By Eumu Emmanuel
Lira, Uganda – The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has issued a stern warning, announcing plans to shut down all unregistered hotels and accommodation facilities in Lira City that are not registered with the Board.
Ms. Angela Nalugo, the Quality Assurance Officer at UTB, delivered the warning on Friday, April 26, during a training session for hotel owners and managers on grading and classification of accommodation facilities at Hotel Good News in Lira City. The objective of the training was to raise awareness among hoteliers about the importance of hotel grading and classification, urging them to register, inspect, license, and grade their facilities to meet standards.
Ms. Nalugo emphasized UTB’s commitment to educate and sensitize all stakeholders in the hospitality industry, warning that those who fail to meet standards within the stipulated time will face legal consequences outlined in the Uganda Tourism Act. Offenders could face fines or up to two years imprisonment for not registering and being licensed according to the Act.
“A team of 864 police officers has been trained and will be deployed across the country to enforce compliance with the Uganda Tourism Act 2008,” added Ms. Nalugo, highlighting the importance of adhering to regulations.
Ms. Nalugo expressed UTB’s desire to see Lira City thrive as a tourist destination, stressing the need for improved services and professionalism in the hospitality sector. She underscored the importance of hotel grading, noting that it not only sets expectations for guests but also guides pricing and enhances the country’s tourism image.
Meanwhile, Mr. Richard Okello Odyek, the Lira City Commercial Officer, echoed the importance of regular training for hoteliers to maintain high standards of service delivery and adopt creative approaches in the hospitality and tourism sector. He urged unlicensed establishments to register and obtain valid licenses to avoid closure, citing relevant sections of the Uganda Tourism Act 2008.
Ronald Rimbosh Okello, Quality Assurance Officer of Inventory and Classification at UTB, revealed that only five facilities are registered on the UTB system and are one step ahead in the licensing process.
Moses Opolot, a hotelier and manager at Kumar Hotel Lira, praised the UTB training for enhancing his skills and addressing areas needing improvement. He urged hotel owners to involve professional hoteliers in the planning stages to avoid infrastructural shortcomings.
Lira City boasts high-end hospitality and accommodation facilities such as Pacific Grand Hotel, Galaxy Country, and Taursher Hotel, which are in the process of obtaining licenses and undergoing inspection and grading.