Uganda Tourism Board Intensifies Crackdown on Unlicensed Accommodation Facilities

The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has heightened its efforts to enforce compliance with licensing requirements for tourist accommodation facilities. Inspections resumed today across the Kampala Metropolitan Area following a six-month grace period granted to facility owners after an initial announcement on November 18, 2024. This warning indicated potential closures for unlicensed operations. Non-compliant facilities now face immediate closure, demonstrating UTB’s commitment to elevating standards within Uganda’s tourism sector.

This latest phase of enforcement follows inspections conducted in late 2024, during which UTB, in collaboration with the Uganda Police, targeted unlicensed accommodation facilities across Kampala’s 19 policing divisions, including Kawempe, Kamwokya, Rubaga, Wandegeya, Nansana, and the Central Business District. At that time, fewer than 200 of Uganda’s estimated 4,000 accommodation facilities held licenses. Consequently, UTB issued compliance notices and allowed owners time to fulfill the requirements outlined in the Uganda Tourism Act of 2008.

Starting May 6, 2025, UTB teams are revisiting these facilities to confirm adherence to licensing standards. “Non-compliant facilities will be closed,” UTB declared in a public notice, emphasizing that quality service at hotels, lodges, guesthouses, and other accommodations directly affects the experiences of tourists visiting Uganda. The board’s actions reaffirm its mission to ensure world-class standards under the “Explore Uganda – The Pearl of Africa” brand.

The Uganda Tourism Act mandates that all tourist accommodation facilities, ranging from hotels and serviced apartments to hostels and tented camps, obtain a valid tourism operating license. To qualify, owners must submit the following documents: Certificate of Incorporation, TIN Registration Certificate, Valid Operating Certificates, Approved Building Plan or Occupation Permit.

Registration is facilitated through UTB’s Quality Assurance System, and payments are processed via the Uganda Revenue Authority. The registration and inspection fee is 100,000 Ugandan Shillings, with an annual licensing fee of 200,000 Shillings, though these fees are currently under review.

The enforcement campaign has encountered challenges. In November 2024, some hotel owners criticized UTB’s approach, citing a lack of adequate prior consultation and awareness. Some critics, argued that the crackdown could negatively impact the sector and urged UTB to focus on awareness rather than punitive measures. In response, UTB spokesperson Gesa John Simplicious defended the initiative, stating that extensive stakeholder engagement had taken place and that enforcing standards is a legal obligation. The extent of non-compliance—over 95% of facilities were unlicensed in 2024, highlights gaps in awareness and instances of deliberate non-compliance. To address this, UTB has combined enforcement efforts with sensitization campaigns, offering a 48-hour grace period for unlicensed but compliant facilities to apply for licenses, and a 24-hour period for non-compliant facilities to relocate guests to licensed alternatives.

Tourism serves as a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy, significantly contributing to foreign exchange earnings. Poor service standards at unlicensed facilities could tarnish the country’s global reputation, making UTB’s crackdown a vital step toward sustainable growth. The initiative aligns with broader efforts, including hotel grading, classification, and partnerships with global brands like Emirates Airline and Absa Bank Uganda for events such as the KH3-Hills Marathon.

By enforcing licensing, UTB aims to create a conducive environment for stakeholders while ensuring tourists enjoy safe, hygienic, and high-quality accommodations. This phased enforcement, beginning in Kampala and set to expand nationwide, reflects a strategic approach to overcoming logistical challenges posed by the scale of the sector.

UTB urges accommodation owners to take immediate action to avoid closure: Register promptly through the UTB Quality Assurance System, Submit all required documentation, Ensure facilities meet minimum standards for safety, hygiene, and structural integrity, Seek assistance at +256-414-342-196/7 or qualityassurance@utb.go.ug.

As UTB continues its inspections, the tourism sector is at a pivotal juncture. The board’s commitment to enhancing hospitality standards is evident, but its success will depend on striking a balance between enforcement and stakeholder cooperation. For now, facility owners are on notice: comply or face closure.

For more information, visit www.utb.go.ug or www.qasystem.utb.go.ug. Uganda’s tourism industry is poised for transformation, and UTB’s actions signal a bold step toward a brighter, more competitive future.

Contact: Uganda Tourism Board, +256-414-342-196/7, qualityassurance@utb.go.ug