One Nature hotels and resorts, a subsidiary of Haliburg Group, is set to invest $11 million (Shs 40 billion) in Uganda’s hotel and hospitality industry following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the ministry of Tourism.
According to Hani Saliba, the president at Haliburg Group, One Nature hotels and resorts brand will begin by constructing two resorts in Bwindi impenetrable forest and Queen Elizabeth national park.
Of the total investment, $10 million (Shs 36 billion) will be allocated to hotel construction, while $1 million (Shs 3.6 billion) will be used to establish a boat service at Kazinga channel.
“Eight years ago, we attracted VVIPs, high-net-worth individuals, ultra-highnet-worth individuals, celebrities, movie stars, football club owners, football players, and billionaires through properties we established in Dubai. However, they can’t complete their travel circuit without experiencing Uganda’s stunning, biodiverse natural parks and resources,” Saliba stated.
“We have already acquired prime plots in Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth national park. Development at Queen Elizabeth will begin first and is expected to open before Bwindi. Our goal is to give each property its own spotlight, and after one year, we plan to open the Bwindi resort,” he added.
Saliba also highlighted that Uganda is currently behind other East African nations in terms of luxury tourism. “I have visited Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and many hotels and lodges in Mgahinga Gorilla national park and Bwindi. Uganda is lagging in the five-star race. The neighboring countries in East Africa are ahead,” he said.
“Uganda is often underrated, yet it is a gorgeous country with beautiful natural surroundings and fantastic, warm, welcoming people. It has so much to offer in terms of tourism. I am confident that other five-star hotels will soon follow suit and rush in to seize the opportunities Uganda presents.” he said.
The resort at Queen Elizabeth will feature 10 ultra-luxury villas, including eight single villas and one family villa. The second resort at Bwindi will offer eight ultra-luxury villas, each with its own heated plunge pool. Both resorts will be designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
For the financial year 2024/2025, the government has allocated Shs 404 billion for tourism development. This includes Shs 11.29 billion for the development of Mt. Rwenzori tourism infrastructure, such as improving existing trails and creating shorter ones; Shs 8.24 billion for developing museums and heritage sites for cultural tourism; and Shs 12.77 billion for Nile tourism infrastructure, including the construction of modern piers, docking stations for boats, and other amenities.
“As you begin the implementation of this development, please ensure that all agreed terms, especially the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), are observed,” said Prof James Kalema, chairperson of the board of trustees at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Tom Butime, the minister of Tourism, emphasized that the relationship between Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is at its highest level, with a strong personal connection between the presidents of both countries.
He encouraged UAE tourists to consider visiting Uganda, noting
that the flight time is just four hours to Entebbe, and the country is working on establishing domestic flights to major tourist destinations.