President Yoweri Museveni officially inaugurated the Kampala Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments in Nsambya along Ggaba Road, Kampala, on August 27th, 2026
This dual-branded five-star luxury property is Kampala’s newest major hospitality landmark. Kampala Marriott Hotel is a twin-tower development linked by a skybridge with 181 hotel guestrooms and suites including a Presidential Suite plus 96 fully serviced executive apartments for extended stays.
Facilities at this Kampala hotel include multiple restaurants and bars such as The Woodshed Grill & Bar, Luna Cake Studio, and others, a pool, Saray Spa, fitness center, and about 1,293 m² of event space including the Kampala Grand Ballroom that can hold up to roughly 1,000 guests.
Ugandan entrepreneurs Ponsiano Ngabirano and his wife who are also owners of Capital Shoppers developed the Kampala Marriott Hotel project.
Partners include Marriott International which manages the hotel and is debuting its Marriott Hotels and Marriott Executive Apartments brands in Uganda, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and others.
H.E President Yoweri K. Museveni praised the developers for building local wealth and jobs, thanked Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala for the land, and highlighted benefits for employment including hundreds of direct jobs for Ugandans, local suppliers, and Kampala’s ability to host conferences and high-end tourism.
The Kampala Marriott Hotel is positioned near embassies, shopping, and entertainment areas (including Kabalagala/Kansanga), about 40 km from Entebbe International Airport.
Kampala Marriott Hotel aims to raise luxury hospitality standards and support Uganda’s goals of attracting higher-spending visitors.
Official soft operations began earlier as reports noted activity from around June 2026, with the presidential ceremony marking the formal launch and key handover.
President Museveni’s Remarks at the Inauguration
During the grand inauguration and key handover ceremony, President Museveni delivered the following key statement:
“Today, I officiated at the grand inauguration and key handover ceremony of the Kampala Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments in Nsambya.
I congratulate Mr. Posiano Ngabirano for growing his business from a small grocery shop in Nakasero into this major investment.
This is the kind of transformation we want to see, from importing to producing and creating wealth here in Uganda.
Our development must be driven by the four sectors of commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT (Information and Communication Technology).
I am also pleased that this investment is creating jobs for Ugandans and supporting local suppliers.
I thank our elder His Eminence Cardinal Wamala for offering the land, the Marriott International, NSSF (National Social Security Fund) and all those who contributed to this investment. I welcome more investors to Uganda.”
In additional comments reported from the event, the President underscored the broader need for wealth creation and the importance of distinguishing between development and genuine wealth generation, noting that many African economies have remained constrained partly because of this distinction not being clearly prioritised.
He praised the project for employing hundreds of Ugandans (with the majority being nationals) and sourcing a high percentage of goods and services locally.
Nearby Tourist Attractions to Kampala Marriott Hotel
The hotel provides an excellent base for discovering Kampala’s cultural and historical highlights:
Uganda National Mosque (often still called Gaddafi Mosque): Climb the minaret for panoramic views over the Kampala City’s hills.
Kasubi Tombs: UNESCO World Heritage Site and traditional burial place of Buganda kings, offering insight into Baganda architecture and culture.
Uganda Museum: One of East Africa’s oldest museums, with ethnographic collections, traditional instruments, and outdoor exhibits.
Kabaka’s Palace (Lubiri / Mengo Palace) and the Royal Mile leading to the Bulange (Buganda Parliament): Explore Buganda kingdom heritage and royal history.
Independence Monument and other central landmarks for a sense of modern Ugandan identity.
Bahá’í Templ: Peaceful hilltop site with gardens and architecture promoting unity.
These sites are within easy reach of Nsambya, making half-day or full-day cultural circuits straightforward.
Trips and Activities near Kampala Marriott Hotel
From the Kampala Marriott you can build rewarding itineraries:
City cultural immersion: Combine the Uganda National Mosque minaret climb, Kasubi Tombs, and a visit to a local market such as Nakasero or Owino Markets, followed by a traditional performance at Ndere Cultural Centre in Ntinda.
Day trip to Entebbe: Explore the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, Entebbe Botanical Gardens along Lake Victoria, or a boat trip.
Jinja adventure: Travel to the Source of the Nile for white-water rafting, bungee jumping, boat cruises, or relaxed lakeside time (roughly 2-3 hours each way).
Extended options: Use Kampala as a launch point for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, or wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls National Parks.
Many visitors pair a few nights of urban luxury at the Marriott with nature-based experiences further afield.
You can also book the following tours with us at Responsible Tourism Company;
For accommodation in Kampala chek out our Kampala hotels for a vast number of options from budget, mid-range to luxury accommodation in Kampala.
Getting Around Kampala Marriott Hotel – Transport Tips
Airport transfer: Private car from Entebbe International Airport to Nsambya typically takes about 1 hour (traffic dependent) and costs in the range of US$30-50. Pre-booking is recommended.
Within Kampala: Ride-hailing apps (Uber/Bolt), licensed taxis, or carefully chosen boda-bodas for short hops. Matatus (shared minibuses) serve local routes but can be crowded.
To attractions and day trips: Most city sites are reachable by short taxi or app rides. For Jinja or Entebbe, private hire for the day offers flexibility; intercity buses or shared taxis are budget options. For multi-day safaris, private 4×4 vehicles with driver-guides are standard and safest.
Traffic in Kampala can be heavy, so allow extra time and consider early starts for day trips.
Book Your Responsible Journey
Ready to experience the new Kampala Marriott Hotel alongside authentic, sustainable Uganda adventures?
Responsible Tourism Company Ltd, a Kampala-based operator specialising in tailor-made, eco-conscious safaris and cultural experiences, can arrange seamless packages that include luxury stays, city tours, gorilla or chimpanzee tracking, wildlife safaris, and community-based activities.
Contact us at Responsible Tourism Company Ltd today to design a responsible itinerary that supports local communities and conservation while you enjoy Uganda’s newest luxury landmark and beyond.
Call/WhatsApp: +256 704 023 485
Visit www.responsibletourismcompany.com
Email: info@responsibletourismcompany.com
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What did President Museveni say at the opening of the Kampala Marriott Hotel?
He congratulated developer Ponsiano Ngabirano on transforming a small grocery business into a major investment, stressed the shift from importing to local production and wealth creation, highlighted the four priority sectors (commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT), noted job creation and local supplier support, thanked Cardinal Wamala, Marriott International, and NSSF, and welcomed further investment in Uganda.
When and where did the Kampala Marriott Hotel open?
27th August 2026 at 2646 Ggaba Road, Nsambya, Kampala.
What facilities are available at Kampala Marriott Hotel?
181 rooms/suites, 96 serviced apartments, six restaurants and bars, spa, fitness centre, heated outdoor pool, and large event spaces.
How far is Entebbe Airport?
About 40 km.
Which attractions are closest to Kampala Marriott Hotel?
Uganda Museum, Lake Victoria (Ggaba), Arena Mall, Independence Monument, Owino Market, and nearby nightlife areas.
How can I book a responsible stay and tour package?
Reach out to Responsible Tourism Company Ltd for sustainable packages that include the Kampala Marriott Hotel and surrounding experiences.
The Kampala Marriott Hotel represents both a significant private-sector achievement and an enhanced option for travellers seeking quality accommodation in Uganda’s capital.
Combined with the H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s emphasis on local wealth creation and job generation, the property stands as a modern landmark for visitors exploring Kampala’s culture, Lake Victoria, and the wider country.