He arrived at 10pm, received by Trade, Industry and Cooperatives minister Amelia Kyambadde, Jean-Phillippe Bittencourt, the hotel’s general manager, and George Makhoul, president of CHG, among others.
In Lion’s Club, which served as a reception area for arriving guests, historical pictures showed the hotel’s journey through the years, including one of former president Apollo Milton Obote laying the foundation stone.
Guests then proceeded to the gardens where the real celebrations happened.
“Sheraton became a landmark in Kampala and was named after someone’s name [Obote]; it was the only tall building in town with very good, modern facilities,” Museveni said.
He gave the history of Uganda’s Hotels – a string of high-class hotels all over the country owned by government – and why they had to be privatized. That process saw Apolo hotel become Sheraton hotel Kampala and many others around the country also went to the private sector.
Some are still up and thriving, some not. Afrigo, Uganda’s oldest band that has grown with the Sheraton, entertained with pride.
After his remarks, Museveni cut the cake and left.
He had been expected to hand over certificates to special people in Sheraton’s history, including Obote’s widow, Miria Kalule Obote, Dr Martin Aliker, and Teresa Mbiire, but did not stay for that segment.
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