MOROTO – President Yoweri Museveni has on Friday officiated at the opening of Hotel Africana in Moroto town in Karamoja sub-region.
Speaking at the function, the President applauded Hajji Muwanga Kibirige, the proprietor of the hotel for being among the pioneers of the hotel business in Uganda.
“Whenever I came here, I used to see a bush. I congratulate you for being a good entrepreneur. We have worked on the road and shall extend a stronger electricity line. We are to work on the road to Kaabong, Kotido and Kidepo so that tourists drive on tarmac from Kampala to Kidepo,” the President said.
Upon request by the proprietors, President Museveni pledged to help follow up the issue of exempting the local investors to help grow their business.
“Any tax exemption you need, we shall grant it. We are not dying to tax you directly, the government will still get taxes indirectly through taxing products sold like beer and sodas,” Museveni said.
He added that the hotel will go along way in developing tourism in the region and provide employment.
Haruna Kalule Kibirige, the Hotel Africana Managing Director, thanked the President for his great leadership which has led to the improvement in the road network in Karamoja which has helped fasten their work.
He added that the facility has 70 rooms, two restaurants, conference halls and boardrooms. The Hotel is part of the BMK group chain of hotels.
He said it was constructed targeting mostly tourists to Kidepo National Park and NGOs in Karamoja region.
