Uganda has been selected to host the 19th World Congress on Environmental Health (WCEH 2028), a flagship global congress that brings together environmental health professionals, researchers, academics, and policymakers from around the world.
The bid was submitted by the Environmental Health Workers Association of Uganda (EHWAU) in collaboration with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), with support from the Ministry of Health and Makerere School of Public Health. The International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH), the organising body, confirmed Uganda as the host nation for the congress, which will take place in Kampala in 2028.
The WCEH is held every two years and serves as a global platform to address critical public health challenges, including climate change and environmental risks, food safety and sanitation, urban health and sustainability, and the strengthening of public health systems. The 2028 edition is expected to attract 1,500 delegates over five days, generating an estimated direct economic impact of UGX 9.68 billion for Uganda.
Hosting the congress presents significant opportunities across Uganda’s private sector. Hotels in Kampala are expected to benefit from accommodating delegates throughout the event, while airlines, airport transfer services, and car hire operators will support movement within the country. Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs) will have an opportunity to showcase Uganda’s capacity to deliver world-class international events. Destination Management Companies and tour operators are encouraged to develop curated pre- and post-conference packages to extend delegate stays and maximise tourism revenue.
Uganda Tourism Board CEO Juliana Kagwa welcomed the announcement, stating:
“Winning this bid is a testament to Uganda’s growing stature as a premier meetings and conventions destination. The WCEH 2028 will not only bring global expertise to our shores but will catalyse investment in our hospitality, transport, and tourism sectors, while positioning Uganda as a hub for international knowledge exchange.”
The Uganda Convention Bureau, established within UTB to grow the country’s share of international meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) business, coordinated the bid process. This achievement reinforces Uganda’s MICE strategy and builds on the country’s strong performance in recent years.
In 2024, Uganda welcomed approximately 1.37 million international visitors, representing a 7.7 per cent increase from 2023. International tourism receipts reached a record US$1.28 billion, contributing about 16 per cent of total exports.
EHWAU and the Uganda Convention Bureau will now move forward with planning for the congress in collaboration with IFEH, the Ministry of Health, and Makerere School of Public Health. The Uganda Tourism Board remains committed to supporting landmark events that drive sector growth, expand Uganda’s global presence, and reinforce its position as the Pearl of Africa.