President Museveni Opens Revamped Mount Elgon Hotel, Hails Hospitality Sector’s Contribution to Economic Growth

MBALE CITY – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially opened the renovated Mount Elgon Hotel in Mbale City, marking the restoration of one of the region’s historic hospitality landmarks. The President presided over the opening ceremony on Sunday, September 27, 2026, where he commended the restoration of the hotel, noting that the renovation had preserved its architectural heritage while introducing modern hospitality facilities.

In a statement following the ceremony, Museveni said the renovation had successfully combined the preservation of the hotel's historical identity with the need to meet contemporary hospitality standards.

He highlighted the importance of the hospitality industry to Uganda's economy, describing it as a key component of the service sector that creates employment opportunities, supports businesses and contributes to national economic growth.

"The hospitality industry is an important part of the service sector, creating jobs, supporting businesses and contributing to economic growth," Museveni said.

The President's remarks underscore the government's emphasis on expanding the services sector as part of efforts to promote investment, create employment and accelerate economic transformation.

The renovation of Mount Elgon Hotel is also expected to strengthen Mbale City's hospitality infrastructure, providing modern accommodation and hospitality facilities for visitors, business travellers and tourists visiting the Elgon region.

Located in Mbale City, the hotel is strategically positioned to serve visitors exploring the Mount Elgon region, which is known for its natural attractions, cultural heritage and tourism potential.

The restoration of the historic facility also highlights the potential of rehabilitating existing infrastructure to preserve cultural and architectural heritage while adapting to changing demands in the hospitality industry.

With Mbale serving as an important commercial and administrative centre in eastern Uganda, improved hospitality facilities could support business tourism, conferences and other events, while creating opportunities for local enterprises.

The hotel’s reopening comes at a time when Uganda continues to emphasise tourism and hospitality as important contributors to employment creation, private-sector development and economic diversification.

The hospitality industry supports a wide range of economic activities, including transport, agriculture, food supply, entertainment and other services, creating opportunities for businesses and communities beyond the hotel sector itself.

Museveni's visit to Mbale and the official opening of the renovated hotel highlight the role of private investment and infrastructure development in expanding Uganda's hospitality capacity.

The restoration of Mount Elgon Hotel therefore represents both the preservation of a historic establishment and the introduction of modern facilities aimed at serving the evolving needs of the hospitality industry.