Kampala, Uganda | ENTEBBENEWS.NET | Uganda is preparing to host the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa in February 2027, bringing together international investors, hotel developers and tourism industry leaders to explore investment opportunities in the country’s hospitality sector.
The summit, scheduled for February 2–3 at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Kampala, is expected to provide a platform for Uganda to attract investment in hotels, tourism infrastructure and related services.
The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), in partnership with Kampala Serena Hotel, hosted a launch reception on September 23, bringing together hospitality investors, hotel operators, government representatives and private-sector stakeholders ahead of the continental gathering.
The summit comes as Uganda seeks to position itself as a competitive tourism and hospitality investment destination, leveraging its natural attractions, geographical location and expanding air connectivity.
Speaking at the reception, Roy Bannister, Head of Strategic Partnerships at FHS Africa, said the summit would provide an opportunity to connect international capital with investment opportunities in Uganda’s hospitality industry.
“FHS Africa’s coming to Uganda reflects something much bigger than a conference, it is a platform where capital meets opportunity, investors meet developers and new relationships translate into new investments and new businesses,” Bannister said.
For Uganda, hosting the summit presents an opportunity to attract investors interested in developing new hospitality facilities while strengthening partnerships between local businesses and international operators.
UTB Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa said the event would create opportunities for investors, developers and tourism professionals to establish partnerships and explore the country’s investment potential.
“Hospitality is about bringing people, ideas and opportunities together. FHS Africa creates a platform where investors, developers, operators and hospitality professionals can meet, exchange knowledge, build relationships and discover opportunities,” Kagwa said.
She pointed to Uganda’s location along the equator, diverse landscapes and tourism attractions as advantages that could support further investment in the hospitality industry.
Boniface Henry Okot, the Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry and Member of Parliament for Kole South, welcomed the summit, emphasising the need for collaboration between government and the private sector to unlock the country’s tourism potential.
Beyond attracting investment in hotels and accommodation facilities, the summit is expected to draw attention to opportunities across the wider tourism value chain, including aviation, tour operations, food and beverage, destination management, financial services and local enterprises.
Air connectivity also featured in discussions at the launch reception, with stakeholders highlighting its importance in attracting international visitors and investment.
Uganda Airlines was recognised for its efforts to expand the country’s regional and international connections, including the addition of Accra and Kigali to its route network.
Improved connectivity is considered an important factor in Uganda’s efforts to attract international hotel operators, business travellers and investors, particularly as the country seeks to expand its meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions tourism segment.
The launch reception also attracted representatives of tourism and hospitality associations, including hotel owners and tour operators, underscoring the role of private-sector participation in developing the industry.
As host partner, UTB intends to use the summit to market Uganda’s tourism investment opportunities directly to international investors and developers while facilitating partnerships with local businesses.
