By Rogers Wanambwa

KIU, Main Campus - Last Friday, the latest branch of Hotel Africana, which was built in Moroto town, Karamoja sub-region, was officially opened by H.E Yoweri Museveni.

While officiating the opening, the President commended Hajji Muwanga Kibirige, the proprietor of the hotel for being among the pioneers of the hotel business in Uganda.

“Whenever I came here, I used to see a bush. I congratulate you for being a good entrepreneur. We have worked on the road and shall extend a stronger electricity line. We are to work on the road to Kaabong, Kotido, and Kidepo so that tourists drive on tarmac from Kampala to Kidepo,” Museveni said.

The President also pledged to follow up on any tax exemptions needed by the local businesses to help them grow.

“Any tax exemption you need, we shall grant it. We are not dying to tax you directly, the government will still get taxes indirectly through taxing products sold like beer and sodas,” Museveni said.

According to Kibirige, the facility consists of 70 rooms, two restaurants, conference halls, and boardrooms. The Hotel is part of the BMK group chain of hotels.

He said it was constructed targeting mostly tourists to Kidepo National Park and NGOs in the Karamoja region.

The President agreed that the hotel will play a major role in improving tourism in the region not to mention provide employment.