travel 1 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Speke Resort Secures Top Accolade as Uganda's Leading Conference Hotel 2026
Speke Resort in Munyonyo has been awarded Uganda's Leading Conference Hotel 2026 by the prestigious World Travel Awards, underscoring Uganda's growing ambitions in conference tourism. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/travel/speke-resort-named-uganda-s-leading-conference-hotel-2026-5580284
Speke Resort Convention Centre, situated in Munyonyo, has clinched the title of Uganda’s Leading Conference Hotel for 2026 at the highly esteemed World Travel Awards. This significant recognition places the resort above other strong contenders, including Kampala Serena Hotel, Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz, and Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
The accolade arrives at a crucial time for Uganda as the nation actively works to bolster its conference tourism sector, also known as the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. This sector is vital for attracting business travelers and fostering economic growth through events and gatherings.
Uganda’s MICE Strategy 2025–2030 outlines ambitious targets, aiming for an annual revenue of approximately Shs913.86 billion ($250 million) by enhancing infrastructure for conferences and events. The country’s commitment to this sector has seen it rank well regionally, having secured sixth place among African destinations for hosting international conferences in 2019, according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
Speke Resort boasts an impressive capacity, with 476 guest rooms and 41 diverse meeting venues. Its track record includes hosting significant national and international events, such as diplomatic meetings, Heads of State gatherings, and the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in January 2024. This recent award adds to the resort’s growing list of international accolades, following its recognition as the World’s Best Luxury Convention Resort at the 2026 Luxe Global Awards.
Management at Speke Resort expressed their honour, attributing the award to their dedication to superior hospitality, state-of-the-art conference facilities, and creating memorable guest experiences. Conference tourism is a key focus for Uganda’s tourism strategy, as it drives significant spending from international visitors on accommodation, transport, and other services.