As the sun rises over Speke Resort Munyonyo, the second day of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2025 kicks off with renewed energy and a packed schedule. Following the vibrant cultural displays of Day One, today’s focus shifts to deeper dialogue around investment, infrastructure, innovation, and sustainability.
Morning Line-Up: A Ceremony of Purpose
By 9:30 AM, delegates are already arriving for the Investors’ Conference, beginning with registration and settling in at the Victoria Ballroom. Shortly after, at 10:00 AM, the day formally opens with the Uganda and East African Anthems and a solemn opening prayer—a reminder of the regional spirit and collaborative intent driving POATE 2025.
Setting the Tone: Opening Remarks and Keynote
At 10:10 AM, Mrs. Doreen Katusiime, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, delivers opening remarks, setting the tone for the day’s strategic conversations.
Soon after, at 10:20 AM, all eyes turn to Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Chairman of the Ruparelia Group. In his keynote titled “Diversifying Investments in Uganda: Opportunities in Tourism and Hospitality,” Dr. Ruparelia explores how tourism-related ventures—especially in hospitality and infrastructure—can unlock Uganda’s vast economic potential. His address offers insights for both local entrepreneurs and international investors seeking new opportunities in East Africa.
Following the keynote, attendees take a short entertainment and tea break at 10:40 AM to recharge before diving into deeper discussions.
Unlocking Investment: Panel of Heavyweights
At 11:00 AM, the event pivots to a robust panel discussion moderated by Maurice Mugisha. The panel features notable figures shaping Uganda’s investment climate:
- Mr. Mohammad Sulaiman Akbari, Senior Private Sector Specialist, World Bank Uganda – “Unlocking the Potential of Private Sector Investment to Promote Tourism-Led Economic Growth in Uganda”
- Ms. Anne Juuko, Regional Head of Global Markets, East Africa, Standard Bank Group – “Financing Tourism: Opportunities and Models for Investors”
- Ms. Christine Maina, CEO, East Africa Venture Capital Association – “Venture Capital in Tourism: Unlocking Investment Potential”
- Colonel Edith Nakalema, Head of State House Investor Protection Unit – “Investor Protection in Uganda: Ensuring a Safe Investment Environment”
The session presents practical models for investment, financing opportunities, and key protections in place for investors. A Q&A session follows at 12:00 PM, offering attendees the chance to engage with the experts directly.
Afternoon Insights: Specialized Sessions on Growth
After closing remarks from Mrs. Doreen Katusiime at 12:20 PM and a patriotic reprise of the national and regional anthems at 12:40 PM, guests break for lunch and entertainment at 12:50 PM.
The afternoon splits into three thematic sessions beginning at 2:00 PM:
- Accommodation Investment Session
Topics include:- Operational excellence (Mr. Stuart Cook, YES! Hospitality)
- Sustainable lodge design (Mr. Jonathan Wright, Wildplaces Africa)
- Investing in five-star developments
- Restaurant Investment Session
Topics include:- Homegrown brand innovation (CEO, Mandela Group/Café Javas)
- Franchising in Uganda (Country Manager, Kuku Foods)
- Leadership in tourism (Mr. Ron Kawamara, UTB)
- Sustainable Tourism Session
Topics include:- Conservation in the Greater Virunga Landscape (Dr. Andrew Seguya, GVTC)
- Leveraging AI for EU market access (Mr. Peter Fabricius)
- Sustainable petroleum and eco-tourism (Petroleum Authority of Uganda)
Each session runs for 1 hour and 30 minutes, offering rich, focused insights tailored to key segments of Uganda’s growing tourism ecosystem.
All Day: Exhibition Buzz Continues
Throughout the day, the POATE 2025 Exhibition remains open at the Speke Resort Convention Center and Pool Pavilion. Featuring 260+ exhibitors from across Africa and the globe, this marketplace offers valuable B2B meetings, destination showcases, and networking opportunities that extend Uganda’s tourism value chain.
