Business 31 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni lauds Ugandan investors as Kampala Marriott Hotel opens
President Yoweri Museveni has praised Ugandan entrepreneurs for their significant investments, exemplified by the newly opened Kampala Marriott Hotel, as the nation aims to boost local production and reduce import dependency. The opening highlights the growing market potential in Africa due to its expanding population. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/markets/museveni-hails-indigenous-investors-as-kampala-marriott-hotel-officially-opens-5577414
President Yoweri Museveni has applauded Ugandan indigenous investors for their substantial contributions to high-value projects, with the recent opening of the Kampala Marriott Hotel serving as a key example. The Head of State emphasized that such investments are crucial for Uganda’s transition from an import-reliant economy to one driven by robust local production.
During the official launch of the Kampala Marriott Hotel and its accompanying Executive Apartments, President Museveni welcomed Marriott International’s presence in Uganda. He pointed out the continent’s rapidly growing population as a significant opportunity for investors in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
A special commendation was given to Mr. Ponsiano Ngabirano, Chairman of Capital Shoppers Ltd and co-owner of SMS Construction Company Ltd. Alongside fellow Ugandan investors Ainea Ashaba and Sadat Muhinda, Ngabirano was recognized for evolving a small grocery business into a major hospitality entity.
“I am very glad to see that Marriott is beginning to see where the market potential is, because the African population is growing rapidly,” President Museveni stated, congratulating Ngabirano on his entrepreneurial journey from importer to distributor. He also cautioned African leaders about the importance of differentiating between public development and private wealth creation for sustainable national growth.
Marriott International’s Regional Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Johan Cronjé, acknowledged the Ugandan government’s dedication to fostering the tourism sector. He assured that Marriott’s operational ethos includes strong community support, aiming to enhance Kampala’s capacity for international conferences and supporting local welfare initiatives.
The hotel boasts 181 guestrooms and 96 serviced apartments, offering diverse dining options, wellness facilities, and extensive meeting spaces. The development has already created over 350 jobs, with 97 percent of staff being Ugandan, and a significant portion being women. Procurement efforts are also heavily focused on local suppliers, with approximately 90 percent of goods and services sourced within Uganda.
This new property expands Marriott’s presence in Uganda to seven hotels across five brands, contributing to a tourism sector that generated Shs5.8 trillion ($1.62 billion) in earnings in 2025, according to the Uganda Tourism Statistical Abstract.