In Summary: The hotel’s standout sustainability credentials include solar-powered outdoor lighting and water heating, water-saving systems, food-waste composting, locally sourced produce, landscaped gardens and community environmental initiatives.
Kampala, Uganda — Speke Resort Munyonyo has been named Sustainable Hotel of the Year at the 10th Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Awards 2026, earning recognition for its contribution to sustainable tourism and hospitality in Uganda.
The four-star magnificent resort emerged ahead of Kampala Serena Hotel, Kampala Marriott Hotel and Kampala Sheraton Hotel, which were also nominated in the category.
The award certificate recognises Speke Resort for its outstanding achievement, commitment and dedication to advancing sustainable tourism in Uganda’s tourism industry.
Beyond its lakeside location and extensive leisure and conference facilities, the resort has developed a range of environmental practices that support resource conservation, responsible hospitality and community engagement.
Solar energy, water conservation and waste management
Among the resort’s documented sustainability measures are solar-powered lights in outdoor areas and solar water heaters serving guest rooms. Its sustainability programme also lists energy-saving bulbs and LED lighting, as well as card-activated electricity systems in guest rooms designed to reduce unnecessary power consumption.
Water conservation is another feature of its operations. The resort’s convention centre uses low-flow automatic taps and toilets, drip irrigation, drought-tolerant plants and mulch to reduce water consumption in landscaped areas. Automated irrigation systems are fitted with sensors that prevent unnecessary watering during rainy periods.
The convention centre also composts food scraps instead of disposing of them as ordinary waste, while its kitchens use water-efficient dishwashers.
Its food-sourcing policy prioritises local suppliers and seasonal menus, with the facility indicating that it avoids imported food items where possible to reduce emissions associated with transportation. It also says its fruits and vegetables are organically grown without pesticides or fertilisers.
The sustainability programme extends to purchasing and reuse. The convention centre reports that approximately eight tonnes of surplus convention items, furniture, computers and unclaimed property were donated to schools, libraries, churches, women’s centres, shelters and other organisations rather than discarded.
Lake Victoria setting and nature-based leisure
Speke Resort’s location on the shores of Lake Victoria, together with its expansive gardens, gives it a distinctive natural setting.
The resort promotes its landscaped grounds, floriculture and birdlife as part of its leisure experience. Its facilities include a private marina offering boat trips, fishing and birdwatching, an equestrian centre, swimming pools, a fitness centre, squash courts and the Calabash Spa.
The combination of nature-based leisure, hospitality and conference facilities gives the resort an opportunity to connect tourism with appreciation of the surrounding environment.
Community environmental responsibility
The resort has also undertaken environmental activities beyond its premises. In February 2026, it organised a lakeside community clean-up involving staff and residents around Munyonyo, collecting litter, clearing walkways and sensitising community members on responsible waste disposal.
The initiative formed part of its corporate social responsibility activities aimed at promoting a cleaner lakeside environment and strengthening cooperation with neighbouring communities.
These practices provide a broader picture of the resort’s sustainability work, extending beyond guest amenities to include energy efficiency, water management, food sourcing, waste reduction and community participation.
The 2026 award adds to the resort’s recognition in sustainable hospitality and places it ahead of three other prominent Kampala hotels nominated in the category.
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