HISTORY

Hotel growth in Uganda began in the 19th century, a decade after independence during the colonial period. This saw the growth of accommodation, transport and infrastructure in Uganda (tourism). Political instability during the 1970s and 1980s led to the decline of the tourism and hotel industry. Hotels were closed, destroyed and turned into police headquarters like the mansions on the Nile.

The seizure of power in 1986 by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) led to the revival of the tourism industry. Uganda has always used foreign and international relations, the support of large international organizations such as the World Tourism Organization and has attracted internal and external investors. This has led to the rehabilitation of leisure and tourism facilities such as hotels.

Visitor arrivals have grown due to increased tourism demand from 512,000 in 2004 to around 700,000 in 2005. Uganda’s tourism sector has continued to grow and the country is expected to earn more than US$500 million (around sh905) this year up from US$360 million (sh651.6) last year.

HOTELS/ACCOMMODATIONS

Uganda has a wide range of excellent hotels and accommodation facilities located in all regions of the country. These are mainly in the major cities of Kampala (capital city), Jinja, Entebbe, Gulu, Mbarara, Mbale, Fortportal, Arua.

Uganda is well known for its hospitality and the welcoming nature of the local people, which has promoted the growth and development of hotels and other accommodation facilities.

Luxury, low budget and more affordable hotels and accommodations include Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Serena Hotel (formerly Nile Hotel), Speke Hotel, Grand Imperial Hotel, Emin Pasha Hotel, Equatoria Hotel, Africana Hotel, Tourist Hotel, Diplomate Hotel and Holiday Express Hotel. Imperial Resort Beach Hotel, Botanical Beach Hotel, Tria Hotel

ngle, Crested Crane Hotel, Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel, Mbale Resort Hotel, Mt.Elgon Hotel to mention but a few.

Other accommodation facilities include hostels, lodges, campsites, guest houses, and apartments, which are located in the city center, suburbs, and in all regions of the country. Accommodations include Mweya safari lodge, Speke resort Munyonyo, Red chili rest camp and hideaway, Gorilla forest camp, Volcanoes, Arra fishing lodge, Jacana safari lodge etc. Apartments include Acacia Apartments, Windsor Apartments, Kabira Club, Dolphin Suites, Mosa Courts, Golden Leaves, Royal Suites, Salama Springs, Speke Complex etc. Camps and lodges include Adrift/Nile High Camp, Red Chili Hideaway, Backpackers, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, Bunyonyi Overland Camp, Ishasha Wild Camp, Sambiya River Lodge Bandas, Hornbill, The Crows Nest, Lake Nabugabo Campsite, etc. Guesthouses include Rwenzori Guesthouse, Mamba Point, Palm Guesthouse, 2 Friends Guesthouse, Palm Guesthouse, etc. and islands such as the main nature island, Ssese Island, and Bulago Island.

HOTEL DEVELOPMENTS IN UGANDA.

The latest hotel developments in Uganda are a sure indication of the growth of tourism in Uganda and East Africa in general.

The development of tourism has been favored by effective promotion, both of the destination and of the products offered by specific companies. Establishment of awareness programs, qualified, trained and trained human resources, improved and more solid tourism administration, investment in the tourism plant and associated products (attractions, entertainment, shopping, etc.), improvement of marketing methods and development of basic facilities, social services and adequate infrastructure.

Hotels and other accommodation facilities have been developed to offer a distinguished atmosphere, panoramic views and peaceful surroundings. They have been exclusively refurbished to offer comfortable accommodation for a relaxing business trip or holiday. The hotels are perfectly located for visitors with a welcoming atmosphere, friendly and hospitable services, with excellent facilities, as well as comfortable rooms and public areas.

Uganda’s hotels and accommodation facilities offer business centers with boardrooms and equipment, bars and restaurants serving intercontinental cuisine with wines and cocktails, services like massages, sauna, internet facilities, private lounges, gyms, swimming pools, shopping malls, playgrounds, open spaces, gazebos, terraces, and entertainment centers.

The holding of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for 2007 in Uganda has also enhanced hotel development and renovation, and hotel owners have put together the necessary facilities to host the summit in 2007.

Hotels are on the rise in the country such as Emin pasha which opened its doors at the end of March 2004. The Kampala Sheraton Hotel, Bwebajja on Entebbe Road, Garden City, Golf Course and Kampala Serena hotels are under construction and refurbishment. Buhoma Homestead, Mantanas Tent Camps, and Volcanoes Lodges are all undergoing improvement and expansion, and the more luxurious hotels used by business travelers and luxury tourists are priced in dollars.

There are many cheap hotels and accommodation facilities in Uganda, and the accommodation sector is constantly growing, with extraordinary staff providing hospitable decor in the hotels and all accommodation facilities.