Uganda hospitality sector urged to embrace green investment
Minister Nyamutoro launched a national initiative with Equity Bank to cut hotel operating costs and attract investment.
Uganda's hospitality industry is being challenged to turn its green energy ambitions into profitable investments. Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro unveiled a national initiative to reduce operating costs, attract investment, and strengthen tourism competitiveness. The National Green Hospitality Initiative, launched recently at Serena hotel Kampala, aims to make hotels, lodges, resorts, and conference facilities drivers of sustainable economic growth.
Co-hosted by the ministry and Equity Bank Uganda, the initiative focuses on affordable financing, clean-energy technology, and government policy. Minister Nyamutoro stated that renewable energy offers opportunities to lower operating costs, improve service reliability, and create new business opportunities. Savings from energy efficiency can be reinvested in staff, facilities, and visitor experiences, while also generating demand for related service providers.
The initiative aligns with Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan and the Energy Policy for Uganda 2023. Key deliverables include identifying facilities for energy assessments, developing Green Hotel Standards, and establishing a financing window for green projects. Minister Nyamutoro called on businesses to develop bankable projects, financial institutions to unlock capital, and public institutions to create an enabling investment environment.
Why it mattersThe hospitality sector in Uganda is encouraged to adopt green energy to lower operational costs and attract investment, boosting tourism.