Hotel Owners Trained on Hospitality Standards and Tourism Compliance under Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area-UDP Initiative in Mukono District

Mukono District —
Hotel and hospitality stakeholders across Mukono District have received critical training on industry standards and tourism compliance under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP), an initiative aimed at improving private sector competitiveness and service delivery. The training was organized by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) in partnership with Mukono District Local Government.

Held at City Side Hotel, Mukono, the workshop brought together hotel owners, guest house managers, restaurant operators, and bar proprietors from across the district. It also attracted district departmental heads, officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Local Development, representatives from the District Internal Security Organization (DISO), and members of UTB.

The training was facilitated by Mr. Innocent Asimwe, UTB’s Registration, Inspection, and Licensing Officer, who guided participants through key compliance requirements for operating a hospitality business. The sessions covered topics including accommodation standards, hygiene and food safety, business registration, and modern marketing strategies. Mr. Asimwe expressed concern that a number of hospitality businesses in the district remain unregistered, which limits their credibility and exposes them to legal and operational risks.

Representing the Chief Administrative Officer Ms. Elizabeth Namanda, Mr. Kenneth Ntegge, Principal Commercial Officer of Mukono, applauded UTB’s efforts and reiterated the importance of safe and clean hospitality centers. He noted that the workshop was instrumental in sensitizing tourism stakeholders on regulations governing hotels, guest houses, and other resting places. Mr. Ntegge encouraged business owners to create positive working environments by motivating staff, investing in customer care, and enhancing workplace hygiene. Stakeholders were also advised to install security systems, renovate key facilities, and uphold consistent cleanliness.

Speaking on behalf of the District Chairperson Hon. Rev. Dr. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa, Hon. Jorem Kabbali Kimera—the Vice Chairperson LCV and Secretary for Finance and Administration, as well as District Councilor representing Nagojje Sub- County—thanked UTB for supporting the district. He appealed for the expansion of such trainings to reach grassroots hospitality providers, many of whom operate without proper knowledge of industry standards and are vulnerable to exploitation.

During the interactive session, participants from Katosi Town Council raised concerns over a newly introduced hotel service tax of UGX 200,000 per month, replacing the former UGX 2,000 per guest tax. They described the change as unfair and lacking official approval. In response, UTB officials advised district authorities to investigate the matter and take necessary corrective measures.

Also present was Mr. Ayub Kato, Chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Forum in Mukono, who appreciated the initiative, noting that the training marked a positive step toward improving industry standards, particularly in areas of hygiene, food handling, and security.

In closing, UTB pledged continued collaboration with Mukono District to empower hospitality service providers through training, compliance support, and education on best practices. This effort is expected to raise the quality of services and ensure that tourism contributes meaningfully to the district's economic development.