UK’s premier reggae band, UB40 scheduled to perform in Uganda Today, the 23rd Saturday 2008 has caused a hotel boom in Kampala.

The Band has brought in several people from different neighbouring countries including Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania, while some have been know to come from as far as Zimbabwe and Zambia, who have booked hotels in large numbers for the night’s accommodation

During their three-decade long career, they have been performing sell-out shows worldwide and headlining the Reggae Sun splash Music Festival in Jamaica, as well as spreading reggae to Russia and South America, among others.
UB40’s most successful single release is the cover of the Elvis Presley ballad (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You, which was a number one hit across Europe and the US, and is still a popular hit in Uganda.

UB40’s early music has often tackled social issues such as racism and unemployment.

Despite the high cost of tickets which range from 300,000/= for Gold members, 120,000/= for the Silver and 25,00/= for the Bronze, many people have flocked into the country for the Show.

By Kisibo Jackie

Uganda Hotel News

The Uganda Tourism Bill 2007 was passed on Tuesday into law to govern tourism activities in the country.

The law which repeals the Hotels Act, the Tourist Agents Licensing Act and the Uganda Tourist Board Act replaces the former spread out uncoordinated manner

The law sets standards, provides for licensing, regulating and controlling the tourism sector and it will give effect to the implementation of the Tourism Policy 2003 and reconstitute the Uganda Tourist Board to make it private sector-driven.

Tourism is one of Uganda’s biggest foreign exchange earners, contributing $320m per annum or 25% of the export earnings annually. The sector also employs 70,000 people, constituting 17% of the employment workforce.

By Kisibo Jackie
Uganda hotel news

Pastor Gary and Marilyn Skinner, the founders of Watoto are hosting this year’s Watoto fundraising event.

The Watoto Concert of Hope will be held at Sheraton Kampala Hotel, ballrooM and guests will be entertained by the Watoto Children’s Choir, singing songs from their new album called Mambo Sawa, Life is Good. The concert is aimed at raising funds to establish a medical centre at one of the Watoto children’s village, Suubi.
The mission of Watoto is about more than saving children from the tragic circumstances surrounding them. It is also about giving abandoned children the tools and skills to care for themselves, their families, community and country

According to Ms Penny Mukasa, one of the organisers of the concert, there are plans to make it an annual event.

Tickets cost Shs100,000 per person and Shs900,000 for a table of 10.

By Kisibo Jackie
Uganda Hotel news

The newly opened up Cassia lodge recently opened up for the Public.

Cassia Lodge is located on Buziga Hill, one of the highest hills of Kampala close to Lake Victoria.
The environment is cool with an astonishing view on the lake as well as the city.

The Lodge has Excellent international cuisine in a serene environment, Conference facilities, business center, wireless connection, large swimming pool, luxurious rooms with satellite television, bar and balcony overlooking the lake

The Lodge has a total of 20 rooms and is a home to both leisure and leisure travelers.

By Kisibo Jackie
Uganda Hotel News

Crown Beverages upped the Beijing Olympics tempo by launching a campaign “Drink Mirinda and take Uganda to Beijing Olympics 2008″.

The campaign held at the Sheraton Kampala hotel had an aim of funding for all home-based athletes from all sports disciplines in their attempt to qualify for the Olympic Games in August.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of Crown Beverages Paddy Muramirah, said that 5% of the price of each drink will go to the ‘Send Uganda to Beijing’ account.

Crown beverages, the makers of Pepsi, Mirinda, 7Up and Peak mineral water kick-started the cause by donating Shs 10 million.

By Kisibo Jackie
Uganda News