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The 9th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) wrapped up in style on May 24, 2025, with a thrilling cultural and music festival held at the Lakeside Gardens, Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the festival crowned three days of conferences, exhibitions, and showcases that began on May 21, highlighting Uganda's tourism potential and cultural richness.
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Boats, Beats, and Uganda’s Cultural Showcase
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The day began with a boating regatta experience on Lake Victoria, setting a relaxed tone for what would become an energetic close to the expo.
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DJ Tony warmed up the crowd with mixes before the Crane Performers took the stage with a vibrant display of Uganda’s diverse cultural dances and music. Their performance painted a vivid picture of Uganda’s heritage.
Aliddeki Brian then wowed the crowd, particularly foreign guests, with his fusion of traditional Ugandan rhythms and modern music.
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Songs like Empaako Ya Niwooha, Akasilikiro, and Njagala Nkwagale stood out for their unique style and infectious energy.
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Music and Laughter Light Up the Night
From 6pm, Abeeka Band electrified the stage with powerful covers that had the crowd singing along and calling for an encore.
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They obliged with five extra minutes, thanks to a request by host Salvador Idringi and the cheering crowd.
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Madrat and Chiko followed with comedy skits about their travels, delivering belly laughs to an already excited audience.
Winnie Nwagi then turned the energy up a notch with crowd favourites like Musawo, Fire Dancer, and Amaaso, bringing fans right to the stage with her engaging set.
Suuna Ben's 40-minute performance was short but unforgettable. “All I saw was kubakubakubakuba,” Salvador tweeted, still in awe.
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His session was followed by a powerful nostalgic set by Blu *3, as Jackie Chandiru, Cindy Sanyu and Lillian Mbabazi performed classics like Nsanyuka Nawe and Sanyu Lyange.
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Fashion Meets Heritage on the Runway
IGC, co-founded by Katende Godfrey, served as the expo’s official fashion curator.
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Their closing showcase presented sustainable fashion pieces inspired by Lubugo (barkcloth), transforming this traditional material into contemporary outfits. The show highlighted the creative potential in fusing heritage with modern design.
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Promoting Uganda as a Tourism Investment Hub
POATE is not just a celebration of culture but also a platform to attract tourism investment and partnerships. It brings together tour operators, travel agents, investors and hospitality players from around the world.
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This year’s sponsors included the Ministry of Tourism, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Airlines, Talent Africa Group, and Uganda Waragi, among others. The event was produced by Talent Africa Group, known for managing top-tier experiences.
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With performances, fashion, and investment opportunities, this year’s POATE left a lasting impression, reaffirming Uganda’s position as “The Pearl of Africa.”