Hotel managers seek government recognition as EC confirms readiness for women council elections

22 July 2026, 8:28 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Hotel Managers Association of Uganda has today held a media launch in Kampala, where members called on the government to formally recognize the association by involving it in various government programmes, especially those aimed at strengthening the hospitality sector through training and capacity building.

Addressing the gathering, the Association President, David Mayega, said hotel managers are committed to contributing to Uganda’s economic development and are ready to work closely with the government and other stakeholders.

“I stand before you today with immense pride and a profound sense of purpose as the President of the Hotel Managers Association of Uganda. It is my distinct honour to officially welcome you. For too long, the East African hospitality sector has struggled with a skills gap, forcing many establishments to overlook talented local professionals in favour of expatriates,” he said.

Mayega added that the launch marks more than just the growth of the association.

“This grand launch is not just a celebration of our association’s growth; it is a declaration of our commitment to excellence. We are rolling out strategic initiatives designed to elevate service delivery. To our fellow hotel owners, association members, the Uganda Tourism Association, and our government partners, thank you for your support. We urge the government to engage us because we are experienced and willing to work with anyone. It is unfortunate that other countries have benefited from the expertise of Ugandan hotel managers while many of them have never had the opportunity to travel abroad despite their knowledge and skills. We therefore appeal to the authorities to consider our proposals,” he added.

The event was attended by hotel managers from across the country, who pledged to continue working together to promote professionalism and improve service delivery in Uganda’s hospitality industry.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, has confirmed that the Commission is ready to conduct tomorrow’s Women Council elections in all 71,214 villages across Uganda.

Speaking to journalists at the Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala, Justice Byabakama appealed to all participants to maintain peace throughout the electoral process.

He emphasized that only voters whose names appear in the village registers will be allowed to participate in the elections, which will be conducted by lining up behind the candidates, their portraits, or their designated representatives.