Kampala, Uganda: Veteran journalist and Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda correspondent Edgar Raymond Batte has been named Best Tourism Storyteller 2026 at the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) Awards, cementing his reputation as one of Uganda’s leading travel and tourism journalists.
Batte received the accolade during the POATE 2026 Awards Gala held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, where tourism stakeholders, policymakers, conservationists and industry players gathered to celebrate excellence across Uganda’s tourism sector.
The award recognises Batte’s contribution to promoting Uganda’s tourism industry through feature writing, travel journalism and multimedia storytelling that showcases the country’s wildlife, cultural heritage, conservation efforts, communities and emerging destinations.
Organisers said his work has played a significant role in positioning Uganda as a premier tourism destination by telling authentic stories that connect local experiences with regional and international audiences.
Batte was awarded a cash prize of Shs3 million alongside the recognition.
Speaking after receiving the award, Batte expressed gratitude for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to documenting Uganda’s diverse tourism experiences.
The POATE Awards form part of the annual Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo, Uganda’s flagship tourism and travel exhibition organised by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) in partnership with government agencies, private sector players and international development partners.
The awards celebrate excellence in tourism storytelling, photography, documentary production, influencing, innovation, community tourism and sustainable tourism practices.
Other winners recognised during the ceremony included Soosi, whose production Welcome to the Pearl of Africa won Best Tourism Documentary. Ssebuuma Ivan emerged winner in the Best Tourism Photography (Professional) category, while Alex Busingye won the amateur photography category. Nakabugo Q. Tracy was named Best Tourism Influencer.
Several tourism enterprises were also recognised for their contribution to sustainable tourism development. Nile Safari Lodge received the Best Eco-Lodge award, while Destination Jungle Limited won the Best Eco-Tour Operator category.
Batte’s recognition comes at a time when tourism storytelling is increasingly being viewed as a critical component of destination marketing, helping to shape perceptions, attract visitors and support conservation efforts.
Tourism remains one of Uganda’s leading foreign exchange earners and a major source of employment, with government continuing to prioritise destination promotion and tourism investment as part of the country’s economic development strategy.
Industry stakeholders say quality journalism and storytelling remain essential in highlighting Uganda’s tourism assets while also drawing attention to challenges facing the sector, including infrastructure gaps, environmental sustainability concerns and community participation in tourism benefits.
The POATE Awards, supported by the Uganda Tourism Board, Enabel, the European Union and other partners, are intended to encourage excellence and innovation while strengthening Uganda’s tourism brand both regionally and internationally.
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