Uganda is targeting the global destination weddings and celebrations market as international event planners gather in Kampala to explore partnerships, showcase local venues and expand tourism beyond wildlife safaris.
Uganda is seeking to expand its tourism market beyond wildlife safaris and nature-based experiences by attracting destination weddings, private celebrations and international events, as industry professionals from Africa and Europe gather in Kampala for the inaugural Africa Destination Celebration Conference and Expo (ADCCE 2026).
The two-day conference, running from October 12 to 13 at Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo, brings together event planners, wedding specialists, tourism operators and hospitality businesses to explore opportunities in the growing destination celebrations market.
Held under the theme “Africa Unveils Events in the Wild,” the conference aims to position Uganda and the wider African continent as competitive destinations for weddings, conferences, private celebrations and other high-value events.
Jacqueline Nanteza, chief executive officer of Stress-Free Planner and Wild Celebrations Africa Limited, and founder and president of ADCCE, said the initiative seeks to connect African destinations with international event planners who can promote them to clients worldwide.
Nanteza said the conference provides a platform for international professionals to discover Uganda’s venues, service providers and tourism attractions while building partnerships with local businesses.
The programme includes an exhibition showcasing Uganda’s events, tourism, travel and hospitality sectors, alongside keynote presentations and panel discussions on destination marketing, customer care, service excellence and international industry standards.
Frank Murangwa, regional director of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and a keynote speaker, welcomed the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to bring industry players together and strengthen the promotion of Africa and the Caribbean on the international stage.
His participation highlights the importance of international collaboration in expanding Africa’s presence in the global meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry.
Mannot Estelle Maeva, a France-based wedding planner who organises weddings in France, Italy, Spain and Morocco, said she was excited to visit Uganda for the first time and explore its potential as a destination for international weddings.
Maeva said Africa has attractive venues and capable professionals who can deliver world-class wedding experiences, but greater awareness among European planners and clients is needed to unlock the continent’s potential.
She expressed hope that the conference would encourage more international planners to consider Uganda and other African countries when selecting destinations for weddings and celebrations.
Maeva also emphasised the importance of budgeting, advising couples to identify their priorities, whether guest comfort, memorable experiences or a balance between the two.
Dr Ifeoma Okoye, a Nigerian events educator and academy founder, commended Nanteza for establishing the conference, saying it could create opportunities for professional learning, business partnerships and cultural exchange.
Okoye said African event professionals need to collaborate, share knowledge and showcase the continent’s capabilities to the international market.
“It's time for Africa. It's time to show the world what we have,” she said.
Christine Ogbeh, popularly known as Mama Guru of The Wedding Guru, also from Nigeria, described ADCCE as an important platform for networking, exchanging experiences and exploring new business opportunities.
On her third visit to Uganda, Ogbeh said the conference would allow international delegates to discover more of the country, including destinations such as Murchison Falls National Park, while establishing relationships that could support the growth of Africa’s destination wedding and events industry.
Alloy Orunye Kingsley Chimezie, a London-based Nigerian event professional, also praised the initiative, saying bringing together creatives and industry leaders from different countries could promote innovation, knowledge-sharing and business connections.
The exhibition opened on Monday, October 12, while the main conference and closing activities are scheduled for Tuesday, October 13. A closing gala dinner will be held at Serena Kigo.
Nanteza acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the Uganda Tourism Board and private-sector partners in making the inaugural event possible.
Following the conference, delegates are expected to participate in familiarisation trips to selected tourism destinations, including national parks, to experience Uganda’s potential for hosting celebrations in both urban venues and natural settings.
The visits are intended to give international planners first-hand exposure to the country’s hospitality infrastructure, landscapes and tourism experiences, which could be incorporated into future wedding and event packages.
ADCCE comes as Uganda seeks to diversify its tourism offering and attract visitors through experiences beyond traditional wildlife safaris.
By connecting international planners with local venues, hotels, tourism operators and event service providers, the initiative could create opportunities for investment, increase business for hospitality enterprises and strengthen Uganda’s visibility in the global events market.
For local businesses, growing interest in destination celebrations could generate demand for accommodation, catering, transport, photography, décor, entertainment and other specialised services.
The conference also offers Uganda an opportunity to demonstrate how its natural attractions, cultural experiences and hospitality services can complement professional event facilities to deliver memorable celebrations.
Through ADCCE 2026, organisers hope to establish a lasting network of African and international professionals to promote cross-border partnerships and position Uganda as a destination where celebrations and tourism experiences converge.