Nairobi, Kenya October Thursday 2, 2025. Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and Team Uganda have made a vibrant showcase at Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) 2025, championing the country’s destination brand under the theme “Explore Uganda – The Pearl of Africa.” Kenya’s Deputy President, H.E. Abraham Kithure Kindiki, today visited Uganda stand where he was ushered in by UTB Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Juliana Kagwa. The stand came alive with a colourful cultural display led by Ugandan traditional dancers, with Deputy President joining the performance, underscoring the deep cultural and tourism ties between Kenya and Uganda.
Ahead of the opening of the expo, UTB conducted destination training sessions for members of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO), Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), and Uganda Embassy in Nairobi. The training highlighted Uganda’s diverse attractions and strengthened collaboration with Kenya’s travel trade, equipping operators with the knowledge and tools to design cross border travel packages that can grow intra-African tourism.
At MKTE, UTB’s engagements have featured wildlife and cultural showcases, media briefings, and Business to Business meetings. The presentations have positioned Uganda as Africa’s premier adventure destination with gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, white-water rafting on the Nile, birding expeditions, mountain hiking, rich cultural and cunary experiences. Uganda has also spotlighted its landmark Rhino Programme as a conservation success story that integrates biodiversity protection with tourism growth.
UTB Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Juliana Kagwa, noted that Uganda’s participation at MKTE was a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to regional tourism growth. “Our presence here demonstrates Uganda’s determination to strengthen partnerships and position the Pearl of Africa as a must visit adventure and cultural destination. By collaborating with associations like KATO and KATA, we are creating opportunities for cross-border itineraries and ensuring that East Africa emerges as one of the world’s leading tourism regions.”
Board Chairperson UTB, Ms. Pearl Kakooza, emphasized the strategic importance of the platform: “Magical Kenya offers Uganda the opportunity to showcase not just our products but our values sustainability, conservation, and regional cooperation. As a Board, we are committed to supporting UTB’s efforts in strengthening public private partnerships that can deliver long term tourism growth for Uganda and East Africa as a whole.”
Mbabazi Resty of Avent Tour Safaris echoed the significance of participation: “As tour operators and we welcome UTB’s leadership in ensuring that Uganda is visible on platforms like MKTE. The B2B meetings and exposure to regional travel trade are invaluable in helping us grow our businesses while contributing to the larger vision of promoting Uganda as a top adventure and cultural destination.”
Uganda Tourism Board continues to leverage platforms like Magical Kenya Travel Expo to expand partnerships, grow visitor numbers, and position Uganda as a leading destination for adventure, culture, and sustainable tourism in Africa.
ENDS