culture 23 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Edgar Batte Honored as Top Tourism Storyteller at Pearl of Africa Expo Awards
Nation Media Group journalist Edgar Raymond Batte has won the Best Tourism Storyteller award at the 2026 Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo Awards for his authentic documentation of Uganda's tourism, culture, and lifestyle. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nmg-journalist-batte-wins-top-storyteller-award--5471032
Nation Media Group Uganda (NMG-U) journalist Edgar Raymond Batte has been recognized with the prestigious Best Tourism Storyteller award at the 2026 Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo Awards ceremony. The event, held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, celebrated Batte’s significant contributions to promoting Uganda through compelling journalism and feature writing, earning him a prize of Shs3 million.
Batte has cultivated a strong reputation over the years for his authentic storytelling, delving into Uganda’s rich tourism potential, vibrant culture, and unique lifestyle. His work has garnered both national and international acclaim, highlighting the country’s attractions to a wider audience.
The awards were established as part of the 50-year celebration of Uganda-European Union cooperation. Organizers stated the initiative aims to acknowledge excellence, creativity, and innovation within Uganda’s tourism and creative industries, while actively encouraging high-quality narratives about tourism and sustainable travel practices.
The ceremony also saw other notable winners, including Africa Runners Co. Limited for Best Tourism Booth/Exhibitor and Ruboni Community Camp for Best Tourism Community Programme. Nile Safari Lodge was awarded Best Eco Lodge, and Destination Jungle took home the award for Best Eco Tour Operator.
During the event, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Permanent Secretary Doreen Katusiime affirmed Uganda’s status as a safe tourist destination, emphasizing the country’s robust health management systems. Uganda Tourism Board CEO Juliana Kagwa highlighted the awards’ importance in recognizing entities championing sustainable tourism.
The European Union Ambassador to Uganda, Jan Sadek, launched the Sustainable Tourism Value Chain Initiative, a four-year program designed to bolster destination development, enhance standards, improve international marketing, and increase financial access for tourism businesses. This initiative represents an ambitious effort to meet the sector’s needs and foster growth.