Stakeholders in Uganda’s hospitality industry have cited growing demand for international cuisine and a shortage of skilled labour as some of the major challenges affecting the sector.
The concerns emerged as Middle East Restaurant opened its fourth branch at Oasis Mall in Kampala on Monday.
Speaking during the launch, the restaurant’s proprietor, Muhammad Kodo Husayn, said the decision to expand into the city centre was driven by increasing demand from customers seeking easier access to the restaurant’s services.
“We opened our fourth branch at Oasis Mall because many people were asking us to come to the centre of Kampala,” Husayn said. “Here, we are near Parliament and government offices, making it easier for customers to access our services.”
The restaurant chain already operates branches in Bukoto, Arena Mall and Entebbe.
Husayn, who has lived and invested in Uganda for 16 years, said the business has registered steady growth due to increasing interest among Ugandans in international cuisine and the restaurant’s focus on quality service.
“When people hear Middle East Restaurant, they think it is only for Middle Eastern people, but the majority of our clients are Ugandans,” he said.
He said the restaurant serves a blend of Middle Eastern and local dishes, including pilau, sizzling meals, chicken muchomo and shawarma, which has helped attract a wider customer base.
Despite the expansion, Husayn said the hospitality industry continues to face a shortage of trained workers, particularly in specialised areas such as baristas, cashiers and waiters.
“Our youth are hardworking, but they lack training,” he said. “You advertise for a barista or cashier and people come without practical skills. Training one person can cost millions of shillings.”
He called for increased investment in vocational and hospitality training institutions, saying many graduates leave school without the practical experience required by employers.
Husayn revealed that he is considering establishing a training project aimed at equipping young Ugandans with hospitality and customer care skills.
The company currently employs about 500 workers across its four branches, with only 12 chefs recruited from Lebanon and Dubai. According to Husayn, the rest of the workforce is Ugandan.
“We do not ask employees which tribe they come from. We work together as one family,” he said.
He also urged young people to embrace self-skilling and financial discipline, encouraging them to use online learning platforms such as YouTube to acquire practical skills.
“Do not get excited by small money,” he advised. “Save, build your future and support your family.”
Husayn further praised Uganda’s peace and stability, saying they have created a favourable environment for investment and business growth.
He commended Yoweri Museveni and the government for maintaining stability, arguing that peace remains critical for the survival of businesses and the hospitality sector.