LIST: Speke Munyonyo, Kampala Serena among top hotels to retain Five-Star crown in UTB’s 2025 grading

Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has released its latest grading and classification of accommodation facilities as of November 2025, reaffirming Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo and Kampala Serena Hotel among the country’s top four elite establishments with a five-star status.

The updated rankings, released as of November 2025, place four properties in the five-star category. Besides Speke Resort Munyonyo and Kampala Serena Hotel, the others are Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Sheraton Kampala Hotel.

Yet seventeen hotels were classified as four-star establishments, 23 attained three-star status, and 59 properties were graded two-star.

UTB spokesperson John Simplicious Gessa said the grading exercise is aimed at strengthening service standards, enhancing investor confidence and positioning Uganda competitively within the regional and global tourism market.

“This classification helps us anticipate the type of service a visitor can expect. With clearly defined categories, tourists are unlikely to be disappointed because requirements differ by star level,” Gessa said.

He added that grading sends a strong signal to investors about service benchmarks and growth opportunities in Uganda’s hospitality industry.

What the Ratings Mean

The classification is conducted under harmonised East African Community (EAC) standards, covering hotels, lodges, motels, cottages and related accommodation facilities.

According to UTB, facilities must hold a valid operating licence to qualify for grading. Properties still under construction or not legally authorised to host guests are excluded.

“A place may be neat, but without key amenities such as a swimming pool or a standard reception, it cannot achieve five-star status. Lodges and motels are assessed based on the purpose they serve,” Gessa explained.

Under the grading framework:

• One-Star: Basic accommodation with limited amenities.
• Two-Star: Improved overnight facilities, typically with en-suite bathrooms.
• Three-Star: Broader staffing levels and functional hotel departments.
• Four-Star: Luxury furnishings, coordinated décor and services such as 24-hour room service and porterage.
• Five-Star: International standards, exceptional interior design, immaculate furnishings, highly trained staff and flawless service.

Industry Context

According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Uganda has nearly 6,000 accommodation facilities nationwide. However, the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA) estimates about 3,850 operational hotels, with approximately 1,200 located in Kampala.

The Hotels Association CEO, Ms Jean Byamugisha, welcomed the grading exercise but raised concerns over high operating costs, noting that hotel operators face up to 26 different taxes and licences.

Tourism sector performance remains strong. The latest Tourism Development Programme Performance Report shows Uganda earned Shs4.8 trillion ($1.28 billion) in 2024 — a 26 percent increase from 2023 and above pre-pandemic levels. For the current FY 2025,26, government has earmarked Shs430 billion to boost tourism investment.