Uganda to classify hotels

By Nicholas Kajoba

The Government plans to start grading hotels, restaurants and motels in order to compete favourably for the East African market share. Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda have already done so.

The classification is based on a criteria defined by the EAC standards and classifications of hotels, restaurants and other tourism facilities.

The chairman of Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA), Haji Ibrahim Muwanga Kibirige said the classification would help to enhance the standards and attract more tourists into the country.

He was on Tuesday addressing a press conference at Kabira Country Club, Bukoto. Sam Balagadde was introduced as the new executive director of the association, replacing Ismail Ssekandi.

The hotel industry is one of the fastest growing within the tourism sector but is still derailed by the fact that individuals operate individually Kibirige said cohesion among members will lead to collective and sustainable growth with internationally acceptable standards.