Ezaruku Draku Franklin

Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has embarked on the nationwide grading and classification exercise of hotels and accommodation facilities in a bid to standardize such facilities. The first phase that begun on August 1, 2023 will end on September 4, 2023 and will target Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, Masaka, Mbarara, Fort- portal and Mbale.

Feld assessment teams have received ICT equipment that are preloaded with automated E-classification System making it efficient and effective to carry out their work seamlessly. Uganda Board Tourism is determined to ensure enforcement of the standard protocols for the well-being and growth of the sector.

While addressing a joint press conference together with officials from Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA) at the UTB headquarters, Ms Lilly Ajarova, the Chief Executive Officer of UTB said the exercise is in fulfillment of one of UTB’s mandate to carry out Quality Assurance of the tourism sector as enshrined in the Tourism Act 2008.

“Section (J) UTB enforces and monitors standards and (K) mandates us to register, inspect, license and classify tourism enterprises,” she said.

She said the exercise will align the country and tourism players to the provisions of article 115(2) of the East African Treaty. In the treaty, Tourism is one of the identified sectors where partner states work together in a coordinated manner, to develop the quality of accommodation and catering facilities for visitors within the region.

Susan Muhwezi, the Chairperson of UHOA said UHOA and private sector fully support the exercise and urged hoteliers to participate for the good of the industry. She said grading will add value to their investments through increased marketing of the facilities within the accredited grades. She explained that the exercise is a vital component of marketing Uganda as a competitive tourism destination that observes good standards for visitor enjoyment.

Mr. Broadford Ochieng, the deputy CEO of UTB said the entity is working tirelessly to tick off all the Five “As” of tourism that include Attractions, Amenities, Activities, Accessibility and Accommodation. He explained that accommodation was one of the important components in streaming standards that make Uganda competitive destination.

Ms Jean Byamugisha, the CEO of UHOA noted that grading is important in aligning the industry to international standards as well as managing the guest expectations and it supports the pricing systems of hotels.

“It will therefore create a positive impact because of the improved quality of tourism products and services offered to tourists. It gives the national, regional and international clients a better understanding of the select accommodation facilities that befits their service requirement levels and budgeting,” she said.