New Delhi, India – The South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) was at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi, with Uganda’s tourism sector emerging as a standout performer. The three-day event, which attracted over 50,000 attendees from India, Asia, and around the world, provided a platform for Uganda to showcase its tourism potential.
Uganda’s impressive showing at SATTE 2026 was a testament to the power of collaboration between the Uganda High Commission in New Delhi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Uganda Airlines, and Destination Marketing Companies (DMCs). Under the leadership of Amb. Prof. Joyce Kikafunda, Uganda’s delegation highlighted the country’s diverse tourism offerings, building strategic partnerships with industry leaders and paving the way for accelerated business growth in the sector.
Amb. Prof. Kikafunda noted that the B2B and G2B engagements at SATTE 2026 represented a significant milestone, enhancing Uganda’s visibility and addressing misconceptions about the country. She expressed her appreciation for the concerted efforts of Uganda High Commission, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Airlines, and DMCs, which have collectively made significant inroads in India’s key tourism and trade markets.
Amb. Henry Mayega, Head of International Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hailed the introduction of direct flights between Entebbe and Mumbai in 2023 as a transformative milestone, catapulting tourism and trade between Uganda and India to new heights. He advocated for increasing flight frequencies to daily and expanding to key cities like New Delhi and Bangalore, thereby unlocking India’s vast potential.
The Uganda delegation’s success at SATTE 2026 is expected to catalyze growth in other sectors, serving as a precursor to investment decisions. With India’s expanding middle class and approximately 40 million outbound travelers yearly, Uganda is poised to intensify promotional efforts for Destination Uganda.
Mr. Brian Mwanika, Head of Economic and Commercial Diplomacy at the Uganda High Commission in New Delhi, expressed confidence that the marketing campaign’s momentum will propel Destination Uganda to iconic status in the Indian market. He noted that Uganda’s distinctive tourism offerings resonate profoundly with Indian travelers seeking authentic, experiential adventures and holidays.
According to Mr. Ivan Kayondo, Director of Universal Travels (U) Ltd, his participation in SATTE 2026 and the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) in Mumbai has been highly successful, securing significant business deals for June 2026. He praised the partnership between the High Commission in Delhi, UTB, and other partners, which has given small operators like himself a chance to make a presence.
Ms. Parvin Nantumbwe, Travel Consultant with Kubwa Five Safaris, stated that the company’s participation in OTM 2025 and 2026 in Mumbai has been highly beneficial, prompting their involvement in SATTE2026. The engagement has led to new client acquisition and increased visibility in the tourism industry.
The Indian market presents significant opportunities for Uganda’s tourism sector, with approximately 39 million outbound departures recorded in 2024 and a substantial surge in outbound travel expenditure from $4 billion to $17 billion over a two-year period. Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes, opulent flora, and majestic fauna are expected to captivate Indian filmmakers, positioning the country as a premier filming destination and access to a global audience.
