UGANDA HOTELS - THE BOOST FOR TOURISM

HISTORYguesthouse, 2 friends guesthouse, Palm tree
Hotel growth in Uganda started in the19thguesthouse, etc and Islands like nature's prime
century, a decade after independence during theisland, Ssese Island, Bulago island.
colonial period. This saw the growth ofHOTEL DEVELOPMENTS IN UGANDA.
accommodation, transport and infrastructure inThe latest hotel developments in Uganda are a
Uganda (tourism.) The political instability during thesure indication of tourism growth in Uganda and
1970's and 1980's led to the decline in the hotelEastAfrica as a whole.
industry as well as tourism. Hotels were closed,The development of tourism has been enhanced
destroyed and made into police barracks like theby effective promotion, of both the destination
Nile mansions.and products offered by specific businesses.
The taking over of power in 1986 by the NationalEstablishment of awareness programes, qualified,
Resistance movement (NRM) led to the revival oftrained and skilled human resources, improved and
the tourism industry. Uganda has consistentlystronger tourism administration, investment in the
worn foreign and international relations, support oftourism plant and associated products (attractions,
large international organizations like World Tourismentertainment, shopping, etc), enhancing marketing
Organization, and has attracted internal andmethods and development of basic facilities, social
external investors. This has led to the rehabilitationservices and proper infrastructure.
of leisure and tourism facilities like hotels.The hotels and other accommodation facilities
Visitor arrivals have grown due to the increase inhave developed to offer distinguished ambience,
tourism demand from the 512,000 in 2004 topanoramic views, and tranquil surroundings. They
about 700,000 in 2005.Uganda's tourism sectorare uniquely refurbished to offer comfortable
has continued to grow and is expected to earnaccommodations for a relaxing business or holiday
the country over $500m (about sh905b) this yeartrip. Hotels are perfectly situated for visitors with
from $360m (sh651.6b) last year.a welcoming atmosphere, friendly and hospitable
HOTELS/ACCOMMODATIONservices, with excellent facilities as well as
Uganda has a wide range of excellent hotels andcomfortable guestrooms and public areas.
accommodation facilities located in all regions ofBusiness centers with boardrooms and equipment,
the country. These are mainly located in the mainBars and restaurants serving intercontinental
towns of Kampala (Capital City), Jinja, Entebbe,cuisine with wines and cocktails, Services like
Gulu, Mbarara, Mbale, Fortportal, Arua.massage, sauna, Internet facilities, private lounges,
Uganda is well known for its hospitality and thegyms, swimming pools, shopping malls, Recreation
welcoming nature of the local people, which hascourtyards, open spaces, pergolas, terraces and
promoted the growth and development of hotelsentertainment centers are offered by Uganda's
and other accommodation facilities.hotels and accommodation facilities.
Upmarket, low budget and more affordable hotelsThe hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of
and accommodation include Sheraton KampalaGovernment Meeting scheduled for 2007 in
hotel, Serena hotel (formerly Nile hotel), SpekeUganda has also enhanced hotel development and
hotel, Grand Imperial hotel, Emin pasha hotel, Hotelrefurbishment, and Hotel Owners have put their
Equatoria, hotel Africana, Tourist hotel, Hotelfacilities together necessary to host the summit in
Diplomate, Holiday Express hotel. Imperial Resort2007.
beach hotel, Botanical beach hotel, Hotel Triangle,Hotels are on the increase in the country like Emin
Crested crane hotel, Windsor lake Victoria hotel,pasha, which opened at the end of March 2004.
Mbale resort hotel, Mt.Elgon hotel, to mention butKampala Sheraton Hotel, Bwebajja on Entebbe
a few.Road, Garden City, Golf Course and Kampala
Other accommodation facilities include hostels,Serena hotels are undergoing construction and
lodges, campsites, guesthouses and apartments,refurbishment. Buhoma Homestead,
which are located in the city center, suburbs andmantana-tented camps and the Volcanoes lodges
in all regions of the country. Lodges include Mweyaare undergoing upgrading and expanding, and the
safari lodge, Speke resort Munyonyo, Red chilimost luxurious hotels used by business travellers
rest camp and hideaway, Gorilla forest camp,and upmarket tourists have prices set in dollars.
Volcanoes, Arra fishing lodge, Jacana safari lodgeThere are plenty of budget hotels and
etc. Apartments include Acacia apartments,accommodation facilities in Uganda, and the
Windsor apartments, Kabira club, Dolphin suites,accommodation sector is growing consistently,
Mosa courts, golden leaves, Royal suites, Salamawith remarkable staff offering hospitable
springs, Speke resort, etc. Campsites and hostelsdécor in hotels and all accommodation
include Adrift/Nile high camp, Red chili hideaway,facilities.
Backpackers, Bigodi wetland sanctuary, BunyonyiJackie Kisibo is an author in Africa, and her articles
overland camp, Ishasha wilderness camp, Sambiyacan be found on for Uganda Hotels , Kampala
river lodge Bandas, Hornbill, The crows nest, LakeHotels and Accommodation, and for Uganda travel
Nabugabo campsite, etc. Guesthouses includeguide and directory.
Rwenzori guesthouse, Mamba point, palm tree