Uganda’s hospitality industry is set for a major boost as the highly anticipated Kampala Marriott Hotel nears completion, with government officials hailing the five-star development as a strategic investment aimed at attracting high-end international tourists and increasing tourism earnings.
The luxury twin-tower property, located along Ggaba Road in Nsambya, is expected to officially open its doors to the public in the coming months, adding a new landmark to Kampala’s rapidly evolving skyline.
A delegation from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, led by Director for Economic Affairs Moses Kaggwa and Commissioner for Tax Policy John Byabashaija, recently toured the facility to assess progress on the project, which is among the major private-sector investments receiving government support.
The officials were received by businessman Ponsiano Ngabirano, the founder and owner of Capital Shoppers and chairman of the property, who guided them through the expansive hotel complex currently undergoing final preparations ahead of its grand opening.
Speaking during the visit, Kaggwa described the project as a significant milestone in Uganda’s efforts to position itself as a premier tourism destination in Africa.
“This is one of the projects that government is supporting, and we are pleased with the progress that has already been registered,” Kaggwa said.
He noted that supporting internationally branded five-star hotels is a deliberate government strategy aimed at attracting affluent travelers who demand world-class accommodation and services.
“Part of government policy is to support branded five-star international-standard hotels to attract ultra-rich tourists,” he explained.
Kaggwa further linked the project to the government’s broader economic agenda under the Agriculture, Tourism, Minerals and Science, Technology and Innovation (ATMS) strategy, which identifies tourism as one of the country’s key growth sectors.
According to the Ministry of Finance, Uganda is targeting a significant expansion of its tourism industry, including doubling both tourist arrivals and tourism earnings over the coming years.
Officials believe that investments such as the Kampala Marriott Hotel will play a crucial role in achieving that ambition by enhancing the country’s capacity to host high-spending visitors, international conferences, business travelers and luxury tourists.
The development comes at a time when Uganda is aggressively marketing itself as a destination for both leisure and business tourism, leveraging its diverse wildlife, cultural heritage, natural attractions and growing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector.
Beyond the hotel itself, the development also features luxury executive apartments designed to cater to long-stay guests, diplomats, corporate executives and other top-tier clientele seeking premium accommodation standards.
The property is now under the management and supervision of Marriott International, one of the world’s leading hospitality brands, with teams already on site conducting final inspections and finishing works ahead of the official launch.
Once operational, the hotel is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs while stimulating economic activity in sectors such as tourism, transport, food supply, entertainment and business services.
Industry observers say the arrival of the Marriott brand in Kampala will further strengthen Uganda’s position in the East African hospitality market, joining a growing list of internationally recognized hotel chains operating in the country.
With its striking twin towers now dominating the Nsambya skyline, the Kampala Marriott Hotel is expected to become one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of Uganda’s ambitions to compete for luxury tourism and global investment opportunities.
The facility is also expected to raise the benchmark for hospitality standards in Uganda, providing visitors with world-class accommodation, conference facilities, dining experiences and luxury amenities comparable to leading hotels in major regional capitals.
