| Uganda will host the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa for the first time on 2-3 February 2027, marking a major milestone for the country’s tourism and hospitality sector and reinforcing its ambition to become one of Africa’s leading investment destinations. The announcement follows a partnership between the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and the bench – the organisers of FHS Africa, the continent’s leading hospitality investment platform. The summit will bring together global investors, hotel developers, operators, tourism leaders and government officials to explore opportunities across Uganda’s rapidly expanding hospitality landscape. Uganda’s tourism industry is entering a new phase of growth. International visitor arrivals have rebounded strongly to more than 1.6 million, while tourism earnings have risen to between USD 1.6 billion and USD 1.7 billion. Supported by increasing government investment, infrastructure development and a clear national strategy to grow both leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism, the country is positioning itself as one of Africa’s most exciting emerging tourism markets. |
| Juliana Kagwa, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board, said, “Hosting FHS Africa in Uganda is a natural next step as we position the country as a leading tourism and investment destination. Our sector is growing rapidly, supported by strong government commitment, strategic planning and increasing global interest. This event provides a vital platform to connect investors with real opportunities and showcase the diversity and potential of Uganda’s tourism offering.” Kagwa added: “We need accommodation, we need beds, we need products and experiences. Hosting FHS is about opening Uganda to the world. By the time delegates gather in February 2027, we want to be signing contracts.” The decision to bring FHS Africa to Uganda comes amid rising investor interest in East Africa. Industry analysts point to an undersupply of branded hotels, improving air connectivity and growing demand for high-quality accommodation as key drivers of development across the region. According to hotel pipeline insights presented during the announcement, destinations including Kampala, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park are expected to see increasing hospitality development activity, particularly within the upscale and midscale segments. |
| Matt Weihs, Founder of FHS Africa, said “We are delighted to bring FHS Africa to Uganda for the first time. This is a dynamic and emerging market with enormous potential for hospitality investment. As the sector continues to grow and diversify, Uganda offers a compelling opportunity for international brands and investors looking to expand across Africa.” Roy Bannister, Business Development Director at FHS Africa, highlighted, “FHS Africa is narrowly and deliberately focused on driving investment into the hospitality industry across the continent. Uganda has been generating an increasingly positive perception on the global stage, and the message is clear – Uganda is on the radar.” He added: “Uganda is firmly on the radar for hospitality development, and we are excited to showcase the breadth of opportunities available, from city hotels to unique safari and eco-tourism projects. FHS Africa Uganda will create meaningful connections and drive investment into this vibrant market.” The announcement was welcomed by industry stakeholders who have long championed Uganda as a host destination for the summit. |