Arab investors promise sh40b injection into Uganda tourism

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Arab investors have assured the Government of a key footprint in Uganda’s tourism sector.

On Tuesday (December 10, 2024), the hierarchy of One Nature Hotels, a Dubai-based hospitality group announced an $11m (about sh40b) worth of investment in Uganda’s tourism sector.

The tourism minister, Tom Butime (r) shaking hands with the President and CEO of the Dubai Chambers, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, after the signing of the MOU at the ministry of tourism headquarters in Kampala, Dec. 10, 2024. (Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba)

The package of investment includes the establishment of two global standard resorts starting with one near Queen Elizabeth National Park and the other in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, all in western Uganda.

The investment of $10m (about sh36.5b) is for the development of the lodge and an additional $1m (about sh3.6b) for the introduction of boat services on the Kazinga Channel.

Before signing the investment deal with Kampala officials on Tuesday, group managing director, Eng. Hani Saliba, celebrated Uganda as a gorgeous country with underrated huge tourism potentials.

The tourism minister, Tom Butime (m), with the President and CEO of the Dubai Chambers, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah (R), and Eng Hani Saliba, the President of Haliburg Group after the signing of the MOU at the ministry of tourism headquarters in Kampala, Dec. 10, 2024. (Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba)

“One Nature Hotels is thrilled to announce the development of two ultra-high-end luxury resorts in Uganda, redefining the standards of exclusive travel and eco-conscious luxury,” he said.

Among others accompanied by his business associates and the leadership of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Saliba added: "Strategically located within the Queen Elizabeth National Park and bordering the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. These resorts promise an unparalleled blend of opulence, sustainability, and immersive natural experiences".

He informed the officials that the resort/hotel within Queen Elizabeth National Park and overlooking the iconic Kazinga Channel, will future 10 ultra-luxury villas, eight single villas and one family villa.

“Each villa is designed to offer absolute privacy and indulgence, complete with its own heated plunge pool providing breathtaking views of the channel and the surrounding diverse wildlife terrain. The resort’s architecture will epitomize elegance, seamlessly integrating into the natural surroundings and preserving the park’s ecosystem,” he said.

The second resort at Bwindi, the home of the endangered mountain gorillas, he said will offer eight ultra-luxury villas and one family villa with its own heated plunge pools, each designed to blend harmoniously with the pristine surroundings.

Eng. Mohamad Ali Aliwiyeh, left, the Busines Development manager of Haliburg Group in charge Uganda talks to a colleague at the signing of the MOU. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

“Guests will experience an unrivalled sense of seclusion and luxury, all while being steps away from one of nature’s greatest wonders of the endangered Mountain gorillas,” Saliba said.

He also reported that they secured land in Rushaga, outside the park, where they plan to establish facilities aimed at attracting high-end visitors from the Middle East and other global markets.

Responding to a call by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to adhere to environmental protection in line with the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) guidelines, Saliba committed to ensuring conservation and community development.

Eng Hani Saliba, the President of Haliburg Group signing the MOU. (Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba)

“The projects will incorporate comprehensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes to uplift local communities, enhance livelihoods, and preserve the region’s unique biodiversity,” he said.

The Government's prediction is that after 2024/2025, the sector will significantly grow earning approximately sh6 trillion ($1.6b).

The Government allocated sh289.6b to the tourism sector in the financial year 2024/2025.

The Government's focus is on increasing Uganda's attractiveness as a preferred tourism destination, among others through developing new tourism products, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the overall tourist experience.

Kalema, said the investment was of strategic importance to Uganda's tourism and wildlife conservation.

The tourism minister, Tom Butime, addressing guests at the signing of the MOU. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

"This concession is a significant step in solidifying Queen Elizabeth National Park as a flagship destination for tourism in Uganda. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have, from generating revenue to creating jobs and raising awareness about Uganda's incredible biodiversity," he said.

Tourism minister, Tom Butime, who witnessed the signing of the memorandum of understanding, emphasised the growing ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which is yielding positive results also impacting the tourism sector.

Eng. Hani Saliba (left), the President of Haliburg Group signing the MOU as the PS ministry of tourism, Doreen katusiime looks on. (Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba)

Eng. Hani Saliba, the President of Haliburg Group signing the MOU. (Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba)

Prof. James Kalema, chairman board of trustees of UWA signs the MOU. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

"Uganda enjoys a strong and fruitful relationship with the United Arab Emirates, and this agreement is a testament to that bond. I encourage more investors from the UAE to explore opportunities in other national parks across Uganda. Such partnerships are crucial in advancing sustainable tourism and conservation while creating jobs and uplifting our communities,” he said.

He hailed former Uganda consul general to Dubai, Henry Mayega, for co-ordinating the Arab investors to take up investment opportunities in Uganda.

Prof. James Kalema, chairman board of trustees of UWA signs the MOU as former Dubai consul general, Amb Henry Mayega (left) and other UWA officials look on. (Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba)

UWA officials sealing the MOU. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

Tourism state minister, Martin Mugarra Bahinduka said: “This partnership is a demonstration of how Uganda is leveraging its unique natural assets to attract global investors. Combining luxury tourism with conservation sets a benchmark for sustainable tourism in the region and ensures our protected areas remain vibrant and beneficial to both nature and our people.”

Eng. Hani Saliba (third left), the President of Haliburg Group exchaning MOU with Prof. James Kalema, the chairman board of trustees of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) as the tourism minister, Tom Butime looks on. (Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba)

UWA executive director, Sam Mwandah (right) handing over the MOU after the signing. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

The president of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Mohamed Loota, hailed the strong relationship between Uganda and the UAE, emphasising its potential for development.

"The relationship between Uganda and the UAE should be fully exploited for the development of Uganda. With reliable transport between our two countries, the groundwork is in place to attract more visitors and investors to Uganda. Once the opportunities are well-prepared and promoted, more people will undoubtedly come to experience the beauty of this country." He encouraged more Arab tycoons to invest in Uganda’s tourism sector.