President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned the newly completed Pearl of Africa Hotel, a five star multi-million dollar luxury facility atop Nakasero Hill in Kampala City with an emphasis on the commitment by the NRM government to support the private sector to root for the country’s desired development.
“The NRM government, right from 1960s as a student movement, has been fighting disorientation. Encouraging private sector should be the mandate of each Public Servant,” he said.
President Museveni was speaking as Chief Guest at the official opening of the Hotel. He used the occasion to re-emphasize his stand to fight corruption, vowing that he will make it hard for those Public Servants who have made it a habit to solicit bribes from business people.
“I have sworn to make those Public Servants, who demand bribes from the business people, an endangered species,” he reiterated.
President Museveni, who was earlier conducted on a guided on a tour of the new hotel, saluted Aya Brothers, who are proprietors of the facility, for contributing to the development of Uganda. He said that Pearl of Africa Hotel, among others, will go a long way in boosting the tourism industry in the country.
Mr. Museveni extended an invitation to other investors to come and tap into the vast potential that Uganda offers in the services sector.
Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Minister, Hon. Amelia Kyambadde, commended President Museveni for the support to AYA Group in particular and the business community in the country in general. She reiterated the NRM government’s unflinching support and commitment to support the services sector in Uganda.
Mrs. Kyambadde that the operationalization of Pearl of Africa Hotel is not only an achievement for Uganda but East Africa and Africa as well.
AYA Group Chairman, Mr. Hamid Muhammad, revealed that President Museveni’s vision and support to the hotel project, has created over 2000 jobs for Ugandans. He said that given the magnificent facility in the country, there is no longer any need for Ugandans to go to Dubai for holidays.
The 24-storey five-star hotel, offers luxury accommodation of 253 rooms and 42 suites with a panoramic view of Kampala City taking advantage of its elevated site. The hotel has luxury spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, two tennis Courts and conference facilities, among others.
The construction work of Pearl of Africa Hotel was launched in 2006. The facility that sits on a 14-acre piece of prime land in Kampala City consumed US$300 million to complete.
