the universal longing to explore and connect with the world. “Wanderlust is more than travel. It is about meaning and discovery,” he said. “Uganda offers unforgettable experiences from our wildlife and culture to food, faith and adventure.”

For the first time, the Expo will include a dedicated culinary showcase, presenting Uganda’s signature street foods, traditional meals, distinctive vegetables like malewa, and other uniquely Ugandan delicacies. Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) CEO Julian Kaggwa explained that this addition aligns with the nation’s growing emphasis on food tourism. “We want the world to taste the real Uganda,” she said. "Only exhibitors who meet quality standards will participate. Food is a powerful cultural gateway, and we want excellence."

Kaggwa further stressed that POATE 2026 will revolve around meaningful transactions rather than simple exhibition. “This Expo is about selling. We want every hosted buyer to leave with a paid package or a firm commitment,” she said, adding that UTB is already working with top-tier international buyers. She pointed out that Uganda’s strengths, from wildlife and culture, to nightlife, must be packaged commercially and presented boldly. “Exhibitors will be accredited by UTB, after a thorough scrutiny,” she emphasized.

Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) Vice President Isa Kato applauded the choice of theme, noting that it captures the emotional appeal Uganda holds for many visitors. “Wanderlust is a romantic, powerful word,” Kato said. “Some people visit Uganda and never want to leave. We all remember that tourist who stayed on a boda boda until his visa expired because he was so immersed.” He reaffirmed the private sector’s commitment to offering quality and converting inspiration into results: “Our task is to convert interest into investment, excitement into contracts, and visitor curiosity into market share,” he said. He added that businesses are preparing to transact efficiently: “We shall come with our POS machines and electronic links so clients can pay instantly.”

UTB Chairperson Pearl Kakooza also endorsed the theme and clarified its origin: “It is not wonder but 'wander' from the German word ‘wandern,’ meaning to walk, while Lust means desire. So Wanderlust is a strong desire to explore.” She thanked Minister Butime for increasing UTB’s budget, saying the enhanced funding will strengthen the Expo’s competitiveness. She urged the private sector to rethink their products and tap into emerging opportunities. “Before bringing your POS machines, ask yourself what makes Uganda unique,” she said.

Kakooza highlighted agrotourism as one of the board’s key priorities, encouraging tourism actors to forge innovative partnerships outside the traditional hospitality path. She pointed to Uganda’s coffee legacy as a powerful asset. “Uganda is the birthplace of robusta coffee," she said. “It was discovered around our lakeshores in the 1800s. We also have liberica coffee, rare, wild, and found in Buganda. This is part of our identity.”  She called for deeper research and storytelling around this heritage: “Let us amplify robusta and make it central to our tourism brand.”

Minister Butime acknowledged infrastructure concerns, particularly poor roads and promised continued coordination with the Works ministry to improve access to key attractions. “A visitor should be able to track gorillas, rest well, and move safely to the next destination,” he said. He reaffirmed commitments to enhance airfields, marketing, safety, and tourism transport networks. Celebrating Uganda’s ranking as the world’s third-best adventure tourism destination, he encouraged industry stakeholders to use the recognition to push annual visitor numbers toward the five-million mark.

As planning for POATE 2026 accelerates, stakeholders agree that the Expo must yield concrete outcomes: investment deals, binding contracts, stronger alliances, and a sharper international identity. With Ugandan food, culture, heritage, coffee, and natural beauty at its core, the 2026 edition aims to showcase the nation as a premium, high-impact destination. As Kato summarized, “In Uganda, Wanderlust becomes a journey and the journey becomes business."