The 9th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) culminated on May 24, 2025, in a spectacular cultural and music festival at Lakeside Gardens, Speke Resort Munyonyo. Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, POATE’s three-day run (May 21–24) showcased Uganda tourism, investment opportunities, and the nation’s cultural richness before closing out with an unforgettable lakeside celebration.
A Relaxed Start on Lake Victoria
POATE’s final day began with a serene boating regatta on Lake Victoria, offering foreign delegates and local guests a chance to unwind and network amid stunning waterfront views. As traditional wooden canoes glided across the water, conversations turned to:
- Tourism investment prospects
- Community-based hospitality projects
- Sustainable wildlife initiatives
This mellow morning set the scene for an action-packed evening.
DJ Tony & the Crane Performers Ignite the Stage
As the sun dipped, DJ Tony kicked off the festival with high-energy mixes, warming the crowd for the evening’s performances. Soon after, the Crane Performers took over, delivering a vibrant display of Uganda’s traditional dances—from the rhythmic Empaako claps of Acholi to the fluid Bakisimba moves of Buganda.
“It was like watching history come alive,” one spectator remarked, marveling at the fusion of color, costume, and choreography.
Aliddeki Brian: Bridging Past and Present
Next, Aliddeki Brian captivated particularly the international audience by blending ancestral rhythms with modern beats. Tracks like Empaako Ya Niwooha, Akasilikiro, and Njagala Nkwagale resonated across the lawn, with guests dancing barefoot on the grass.
“He reminded us why Uganda is the ‘Pearl of Africa’—its melodies are timeless,” tweeted one tour operator, tagging the expo’s official handle.
Abeeka Band & Salvador Idringi Fuel the Fun
From 6 PM, the Abeeka Band took center stage, performing powerful covers of East African favorites. Their electric set prompted cheers for an encore—five extra minutes granted by host Salvador Idringi to the delight of longtime fans.
Salvador then introduced Madrat and Chiko, whose comedy skits about travel mishaps had the audience in stitches:
- Lost luggage confessions
- Language-barrier blunders
- Safari survival fails
This lighthearted interlude made way for one of the night’s hottest acts.
Winnie Nwagi Turns Up the Heat
With hits like Musawo, Fire Dancer, and Amaaso, Winnie Nwagi raised the temperature—literally and figuratively. Fans surged forward, singing lyrics back to the stage, while cameras recorded every moment for what quickly became a viral moment on social media.
“Winnie owned that stage—best performance of the night!” commented a travel blogger streaming live on Instagram.
Short but Sweet: Suuna Ben’s Unforgettable Set
Although Suuna Ben’s performance lasted just 40 minutes, it left an indelible mark. His dynamic dance moves to kubakubakubakuba had even Salvador tweeting in awe:
“All I saw was kubakubakubakuba—mind officially blown!”
*Blu 3 Reunites for Nostalgic Classics
The festival reached its zenith when *Blu 3 reunited. Jackie Chandiru, Cindy Sanyu, and Lillian Mbabazi performed timeless tracks like Nsanyuka Nawe and Sanyu Lyange, transporting the crowd back to the group’s early 2000s heyday.
“Hearing those harmonies again… pure magic,” one attendee whispered, tears in their eyes.
Fashion Meets Heritage: IGC’s Runway Showcase
Under the guidance of IGC co-founder Katende Godfrey, POATE’s official fashion curator, the closing runway celebrated Uganda’s design innovation. Models strutted in sustainable outfits crafted from Lubugo (barkcloth)—each piece a testament to:
- Traditional techniques passed down through generations
- Eco-friendly materials and zero-waste production
- Modern silhouettes that appeal to global markets
This fusion of past and future underscored the expo’s theme of “Heritage Empowering Tomorrow.”
Promoting Uganda as a Global Tourism Hub
Beyond the glitz, POATE remained a powerhouse platform to attract tourism investment and forge strategic partnerships. The expo hosted:
- Conferences on luxury eco-lodges and community tourism
- Exhibitions featuring safari operators, hoteliers, and craft vendors
- B2B showcases connecting investors with regional travel agents
Key sponsors included:
- Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities
- Uganda Tourism Board
- Uganda Airlines
- Talent Africa Group
- Uganda Waragi
Talent Africa Group, renowned for orchestrating world-class experiences, ensured seamless logistics—from VIP liaisons to live-stream broadcasts—maximizing POATE’s global reach.
A Lasting Impression: What’s Next for POATE?
As the final notes faded and the crowd dispersed under the moonlit palms, the impact of POATE 2025 was clear:
- Increased international bookings for 2026 safari seasons
- New investments pledged for lodge expansions in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls parks
- Cross-cultural collaborations sparked between local artisans and foreign designers
Organizers have already announced early dates for POATE 2026, with plans to introduce immersive virtual tours, live wildlife safaris, and expanded youth entrepreneurship exhibits.
