By Nelly Otto
Jinja
The Parliamentary Sessional Committee on Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA) is set to visit the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) in Jinja on 15th May, 2025.
The committee’s visit aims to inspect the progress of the institute’s new infrastructure ahead of its official commissioning.
UHTTI, also known as Crested Hotel, is a government-owned tertiary institution established in 2015 to provide knowledge and skills in hospitality and tourism management.
The Institute has been undergoing renovations, with the hotel component nearing completion at 95%.
The project is funded by the World Bank through the Competitiveness and Enterprise Development Project (CEDP).
The committee’s visit aims to inspect the progress of the institute’s new infrastructure ahead of its official commissioning.
According to officials, the project was meant to have been completed within one year after works commenced in 2018, but sources say it was delayed by the slow delivery of building materials by the contractor ROKO Construction Limited.
The Parliamentary Sectoral Committee’s role in this project is crucial, as they will oversee the implementation of the project and ensure that funds are utilized efficiently.
By inspecting the works, officials say the Committee will assess the project’s progress, identify areas for improvement, and provide guidance to ensure its successful completion.
Their oversight will also help to guarantee that the project meets its intended objectives, including increasing student enrollment and providing high-quality training facilities.
According to Daniel Kazungu, the Institute’s Public Relations Officer, the hotel is valued at Shs 24 billion, while the institute is worth Shs 19 billion.
Upon completion, the new infrastructure is expected to increase student enrollment from the current 1,000 to at least 1,500.
The institute offers diploma and certificate courses in hotel management, tourism management, pastry and bakery, and other related fields.
The committee’s visit will also prepare for the official commissioning of the project, expected to be officiated by President Yoweri Museveni.
The event will mark a significant milestone in the development of Uganda’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The visit will enable the committee to familiarize themselves with the project’s progress, assess its readiness for commissioning, and provide recommendations to ensure its successful launch.
According to Kazungu, this visit by the Committee will also play a vital role in shaping the future of Uganda’s tourism industry and supporting the growth of the sector, which earns the country billions of shillings.
The Committee is chaired by Hon Sylvia Nayebale who represents Gomba as the District Woman MP and the vice chairperson is Hon Boniface Henry Okot the Northern Youth MP.
Parliamentary Committees play crucial roles in the legislative roles. In this context the Committee members will be eager to ensure the project is on track to meet its completion deadline.
The MPs will also want to verify that the project is being implemented within the approved budget and also to asses the quality of the reconstructed facilities and infrastructures.
The Committee is going to be interested in determining whether the project represents good value for the investment made and also to ensure the project is meeting its intended objectives such as enhancing UTTI’s capacity to provide quality training.
According to Daniel Kazungu, by examining these areas, the lawmakers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the project’s progress and possibly identify any issues that need to be addressed.
With 85 rooms including luxurious Queen and double bed rooms, Daniel Kazungu says the Hotel can host 150-200 guests simultaneously offering ample space and comfort for all.
What You Need To Know:
A Queen room is a type of hotel room that typically features a queen-sized bed which is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. These rooms are designed to accommodate one or two people and often come with amenities like a comfortable queen-sized bed, private bathroom, TV and other entertainment options, desk or workspace, storage space for luggage.
Queen rooms are popular among travelers who prefer a spacious bed and cozy, comfortable atmosphere.
Hospitality experts say Queen rooms are often priced lower than suites or rooms with multiple beds making them a great option for solo travelers or couples.
Experts say the three-floor facility is expected to be assigned a three-star status upon completion and commissioning which will take place anytime this year before open political campaigns deepen.
Ordinarily, they say the facility should have been given a four-star classification but that it lacks some unique amenities like a swimming pool, a health club or gym and other accessory services.
Hotel Classification.
Hotel classification also known as hotel rating is typically based on a set of criteria that evaluate the hotel’s quality, amenities and services.
According to experts, a one-star hotel has basic amenities, simple rooms and limited services while a two-star hotel has more amenities, better furnishings, and some services like room service and tour assistance.
A 2-star hotel is a mid-range hotel with a wider range of amenities, services and better-quality furnishings while a three-star is a mid-range hotel with a wide range of amenities, services and better quality furnishings.
A four-star hotel is usually an upscale hotel with high quality amenities, services and luxurious furnishings.
On the other hand, a five-star hotel is one with exceptional amenities, services and high-end furnishings.
Although the classification criteria may vary depending on the country or region, common factors include room quality where cleanliness, comfort and amenities are considered.
Amenities to consider include pools, fitness centers, restaurants and other facilities while services are room service, tour assistance and concierge services.
Overall cleanliness and maintenance of the hotel is a key factor while proximity (location) to attractions, public transportation and amenities become an added advantage.
Some countries, especially in Europe like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Czech, Sweden, Estonia, Denmark, and Belgium, among others use their own hotel classification systems while others use international standards.
