• Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Donate
  • Login
Watchdog Uganda
  • Home
  • News
    • National
    • Politics
    • World News
    • Media Outreach Newswire
    • Africa News
    • Tourism
    • Community News
    • Luganda
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Motorsport
  • Op-Ed
    • #Out2Lunch
    • Conversations with
    • Politics
    • Relationships
  • Business
    • Agriculture
    • CEOs & Entrepreneurs,
    • Companies
    • Finance
    • Products
    • RealEstate
    • Technology
  • Entertainment
    • Lifestyle
  • People
    • Showbiz
      • Salon Mag
  • Special Report
    • Education
    • Voices
  • Reviews
    • Products
    • Events
    • Hotels
    • Restaurants
    • Places
  • WD-TV
  • Donate
  • China News
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • National
    • Politics
    • World News
    • Media Outreach Newswire
    • Africa News
    • Tourism
    • Community News
    • Luganda
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Motorsport
  • Op-Ed
    • #Out2Lunch
    • Conversations with
    • Politics
    • Relationships
  • Business
    • Agriculture
    • CEOs & Entrepreneurs,
    • Companies
    • Finance
    • Products
    • RealEstate
    • Technology
  • Entertainment
    • Lifestyle
  • People
    • Showbiz
      • Salon Mag
  • Special Report
    • Education
    • Voices
  • Reviews
    • Products
    • Events
    • Hotels
    • Restaurants
    • Places
  • WD-TV
  • Donate
  • China News
No Result
View All Result
Watchdog Uganda
No Result
View All Result

Ministry of Tourism Applauds Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Bitature, Karim Hirji for Boosting POATE2025

Ministry of Tourism praises prominent entrepreneurs at POATE2025 for boosting Uganda’s tourism sector with investments and participation.

Lawrence Kazooba by Lawrence Kazooba
3 weeks ago
in Business, CEOs & Entrepreneurs,, Companies, Finance, Hotels, National, News, People, Tourism, Travel
2 0
Ministry of Tourism celebrates entrepreneurs at POATE2025 for advancing Uganda’s hospitality with Speke Resort Munyonyo, which hosted POATE2025

Ministry of Tourism celebrates entrepreneurs at POATE2025 for advancing Uganda’s hospitality with Speke Resort Munyonyo, which hosted POATE2025

ShareTweetSendShare
KAMPALA, UGANDA – May 30, 2025 – The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities of Uganda has commended the participation of prominent entrepreneurs Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Patrick Bitature, and Karim Hirji at the ongoing Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2025, which has been a vibrant showcase of Uganda’s tourism potential. The event, held at the Speke Resort Munyonyo, has drawn industry leaders, investors, and hospitality giants like Serena Hotels, Sheraton Kampala, and Protea Hotels, signaling a robust future for the sector.
The expo has been a platform for dialogue, cultural displays, and investment pitches, with Uganda’s tourism sector taking center stage as a lucrative destination. During a keynote session, Maj. Gen. Edith Nakalema, speaking on behalf of the Ministry, praised the entrepreneurs for their commitment to advancing Uganda’s tourism landscape. “The presence of visionaries like Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Patrick Bitature, and Karim Hirji at POATE2025 underscores the confidence that Uganda’s business community has in our tourism sector,” Nakalema stated. She highlighted the country’s stability, investor-friendly policies, and global recognition, including its ranking as the third most rewarding economy by the Oxford Economic Forum.
Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, a Forbes-listed entrepreneur since 2019, is a major investor in the hotels sector, including the prestigious Speke Resort Munyonyo, the very venue hosting POATE2025. His portfolio of accommodation facilities has played a pivotal role in elevating Uganda’s hospitality standards, known for their luxury accommodations and top-tier services like conference hosting and catering, attracting both local and international visitors.
Patrick Bitature, owns Protea Hotels, including the notable Protea Hotel Kampala Marriott Skyz, which has become a cornerstone for business travelers and tourists alike. Meanwhile, Karim Hirji, leads the Imperial Group, operating six hotels across Entebbe and Kampala.
The event featured a series of engaging activities, including a cultural performance by a traditional dance troupe, which captivated attendees with vibrant displays of Ugandan heritage. A formal dinner setting also provided a space for networking, where industry leaders were seen exchanging ideas over elegantly set tables, as captured in images shared by the Ministry on X. Nakalema encouraged attendees to convert tourists into investors, noting that many expatriates have chosen to settle and start businesses in Uganda due to its conducive environment.
Amos Wekesa, the founder of Great Lakes Safaris, delivered an inspiring keynote, recounting his journey from humble beginnings to leading a tourism empire that operates lodges, cruise boats, and safari vans across Uganda and Tanzania. “You don’t need a Harvard degree to succeed in this industry,” Wekesa emphasized, urging aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on passion, resilience, and financial discipline. His story resonated with many, highlighting the opportunities within Uganda’s tourism sector for those willing to persevere.
The World Bank’s Mohammed Suleiman Akbar also spoke at the expo, underscoring Uganda’s global relevance in authentic tourism experiences. “With attractions like the source of the Nile, the largest lake in Africa, and the Big Five, Uganda is well-positioned to benefit from the resilient global tourism industry,” he said. He stressed the importance of effective marketing to attract more visitors and encourage repeat visits.
Financial support for the sector was another key focus, with the East Africa Venture Capital Association announcing readiness to fund viable tourism ventures, particularly those led by women and youth, with up to $100,000. PostBank Uganda and the Uganda Free Zones Authority also highlighted tailored financial services and investor incentives, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering growth.
As POATE2025 continues, the Ministry of Tourism remains optimistic about the sector’s trajectory. “Opportunities abound, and they are waiting to be exploited,” said Rebecca Nalumu of the Uganda Free Zones Authority. With the backing of entrepreneurs like Ruparelia, Bitature, and Hirji, Uganda’s tourism industry is poised to shine brighter on the global stage, turning every visitor into a potential business partner.

Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
ShareTweetSendShare

Related Posts

News

Constitutional Challenge: Dr. Ssemugenyi Petitions Court Over UPDF Amendment Act

23rd June 2025 at 20:08
News

President Museveni rallies rural communities to defend peace, assures them on criminality fight 

22nd June 2025 at 21:18
Jinja City Education Officer Paul Baliraine Mugaju
News

Jinja City Education Department Rolls Out UNEB-Like Mock Exams To Boost Standards

22nd June 2025 at 14:47
Next Post
Image Credit JESHOOTS-com by Pixabay

AI Detection Tools & Digital Writers in Uganda: What You Must Know to Stay Competitive

  • Prostitution in Uganda- Courtesy Photo

    10 dangerous hotspots known for prostitutes in Kampala

    1081 shares
    Share 432 Tweet 270
  • Uganda’s Billionaires 2025: Once Again Sudhir Ruparelia Leads a Resilient Pack

    32 shares
    Share 13 Tweet 8
  • LIST: New salary structure for civil servants starting July 2020 out; scientists, lecturers get juicy pay rise

    2266 shares
    Share 906 Tweet 567
  • Makerere University Don on the spot over fraudulent acquisition of land

    30 shares
    Share 12 Tweet 8
  • Pastor Bugingo Seeks Reconciliation with Teddy and Children, Prays for Makula’s Twins

    17 shares
    Share 7 Tweet 4
Facebook Twitter

Contact Information

Watchdog Uganda is a portal for solution journalism, trending news plus cutting edge commentaries in the fields of politics, security, business, tourism, entertainment, technology, agriculture, climate change, environment, public health et al. We also give preference to Ugandan community news and topical discussions. The portal also publishes community news and topical discussions.

Email: editorial@watchdoguganda.com
To Advertise:Click here

Latest News

Constitutional Challenge: Dr. Ssemugenyi Petitions Court Over UPDF Amendment Act

23rd June 2025 at 20:08
Dr. Ayub Mukisa (Ph.D.)

Dr. Ayub Mukisa: For the Karamoja Climate Change Crisis: What Can Be Done to Mitigate the Effects?

23rd June 2025 at 08:49

Check out

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Minister Muruli Mukasa

LIST: New salary structure for civil servants starting July 2020 out; scientists, lecturers get juicy pay rise

24th May 2020 at 10:45
Pregnant woman

Shock as 17-year old boy impregnates his two sisters during Covid-19 lockdown 

17th June 2020 at 08:17
Sudhir Ruparelia is set to speak at business forum in United Kingdom

Billionaire Sudhir’s wisdom on how to invest in real estate

0

How a boy’s destiny turned from cotton grower to communications guru

0

Constitutional Challenge: Dr. Ssemugenyi Petitions Court Over UPDF Amendment Act

23rd June 2025 at 20:08
Dr. Ayub Mukisa (Ph.D.)

Dr. Ayub Mukisa: For the Karamoja Climate Change Crisis: What Can Be Done to Mitigate the Effects?

23rd June 2025 at 08:49

© 2025 Watchdog Uganda

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • National
    • Politics
    • World News
    • Media Outreach Newswire
    • Africa News
    • Tourism
    • Community News
    • Luganda
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Motorsport
  • Op-Ed
    • #Out2Lunch
    • Conversations with
    • Politics
    • Relationships
  • Business
    • Agriculture
    • CEOs & Entrepreneurs,
    • Companies
    • Finance
    • Products
    • RealEstate
    • Technology
  • Entertainment
    • Lifestyle
  • People
    • Showbiz
      • Salon Mag
  • Special Report
    • Education
    • Voices
  • Reviews
    • Products
    • Events
    • Hotels
    • Restaurants
    • Places
  • WD-TV
  • Donate
  • China News

© 2025 Watchdog Uganda