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 hotel and tourism industry. The hotels were closed, destroyed and turned into police barracks 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 the increase in tourist 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 over $500 million (approximately sh905b) this year of $360 million (sh651.6b) last year.
HOTELS/ACCOMMODATION
Uganda has a wide range of excellent hotels and accommodation facilities located in all regions of the country. These are mainly found 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.
The most affordable, budget and luxury hotels and accommodations include Sheraton Kampala hotel, Serena hotel (formerly Nile hotel), Speke hotel, Grand Imperial hotel, Emin pasha hotel, Equatoria hotel, Africana hotel, the Tourist hotel, the Diplomate hotel and the Holiday Express hotel. Imperial Resort Beach Hotel, Botanical Beach Hotel, Hotel Tria
ngle, Crested Crane Hotel, Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel, Mbale Resort Hotel, Mt.Elgon Hotel, to mention just a few.
Other accommodation facilities include hostels, lodges, campsites, guesthouses, and apartments, which are located in the city center, the 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 Resort, etc. Campgrounds 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 Tree Guesthouse, 2 Friends Guesthouse, Palm Tree 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 stronger tourism administration, investment in the tourism plant and associated products (attractions, entertainment, shopping, etc.), improvement of marketing methods and development of facilities basic, social services and infrastructure.
The hotels and other accommodation facilities have been developed to offer a distinguished atmosphere, panoramic views and a peaceful environment. They have been exclusively refurbished to offer comfortable accommodation for a relaxing holiday or business trip. The hotels are perfectly located for visitors with a welcoming atmosphere, friendly and hospitable services, excellent facilities, as well as comfortable rooms and public areas.
Business centers with meeting rooms and equipment, Intercontinental cuisine bars and restaurants with wines and cocktails, Services such as massages, sauna, Internet, private lounges, gyms, swimming pools, shopping malls, recreation patios, open spaces, pergolas, terraces and Entertainment centers are offered by Ugandan hotels and accommodation facilities.
The planned 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Uganda has also enhanced hotel development and refurbishment, and hotel owners have assembled the necessary facilities to host the summit in 2007.
Hotels are on the rise in the country such as Emin pasha which opened in late March 2004. 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 in the process of being upgraded and expanded, and the more luxurious hotels used by business travelers and luxury tourists have prices set in dollars.
There are many budget hotels and accommodation facilities in Uganda, and the accommodation sector is constantly growing, with extraordinary staff providing hospitable décor throughout the hotels and all accommodation facilities.
