The Explore Uganda India Roadshow 2026 officially kicked off at Le Méridien, New Delhi, bringing together key tourism stakeholders from Uganda and India in a renewed push to deepen tourism ties between the two countries.
The roadshow is co-organized by the Uganda High Commission in India, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and Uganda Airlines, and serves as a build-up to Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026, scheduled to take place in Mumbai from 5–7 February.
Speaking at the opening, Uganda’s High Commissioner to India, Amb. Prof. Joyce Kikafunda, highlighted India’s growing importance as a priority source market for Uganda’s tourism sector. She noted that Indian tourist arrivals to Uganda increased significantly from 34,208 to 42,800 visitors within one year, underscoring strong post-pandemic recovery and rising interest in the destination.
According to Amb. Kikafunda, Uganda is leveraging platforms such as the Explore Uganda Roadshow and OTM to strengthen destination awareness, airline connectivity, and trade partnerships, with an ambitious target of attracting over 100,000 Indian visitors within the next two years.
She further noted that Uganda is making its second appearance at OTM, following a successful debut in 2025 where the country won the Most Promising New Destination Award. The recognition, she said, signaled growing confidence among Indian travelers and tour operators in Destination Uganda.
Simplicious Gessa, the Uganda Tourism Board Public Relations Officer noted that the roadshow reflects Uganda’s deliberate shift toward market-led promotion, anchored on airline connectivity, targeted storytelling, and trade engagement.
“Our collaboration with the Uganda High Commission and Uganda Airlines ensures that promotion, access, and product development move in tandem. As we build momentum toward OTM Mumbai 2026, our focus is on converting awareness into sustained growth and positioning Uganda competitively within the Indian outbound travel market.”
He added that they have envision the Explore Uganda India Roadshow 2026 as a strategic engagement designed to translate growing interest in Destination Uganda into tangible bookings and long-term partnerships.
“India is one of our fastest-growing source markets, and this platform allows us to engage trade partners directly, strengthen brand visibility, and position Uganda as a must-visit destination for Indian travellers,” said Gessa.
The New Delhi roadshow provides a platform for engagement between Ugandan tourism operators and Indian travel agents, tour wholesalers, and media, focusing on Uganda’s diverse offerings—from wildlife and adventure tourism to culture, nature, and meetings and incentives travel.
With increasing air connectivity, targeted promotion, and strong diplomatic support, Uganda is positioning India as a key growth market in its broader strategy to diversify source markets and drive sustainable tourism growth.
