Kampala, Uganda: Uganda’s hospitality and tourism sector is witnessing a powerful resurgence, driven by visionary investors transforming the “Pearl of Africa” into a top-tier destination for luxury travel, conferences, and wildlife adventures.
Contributing nearly 10% to the nation’s GDP, these industry giants are not only building hotels and lodges but also redefining Uganda’s image as an investment and leisure hub. From Kampala’s luxury skylines to the heart of Murchison Falls, they are shaping the country’s economic and conservation landscape.
Below are the Top 10 Investors driving Uganda’s hospitality and tourism sector to greater heights:
1. Sudhir Ruparelia – Ruparelia Group
Uganda’s wealthiest businessman, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, remains the undisputed king of the hospitality industry. His expansive portfolio under the Ruparelia and Speke Groups includes Speke Resort Munyonyo, Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, Kabira Country Club, Speke Hotel Kampala, and Dolphin Suites.
The group’s flagship project, Speke Resort Convention Centre, built in partnership with the government, is set to host major international summits. Sudhir’s support for eco-tourism initiatives like Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre underscores his role as a cornerstone of Uganda’s tourism transformation.
2. Patrick Bitature – Simba Group
Businessman Patrick Bitature has built one of the strongest hospitality portfolios through the Simba Group, which operates Protea Hotel by Marriott Kampala and Protea Hotel by Marriott Skyz.
Through global partnerships with Marriott, Bitature has elevated Uganda’s luxury standards and attracted international business travelers while creating local employment opportunities.
3. Karim Hirji – Imperial Hotels Group
Ugandan-asian Business magnate Karim Hirji heads the Imperial Hotels Group, which boasts six major properties, including Imperial Royale Hotel, Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel, and Imperial Resort Beach Hotel.
His blend of mid-range and high-end facilities has kept the brand dominant in both leisure and corporate hospitality markets, serving as a key contributor to Uganda’s tourism resilience.
4. Madhvani Group – Marasa Africa
With a legacy spanning decades, the Madhvani Group’s Marasa Africa brand is synonymous with luxury safari experiences. The group manages iconic lodges such as Paraa Safari Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, and Silverback Lodge in Bwindi.
Its focus on eco-luxury and cross-border expansion into Kenya and Rwanda continues to position Uganda as a leading safari destination in the region.
5. Mohammed Hamid – Aya Group
Mohammed Hamid, founder and chairman of Aya Group, made global headlines with his $300 million investment in the Pearl of Africa Hotel — one of Kampala’s most iconic landmarks.
The towering five-star facility is a magnet for international conferences and luxury tourism, reflecting Hamid’s vision to make Uganda a competitive hospitality hub in Africa.
6. Haliburg Group (Dubai)
The Dubai-based Haliburg Group is injecting over $122 million into Uganda’s tourism infrastructure, targeting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park.
Through its subsidiary One Nature Hotels and Resorts, the firm is constructing ultra-luxury eco-villas and watercraft services that promote sustainable tourism while deepening international investor confidence in Uganda’s wildlife tourism potential.
7. Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)
The Aga Khan Development Network continues to anchor Uganda’s high-end hospitality through Serena Hotels, including the Kampala Serena Hotel and Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa.
Combining cultural heritage with modern amenities, AKDN’s hospitality arm not only attracts elite global travelers but also advances community development and employment in the sector.
8. Amos Wekesa – Uganda Lodges / Great Lakes Safaris
Tourism entrepreneur Amos Wekesa stands as a champion of eco-tourism and responsible travel. His Uganda Lodges portfolio includes Primate Lodge Kibale, Elephant Plains Lodge, Budongo Eco Lodge, Ishasha Jungle Lodge, and Simba Safari Camp.
Wekesa’s mission blends conservation with community empowerment, positioning him among Uganda’s most influential homegrown investors in sustainable tourism.
9. Fontis Hospitality Group
New entrant Fontis Hospitality Group, co-founded by Barry Clemens and Kim Gyeong, has entered Uganda with ambitious expansion plans across East Africa.
Following the success of Fontis Residences Hotel, the group offers integrated hotel management and funding solutions aimed at building sustainable tourism assets aligned with Uganda’s growing visitor economy.
10. Sharjah Chamber of Commerce (UAE)
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce represents a major foreign investment initiative through its partnership to construct Uganda’s third international airport near Kidepo Valley National Park.
Launched in August 2024, the project—valued in the hundreds of millions—will significantly boost accessibility to remote tourism regions and unlock untapped economic opportunities in northern Uganda.
As Uganda’s tourism sector rebounds post-pandemic, these investors are redefining its future through innovation, sustainability, and global partnerships. With initiatives like the Giants Club Conservation and Tourism Investment Forum creating new opportunities, Uganda’s hospitality horizon looks brighter than ever.
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