President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned the newly opened Kampala Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments Kampala, marking a major milestone for Ugandan businessman Ponsiano Ngabirano and Uganda's hospitality industry.

The inauguration took place on Thursday, August 27, 2026, with President Museveni officially unveiling the new five-star development located in Nsambya, along Ggaba Road.

The development comprises 181 hotel guestrooms and suites, as well as 96 fully serviced apartments, bringing the total number of accommodation units to 277. The project introduces both the flagship Marriott Hotels brand and Marriott Executive Apartments brand to Uganda.

Ngabirano thanked President Museveni for accepting his invitation to commission the hotel, describing it as a significant achievement for the country's hospitality sector.

President Yoweri Museveni third from left, at the commissioning the bland new Kampala Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments Kampala.
President Yoweri Museveni third from left, at the commissioning the bland new Kampala Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments Kampala.

He also praised the peace and stability that Uganda has enjoyed, saying it has created an environment that allows entrepreneurs and investors to grow their businesses and contribute to national development.

Ngabirano reflected on his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Uganda's prominent businessmen.

“What started as a small grocery in Nakasero turned into a supermarket, and now we are opening a big franchise,” Ngabirano said during the inauguration.

He credited Uganda's peace, stability and favourable investment environment for enabling his businesses to expand over the years.

In his remarks, President Museveni congratulated Ngabirano on the achievement, noting his progression from importing goods to investing in the hospitality sector.

Museveni said investment in hospitality contributes to the country's economy by attracting foreign visitors who spend money in Uganda.

“When people from outside come here and pay for services, that is like exporting,” Museveni said, describing the hospitality industry as an important contributor to the country's export earnings.

The President reiterated his long-standing view that wealth creation can be driven through four key sectors: commercial agriculture, manufacturing and artisanship, services, and information and communication technology.

He congratulated Ngabirano for being a good example of an entrepreneur who has progressed from *okusaka*—a term commonly used to refer to trading or importing goods—to investing in productive sectors.

The Kampala Marriott Hotel is expected to target short-stay business travellers, diplomats, conference delegates and leisure visitors. Meanwhile, the Marriott Executive Apartments Kampala will cater to executives, consultants, diplomatic personnel, relocating families and project teams staying for several weeks or months.

Ngabirano said employment at the development could exceed 1,000 jobs by the end of 2026. However, it remains unclear whether the projection refers strictly to direct employees of the hotel and apartments or also includes indirect and supply-chain jobs.

The opening of the Kampala Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments Kampala represents a significant addition to Uganda's hospitality industry and reflects growing investment in high-end accommodation facilities aimed at serving both international and domestic travellers.