Many people who join politics often say they want to offer a public service with minimum reward. Yet in Uganda (and many parts of the world), politics has become a lucrative venture. It is not a stretch to say that politicians in Uganda are some of the wealthiest individuals especially those that belong to the ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Today, we highlight some of the NRM big wigs who have ventured into the hospitality industry.
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The first national vice chairman for NRM owns Mosa Courts in Kampala but recently added Maya Nature Resort to his stable of hotels.
Kigongo has a penchant for soft life.
Rebecca Kadaga
The first deputy prime minister and former speaker owns Century Hotel in Kamuli. When she was speaker, she came under criticism after she directed that a parliamentary event be held there.
Nonetheless, she has laid the ground for a comfortable retirement.
Jim Muhwezi
He was one of the first bush war historicals to build a mega mansion in his viallge in Rukungiri. The minister of Security also owns Agip Motel in Mbarara, which was part of the Uganda hotels.
It is famous for hosting some of the biggest shows in the district.
Hillary Onek
Onek is the minister for Disaster Preparedness but he is also a shrewd businessman. He has long been in the hotel business and owns the imposing Bomah Hotel in Gulu.
It is a gem and truly world class.
Frank Tumwebaze
The minister for Agriculture and MP for Kibaale. Outside politics, he is a farmer and hotel owner. He owns the magnificent Emburura Farm Lodge along Mbarara-Ibanda Road, a magnet for tourists.
Visitors to the farm lodge also get a chance to milk some of the Ankole long horned cows that are kept there.
Evelyn Anite
The minister of state for Investments has invested well in the hotel industry. She owns Hotel Le’Confidentiel in Arua. The three-star facility is patronized by big wigs from the sub region and business people from DR Congo and South Sudan.
One of its main promoters is comedian Patrick Idringi.
Amelia Kyambadde
The former minister of Trade and Mawokota North MP ventured into the hospitality industry a couple of years ago to put in practice what she had been preaching.
She owns Ensulo Haven, a quiet but enchanting eco lodge in Muduuma, Mpigi district.
Dickson Kateshumbwa
The former URA commissioner and MP for Sheema Municipality has invested heavily in the tourism industry. He owns the luxurious Park View Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park which was gutted by fire a couple of years back.
A room at the lodge during the peak tourism season can go up to $1000 per night.
Daudi Migereko
Migereko owns the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja. The former minister for Energy has walked the talk as board chairman of Uganda Tourism Board.
The hotel has changed the scenery near the source of the nile, a spot which attracts visitors to Jinja.
Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari
Mwesigwa is the MP for Mbarara North and chairman of the NRM Entrepreneur’s League. He owns the sprawling Mwesigwa Resorts Hotel in Mbarara.
It usually hosts circuit races for motor rally cars.