Sudhir leads top investors powering Uganda’s tourism and hospitality resurgence

By Gad Masereka

Kampala, Uganda — Uganda’s tourism and hospitality sector is entering a transformative era as a wave of both local and international investors fuel new growth across the country. Once slowed by the effects of the pandemic, the industry has roared back to life, contributing nearly ten percent of the nation’s GDP and becoming a key driver of employment, conservation, and global visibility. From luxury city hotels to remote safari lodges, the faces behind this revival are reshaping the “Pearl of Africa” into a world-class destination for business and leisure.

At the forefront of this movement is Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, the country’s most prominent businessman and founder of the Ruparelia Group. His flagship properties under the Speke brand — including Speke Resort Munyonyo, Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, Kabira Country Club, and Speke Hotel Kampala — have set new standards in Uganda’s hospitality industry. His partnership with government in constructing the Speke Resort Convention Centre, which is slated to host global conferences, demonstrates a commitment to elevating Uganda’s status in international tourism. Sudhir’s support for eco-tourism through initiatives like Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary further cements his influence in shaping a tourism model that blends luxury with sustainability.

Entrepreneur Patrick Bitature, through his Simba Group, has similarly left a defining mark on the country’s hospitality skyline. His collaboration with Marriott International to establish Protea Hotel Kampala and Protea Hotel Skyz has not only raised service standards but also expanded opportunities for Ugandan professionals in global hospitality management. “Our vision has always been to provide a world-class experience while empowering local talent,” Bitature once remarked, highlighting the social dimension of his investment philosophy.

Another veteran of the sector, Karim Hirji, leads the Imperial Hotels Group, which operates an array of mid-range and luxury hotels including Imperial Royale, Imperial Botanical Beach, and Imperial Resort Beach. His establishments have long been a preferred choice for both business and leisure travelers, blending accessibility with comfort. The group’s consistency in service delivery has helped maintain Uganda’s competitive edge in regional tourism.

In the heart of Uganda’s national parks, the Madhvani Group continues to define safari luxury through its Marasa Africa brand. Iconic lodges such as Paraa, Mweya, and Chobe remain timeless symbols of the country’s wilderness charm. Roni Madhvani, one of the directors, has emphasized that the group’s approach combines eco-conscious investment with regional expansion, strengthening Uganda’s image as a leading safari destination in East Africa.

The Aya Group, led by businessman Mohammed Hamid, has made perhaps one of the most visible contributions to Kampala’s skyline with the Pearl of Africa Hotel. The $300 million five-star property stands as a bold statement of ambition and modernity. Hosting international summits and high-profile guests, the hotel underscores Hamid’s determination to position Uganda as a continental hub for luxury tourism and conferences.

Beyond local investors, foreign participation is deepening Uganda’s tourism footprint. The Dubai-based Haliburg Group is channeling over $122 million into high-end eco-lodges and water-based tourism services in Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls national parks. Through its One Nature Hotels and Resorts brand, the group’s focus on environmentally responsible tourism has won attention from global conservation circles.

The Aga Khan Development Network, through Serena Hotels, remains another cornerstone of Uganda’s hospitality industry. The Kampala Serena Hotel and Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa attract top-tier travelers while nurturing local communities through employment and cultural preservation. AKDN’s model has long illustrated how private investment can advance both economic and social progress.

Among homegrown champions of responsible tourism, Amos Wekesa stands out as a powerful advocate for conservation and community-based travel. His Uganda Lodges portfolio, which includes Primate Lodge Kibale, Elephant Plains Lodge, and Budongo Eco Lodge, reflects a deep commitment to sustainable tourism. Wekesa often stresses that tourism can only thrive if communities around parks see tangible benefits. His work has inspired many small operators to embrace environmentally conscious practices.

Emerging investors are also making their mark. Fontis Hospitality Group, founded by Barry Clemens and Kim Gyeong, has entered the Ugandan market with bold plans to develop and manage sustainable hotels. The group’s Fontis Residences Hotel has already demonstrated its model of integrating comfort, culture, and sustainability in one package.

Equally significant is the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce’s partnership with Uganda to build the country’s third international airport near Kidepo Valley National Park. Announced in 2024, the project promises to open up northern Uganda’s remote beauty to the world and create new trade and tourism corridors.

With each of these investments, Uganda’s tourism industry is becoming a symbol of resilience and innovation. Industry analysts believe the country’s future as a leading destination now depends on maintaining this momentum through strategic partnerships and continued commitment to conservation. As global travel rebounds, Uganda stands ready not just to welcome visitors, but to tell a new story — one of ambition, preservation, and shared prosperity.