Kampala, Uganda—March 2026—The spirit of the “Pearl of Africa” shone brightly as Skål International Kampala celebrated its landmark 30th Anniversary with a glamorous gala dinner. Held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the prestigious Sheraton Kampala Hotel, the event brought together a distinguished gathering of tourism and hospitality leaders to reflect on three decades of impact while charting the path forward for Uganda’s thriving tourism industry.
Skål International, a global network of tourism professionals united under the motto “Doing Business Among Friends,” has been a cornerstone of collaboration in Uganda since its Kampala chapter was established around 1996. The milestone anniversary highlighted the organization’s role in fostering professional relationships, driving sector growth, and promoting sustainable tourism practices across the country.
The evening featured vibrant energy, networking opportunities, and high-level discussions on the future of tourism in Uganda. Attendees included CEOs, managing directors, and key stakeholders from hotels, tour operators, associations, and related sectors. Representatives from prominent bodies such as the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA), the Association of Ugandan Women in Tourism Trade (AUWOTT)—with Chairperson Ms. Jacqueline Kemirembe in attendance—the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), and others joined the celebration.
The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) was also represented, underscoring government and industry alignment in advancing Uganda’s tourism agenda.
Adding significant prestige, the Guest of Honor was Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities. His presence reinforced the event’s importance and complemented the government’s ongoing efforts to position Uganda as a premier destination in East Africa.
More than a retrospective look at Skål’s contributions—from building networks to supporting industry resilience—the gathering served as a powerful platform for tourism power players to lead conversations on emerging opportunities, sustainability, innovation, and collaborative strategies to elevate Uganda’s global profile.
The celebration included special moments of recognition, premium refreshments (including highlights like single-origin Kanyonyi Coffee from Gorilla Conservation Coffee), and an atmosphere of camaraderie that embodied Skål’s ethos.
As Uganda continues to shine as the Pearl of Africa, events like this underscore the strength of unity in the sector. Skål International Kampala looks ahead to the next 30 years, committed to nurturing friendships that translate into business success and shared prosperity for all tourism professionals.
Congratulations to Skål International Kampala on this remarkable achievement — here’s to many more decades of doing business among friends!
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