Uganda, Kenya Strengthen Cooperation On Tourism, Innovation

Uganda and Kenya are reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation in tourism, innovation and regional integration as preparations advance for the 5th Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism and Innovation Summit, to be held from 26th to 27th October 2026 at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, Mombasa.

Convened by the Consulate General of Uganda in Mombasa in collaboration with tourism stakeholders from Uganda and the Kenya Coast, the Summit will be held under the theme, “Unlocking Tourism Opportunities: Resolving Policy Bottlenecks through Technology, Youth and Seamless Mobility across East Africa.”

The 2026 Summit represents the evolution of the annual Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism Conference into a more targeted and action-oriented platform. It will bring together selected representatives from government, tourism, technology, investment and the private sector to consider practical areas of cooperation and identify opportunities for stronger regional linkages.

“This Summit reflects the strength of the partnership Uganda has built with our friends on the Kenya Coast over the past five years. As we mark ten years of the Consulate’s presence in Mombasa, we are moving beyond dialogue to concrete, action-oriented cooperation, particularly in harnessing technology and youth innovation to unlock the full potential of tourism between our two countries,” said Amb. Herbert Kiguli, Consul General of the Republic of Uganda in Mombasa.

The partnership between Uganda and the Kenya Coast has, since 2022, provided a platform for tourism stakeholders to exchange knowledge, build business relationships and promote the complementary strengths of the two destinations. More than 450 stakeholders have participated in the associated familiarisation programme, strengthening understanding of tourism products on both sides of the border.

This year’s Summit will place particular emphasis on youth-led innovation and technology as enablers of tourism development, including the showcasing of digital solutions intended to enhance visitor experiences across the Uganda–Kenya Coast corridor. It will also provide space for dialogue on tourism investment, smart destinations and connectivity.

“Mombasa County is proud to welcome this Summit as a platform that puts our tourism offering firmly on the regional stage. We see real value in deepening ties with Uganda, particularly in opening up smart, tech-enabled and youth-driven approaches to tourism that benefit both our destinations,” said Hon. Mohammed Osman, County Executive Committee Member for Tourism, Mombasa County.

A further area of focus will be the implementation of Article 104 of the EAC Treaty on the progressive removal of restrictions on the movement of persons, labour and services. The Summit will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to consider practical challenges affecting tourism and business travel and to explore constructive measures within the regional framework.

Through policy dialogue, innovation showcases and structured business-to-business engagement, the Summit seeks to translate shared priorities into practical partnerships and institutional commitments. It is expected to culminate in a Summit Communiqué setting out agreed priorities and timelines for follow-up.

The 2026 edition is also significant as it marks the fifth annual collaboration between the Consulate General of Uganda in Mombasa and the Kenya Coast, while coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the Consulate’s active presence in Mombasa and its transition to newly owned premises.

The organizers view the Summit as an opportunity to further strengthen the spirit of partnership between Uganda and Kenya and to contribute, through tourism and innovation, to the wider objectives of East African integration, economic cooperation and shared prosperity.