Published on
January 5, 2026
Uganda is making waves on the global tourism stage, particularly in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. At the IBTM World Expo in Barcelona 2025, Juliana Kagwa, CEO of Uganda Tourism Board, underscored Uganda’s emerging role as a premier destination for international MICE events. With its rich biodiversity, sustainable tourism practices, and top-notch conference facilities, Uganda is positioning itself as a must-visit location for businesses and organizations looking for more than just a venue.
Uganda: A MICE Destination Like No Other
Uganda’s allure lies not only in its scenic landscapes and wildlife but also in its innovative approach to business tourism. Positioned as a one-stop-shop for MICE, Uganda offers more than just meetings and conferences—it provides a fully immersive experience, blending work with the wonders of nature.
At the heart of Uganda’s MICE offerings is the Speke Resort, located along the serene shores of Lake Victoria. As the largest tropical lake in the world, Lake Victoria serves as a stunning backdrop for events. The resort is equipped to host up to 1,000 delegates, making it an ideal venue for international conferences and large corporate events.
A Convention Center by Lake Victoria
The East African Convention Center at Speke Resort stands as one of the largest of its kind in the region, combining state-of-the-art facilities with breathtaking views. Situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, the convention center offers unmatched connectivity to nature, making every business event a holistic experience. The peaceful ambiance of the lake, with its diverse wildlife and rich biodiversity, provides a unique touch to corporate events.
Uganda’s emphasis on its biodiversity adds an extraordinary value to its MICE appeal. The country boasts over 5,000 species of fish, amphibians, and birds, including 1,000 species of birds, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourism and nature-based conferences. Every tea or coffee break during a meeting can easily transform into an impromptu wildlife encounter, offering delegates a refreshing escape from the routine of the conference hall.
A Diverse Ecosystem for Unique Events
What sets Uganda apart from other MICE destinations is its incredible biodiversity. Kagwa explained that Uganda is a “water basin” country with 165 lakes scattered across its landscapes. With such natural diversity, Uganda offers an exceptional variety of eco-tourism experiences, allowing businesses to blend corporate gatherings with environmental and cultural experiences.
The country’s five distinct biodomes, ranging from tropical rainforests to savannas, ensure that every corner of Uganda offers something unique. For those attending conferences or events, Uganda provides more than just a professional setting; it promises immersive biodiversity experiences during every break. Whether it’s a wildlife safari or a boat tour across Lake Victoria, Uganda’s diversity helps businesses weave in sustainability, conservation, and community engagement into their MICE agendas.
Uganda’s Focus on Sustainability and Conservation
Sustainability is a core pillar of Uganda’s tourism strategy. The country is committed to preserving its natural heritage while fostering responsible tourism practices. At the IBTM event in Barcelona, Kagwa emphasized how Uganda’s commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainability shapes its tourism offerings.
Uganda has implemented numerous initiatives to conserve its flora and fauna, and these efforts form the foundation of its tourism industry. For businesses seeking to align their MICE events with sustainable practices, Uganda provides an ideal setting where every conference or meeting contributes to the protection of the environment. Whether it’s in the form of eco-friendly conference materials or sustainable event logistics, Uganda ensures that corporate tourism does not come at the cost of the environment.
Uganda’s Strategic Participation at IBTM World 2025
IBTM World 2025 in Barcelona concluded as a record-breaking event, hosting nearly 12,000 participants and facilitating over 79,000 pre-scheduled meetings, marking an 8% increase from 2024. Official reports highlighted a surge in global representation, featuring nearly 2,500 exhibitors from 140 countries, with the largest African presence in a decade, including expanded pavilions for South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, and Rwanda. This significant increase in African representation aligns with Uganda’s ambitions to solidify its position in the global MICE market. At the Forum for Advocacy, leaders from The Business of Events emphasized unified messaging to unlock the societal value of business events, strengthening alliances and partnerships across the industry.
Kagwa highlighted Uganda’s growing interest in markets beyond its traditional audience, focusing on regions such as Spain, Portugal, and other parts of Europe. She noted that Uganda’s unique blend of biodiversity, sustainable tourism practices, and first-class facilities has attracted attention from a broader range of international business communities.
Why Uganda is the Ideal MICE Destination for 2025 and Beyond
For businesses seeking a fresh, sustainable, and engaging destination for their next conference or event, Uganda offers an unparalleled experience. From its lush landscapes and abundant wildlife to its state-of-the-art conference venues and commitment to conservation, Uganda is rapidly becoming a leader in the global MICE sector.
The country’s tourism board, led by Juliana Kagwa, is keen to introduce Uganda as more than just a place for work—it’s a destination where business and nature come together to create a transformative experience for delegates. Every event, from a board meeting to a large-scale international conference, can be paired with wildlife safaris, boat rides, and cultural immersions that allow participants to recharge and connect with nature.
A Hub for Nature, Culture, and Business
Uganda’s growing reputation as a MICE destination is built on its ability to seamlessly integrate business, culture, and nature. Whether it’s a conference in Kampala, a retreat by Lake Victoria, or a corporate event on the edge of a national park, Uganda offers endless possibilities for companies looking to organize extraordinary meetings. The country’s rich biodiversity ensures that every event is a one-of-a-kind experience, offering more than just a business opportunity—it’s an opportunity for environmental immersion, community engagement, and personal transformation.
In line with key discussions at IBTM World 2025, Uganda continues to focus on future-proofing the sector by emphasizing demographic shifts, AI-driven personalization, and sustainability in tourism. As the industry evolves, Uganda is perfectly positioned to meet the growing demand for innovative, environmentally conscious, and human-centered MICE events.
Conclusion: Uganda—The Future of MICE Tourism
Uganda is rapidly emerging as a go-to destination for MICE tourism in Africa, and the country’s profile is set to grow even further in 2025 and beyond. With its combination of world-class facilities, rich biodiversity, and commitment to sustainable tourism, Uganda stands as a beacon for the future of business tourism. As Juliana Kagwa aptly puts it, Uganda is not just a destination—it is an experience that will “blow your mind.” For businesses looking to hold their next major event in a truly unique and inspiring location, Uganda is the ultimate choice.
