Uganda has been selected to host the 19th World Congress on Environmental Health (WCEH 2028).
WCEH 2028 is a major international gathering expected to bring together experts, researchers, and policymakers to address pressing global public health challenges.
The announcement, confirmed by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH), designates Uganda as the host nation for the prestigious biennial congress, which will take place in Kampala in 2028.
The successful bid was spearheaded by the Environmental Health Workers Association of Uganda (EHWAU) in collaboration with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), with support from the Ministry of Health Uganda and the Makerere University School of Public Health.
The World Congress on Environmental Health is a flagship global forum that addresses critical issues including climate change, sanitation, food safety, urban health, and the strengthening of public health systems.
The 2028 edition is expected to attract at least 1,500 delegates over five days, delivering both intellectual exchange and economic impact.
Estimates indicate the event could generate up to UGX 9.68 billion in direct economic benefits, providing a significant boost to Uganda’s hospitality, transport, and tourism sectors.
Welcoming the development, Juliana Kagwa, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, described the achievement as a milestone in Uganda’s emergence as a meetings and conventions destination.
“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 catalyze investment in our hospitality, transport, and tourism sectors,” she said.
The bid process was coordinated by the Uganda Convention Bureau, a unit under UTB tasked with increasing Uganda’s share of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) business.
Hosting the congress is expected to unlock opportunities across multiple industries. Hotels in Kampala will benefit from accommodating international delegates, while airlines, car hire services, and tour operators will play a key role in facilitating travel and visitor experiences.
Tourism stakeholders are being encouraged to develop pre- and post-conference travel packages to promote longer stays and maximize visitor spending.
The congress wins builds on Uganda’s recent tourism performance. In 2024, the country recorded approximately 1.37 million international visitors—a 7.7% increase from the previous year with tourism earnings reaching a record US$1.28 billion, contributing about 16% of total exports.
Planning for WCEH 2028 is already underway, with EHWAU and the Uganda Convention Bureau set to work closely with IFEH, the Ministry of Health, and Makerere University School of Public Health to deliver a successful event.
The hosting of the congress further strengthens Uganda’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for knowledge exchange, while reinforcing its brand as the Pearl of Africa.