The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), in partnership with Uganda Police, has launched a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed hotels, guesthouses, and lodges in a bid to restore order and elevate tourism standards.
The operation grounded in the Uganda Tourism Act of 2008, has already exposed shocking unsanitary conditions in facilities across Kampala’s Wandegeya, Kawempe, and Nansana divisions.
By Monday, 10 am, the Uganda Tourism Board and the Uganda Police had started the enforcement in Kampala, with over 19 policing divisions deployed to inspect accommodation.
Hotels (names withheld) boast glossy exteriors, elegant lobbies, and promises of top-tier hospitality, but behind the curtains of many of Uganda’s front good-looking accommodation facilities lies a darker reality.
Kitchens were found filled with unhealthy food (cooked the previous two to five days ) waiting to be served to people, overflowing trash bins, deplorable backyards, and lack of proper licenses have become a disturbing norm in the country’s hospitality sector.
According to Samora Marshal Semakula, UTB’s Quality Assurance Manager, most big hotels in the city center mind the front part of their facilities, leaving the behind areas in a sorry state.
"Seventy-percent of the facilities inspected failed to meet the required standards, putting both guests and Uganda’s reputation as a tourism destination at risk," he said.
Armed with authority under Section 7 of the Act, enforcement teams are not just targeting unlicensed operators but are also ensuring compliance with sanitation, security, and professional service standards.
Facilities found lacking were given a 48-hour ultimatum to rectify their issues or face closure. Inspectors have revealed deplorable conditions, including filthy waste management systems and laundry areas that pose health risks to guests.
The Cost of Compliance
While the move has been hailed as a step in the right direction, some players in the industry are grappling with the financial implications.
Edward Olumola, general manager of Emin Pasha Hotel and Spa, acknowledged the importance of the exercise but highlighted the strain on businesses.
“This is crucial for standardizing the market, but compliance costs—especially in a post-COVID economy—are daunting. From utility bills to maintaining quality services, the expenses take a toll on many hotels so UTB should find a way of supporting these hotels," Olumola said.
Despite the challenges, others see this as an opportunity to improve. Devendra Singh, General Manager of Golden Tulip Hotel, emphasized that compliance ultimately benefits the industry. “It’s challenging, but ensuring better standards elevates the visitor experience and strengthens Uganda’s position as a top destination,” he noted.
While enforcement is critical, experts argue that bridging the gap between UTB and facility owners is equally important.
Donald Muhwezi, a community liaison officer with Kampala Metropolitan Police, stressed the need for education and awareness.
“Enforcement is good, but many hotel owners don’t fully understand the requirements. There’s a need for sensitization to ensure compliance becomes a priority, not an afterthought,” Muhwezi explained.
We don't need to fight with them. It is for the good of their businesses and their clients. But also going forward, clients should do research and know where they are going for accommodation before they settle in these hotels, he added.
The crackdown sends a strong message to all stakeholders in Uganda’s hospitality sector: the days of cutting corners are over.
For travellers, the move offers a promise of safer and more hygienic accommodation options. For hotel owners, it’s a wake-up call to invest in quality and compliance.
As UTB and Uganda Police continue their inspections, the goal remains clear—to build a tourism industry that doesn’t just shine on the outside but stands strong on standards that guests can trust.
The most pressing question remains: will the mushrooming hotels rise to the challenge, or will they crumble under the weight of their negligence?