Uganda is rapidly positioning itself as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), with the Speke Resort Convention Centre (SRCC) at the heart of this transformation. Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, the business mogul behind the Ruparelia Group, has played a crucial role in reshaping the country’s hospitality and conference landscape.
Ahead of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2025, which will be hosted at SRCC, Dr. Sudhir spoke at a panel discussion led by media personality Salvador Idringi, emphasizing the impact of world-class infrastructure on tourism, economic growth, and foreign investment. Reflecting on Uganda’s past limitations, he noted, “There was one built in the 1960s, the Nile Conference Center, which served its purpose, but as the economy grew, so did the demand for bigger, world-class venues.”
To meet this demand, the Ruparelia Group, in partnership with the Government of Uganda, undertook the ambitious task of building SRCC in just one year. Since its completion, the venue has hosted a series of high-profile international gatherings, including the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit and the 3rd South Summit of the G77 and China in January 2024.
SRCC has also been the venue for the 27th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), the Uganda-EU Business Forum, the East Africa Venture Capital Association’s 2024 Private Capital Conference, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Global Symposium for Regulators (ITUGSR2024). Additionally, it was the setting for the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2024, further reinforcing its role in driving Uganda’s tourism sector.
Beyond international summits, SRCC has accommodated major academic and industry events, such as the 13th Graduation Ceremony of Cavendish University Uganda, which drew over 2,600 attendees, and the UG-KE Coast Tourism Conference, which brought together 700 delegates to explore Uganda-Kenya tourism synergies. In January 2025, it hosted the African Union Extra-Ordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), where key stakeholders discussed sustainable agricultural development and food security across the continent.
Dr. Sudhir believes SRCC gives Uganda a competitive edge in the regional MICE market. “With a setting on the shores of Lake Victoria, surrounded by lush greenery and high-end accommodation, Uganda now has the capacity to attract major conferences and events, which in turn fuels GDP growth,” he explained.
Economic Impact of MICE Tourism
Beyond infrastructure, Dr. Sudhir emphasized the broader economic benefits of MICE tourism. International conferences attract high-spending visitors who not only attend events but also explore Uganda’s wildlife and cultural attractions. “People come for the conference, but they also go upcountry to see the wildlife. This benefits everyone—from the tourism sector to the farmers supplying food to our hotels,” he said.
He also highlighted the critical role of public-private partnerships in advancing Uganda’s tourism industry. “We have demonstrated that with the right partnerships, the private sector can play a crucial role in national development. We currently operate 11 hotels in Kampala and are in joint ventures with the government on major projects like the SRCC and Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort.”
The Call for More Investment in Infrastructure
Speaking at POATE 2025, Peter Mwanja, Secretary General of the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) and the Uganda Association of Conference Incentive Industry (UACII), applauded the Ruparelia Group and the Government of Uganda for investing in SRCC. He stressed that additional infrastructure is needed to cement Uganda’s status as a top MICE destination. “We need at least three more convention centers to handle high demand and cement Uganda’s status as a MICE hub,” he advised.
He also echoed Dr. Sudhir’s call for tourism diversification, urging Uganda to expand beyond its “Pearl of Africa” branding. “We cannot continue relying solely on the ‘Pearl of Africa’ narrative. We need to maximize assets like Lake Victoria and our rich cultural heritage.”
POATE 2025: A Game-Changer for Uganda’s Tourism Industry
With POATE 2025 set to welcome over 260 exhibitors and 100 hosted buyers from across the globe, the expo is expected to catalyze further investment in Uganda’s tourism sector. Dr. Sudhir described the event as “a premier tourism event that not only showcases Uganda’s attractions but also fosters ecotourism, cultural heritage, and responsible travel.”
As Uganda continues its ascent as a MICE powerhouse, the synergy between the government and private sector leaders like the Ruparelia Group will be instrumental in unlocking the country’s full potential. The success of SRCC proves that strategic investment in world-class infrastructure is key to positioning Uganda as a competitive global destination for conferences, exhibitions, and business events.