Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management
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Item The role of cultural tourism in tourism development in Uganda, A case study of Ewaffe cultural village, Mukono district.(Busitema University, 2026) Katusiime, SyliviaThis study investigated the role of cultural tourism in promoting tourism development in Uganda, using Ewaffe Cultural Village as the case study. Specifically, the research sought to examine how cultural tourism activities contribute to tourism development, assess the influence of cultural tourism on tourist arrivals at Ewaffe Cultural Village in Mukono District, and analyze the extent to which cultural tourism supports income generation and enhances the livelihoods of local communities within Mukono District. The study adopted a descriptive research design and employed a quantitative research approach. Data were obtained from a target population of 60 respondents, of whom 52 constituted the accessible population. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. Information was gathered using structured closed-ended questionnaires and interview guides. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), which generated frequency distributions, descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations), as well as reliability and validity tests, correlation analysis, and regression analysis to address the study objectives. The findings of the study indicated that cultural tourism has a positive and statistically significant influence on tourism development. Based on these results, the study recommends strengthening cultural tourism initiatives by promoting cultural performances, preserving cultural heritage attractions, and supporting traditional cultural practices and lifestyles, as these aspects play an important role in enhancing tourism development. The study further concludes that the key dimensions of cultural tourism possess strong predictive potential in explaining and promoting tourism development. Keywords: cultural tourism, tourism development, Ewaffe cultural village, Mukono district, tourist arrivalsItem The role of cultural heritage sites on the development of the tourism industry. A case study of Kasubi tombs, Kampala(Busitema University, 2026) Kalira, AdolfThe study was carried out with the aim of finding out the role of cultural heritage sites on the development of the tourism industry, a case study of Kasubi Tombs, Kampala, Uganda. The objectives for the study was; to assess the contributions of the Kasubi Tombs to tourism development in Uganda, to identify the challenges facing the management and conservation of the Kasubi Tombs as a tourism site and to explore strategies for enhancing the role of cultural heritage sites like Kasubi Tombs in sustainable tourism growth. Cultural heritage sites represent a vital yet underutilized component of tourism development, particularly in developing countries where they can drive economic growth, preserve identity, and foster sustainable community livelihoods. This study examines the role of cultural heritage sites in advancing the tourism industry in Uganda, with a specific case study of the Kasubi Tombs a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the royal burial ground of the Buganda Kingdom in Kampala. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, drawing on secondary data from tourism statistics, UNESCO reports, and primary insights from site management, visitors, and local stakeholders. Findings indicate that while Uganda's tourism sector achieved a record USD 1.28 billion in international receipts in 2024, supporting over 800,000 jobs and contributing approximately 6.6% to GDP, cultural heritage attractions like the Kasubi Tombs remain secondary to wildlife-based tourism. Visitor numbers to museums and cultural sites exceeded 34,000 in 2024, highlighting growing but limited engagement compared to the country's 1.37 million international arrivals. The Kasubi Tombs, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001 and removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2023 following reconstruction efforts after the 2010 fire, embody significant historical, spiritual, and architectural value. Reconstruction neared completion by late 2025, with full restoration announced in December 2025, positioning the site for enhanced tourism potential through improved accessibility, authenticity preservation, and cultural promotion. Key challenges include limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, urbanization pressures, post-reconstruction management issues, and competition from nature-based attractions, which constrain visitor numbers, revenue generation, and community benefits. Opportunities lie in strategic marketing, community involvement, integration into national tourism circuits, and leveraging UNESCO status to attract cultural tourists seeking authentic experiences. The study concludes that effective management and conservation of sites like the Kasubi Tombs can significantly amplify their contributions to sustainable tourism development, economic diversification, cultural preservation, and local empowerment in Uganda. Recommendations include policy enhancements for heritage-tourism integration, increased investment in site infrastructure, stakeholder collaboration, and targeted promotion to boost visitor arrivals and ensure long-term viability. Keywords: cultural heritage, heritage sites, tourism industry, Kasubi tombs, development of the tourismItem Role of front office operations in guest satisfaction, a case study of Mbale resort hotel in Mbale city, eastern Uganda.(Busitema University, 2026) Bwire, NelsonRole of front office operations in guest satisfaction: a case study of Mbale Resort Hotel in Mbale City, Eastern Uganda. The study was guided by three objectives: To find out the effect of front desk efficiency on guest satisfaction at Mbale Resort Hotel, to find out the influence of staff professionalism on guest satisfaction at Mbale Resort Hotel, and to find out the effect of technology, use, and complaint handling on guest satisfaction at Mbale Resort Hotel. A cross-sectional research design employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches was adopted. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews from selected respondents at Mbale Resort Hotel. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis with the aid of SPSS, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings showed that the roles of front office operations positively influence guest satisfaction, although challenges such as technology failures and delays at the front office still limited participation. Keywords: front office operations, guest satisfaction, Mbale resort hotel, front desk efficiency, staff professionalismItem The effect of service quality on customer satisfaction in Jinja hotels, A case study of Jinja Nile resort.(Busitema University, 2026) Otuta, JohnThe research study examined the effect of service quality on customer satisfaction Jinja in hotels, with a major focus on Jinja Nile Resort Hotel in Uganda. The study, guided by the SERVQUAL model, examined three major dimensions of service quality: reliability, responsiveness, and assurance and their influence on customer satisfaction. By adopting a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 55 respondents comprising hotel staff and guests using structured questionnaires and interview questions. The findings demonstrated that all three dimensions positively and significantly influence customer satisfaction, with responsiveness showing the strongest effect (R² = 0.659), followed by assurance (R² = 0.632) and reliability (R²= 0.613). Respondents rated professionalism, prompt service, and dependable delivery highly, though complaint handling showed room for improvement. The study concludes that increasing sustaining customer satisfaction and loyalty. This research study is expected to contribute evidence-based insights into service quality and customer satisfaction in Uganda’s hospitality sector, offering recommendations for hotel managers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to increase and boost the development of Uganda’s hospitality industry through enhanced service quality and customer satisfaction. Keywards: Service quality, customer satisfaction, Jinja hotels, Jinja Nile Resort, quantitative cross-sectionalItem Govt advised to use technology in promoting tourism.(New Vision, 2017-12-05) Vision PublicationAs Uganda struggles with exploiting its full tourism potential, the Government has been advised to focus more on the development of technology based advised to focus more on the development of technology based solutions, to attract more visitors into the country.Item Uganda Tourism board intensifies classification and grading of accommodation facilities in the country(New Vision, 2017-07-31) UTBUganda Tourism board intensifies classification and grading of accommodation facilities in the countryItem Why Uganda should celebrate this year's World Tourism Day.(New Vision, 2017-09-26) Asiimwe, StephenTomorrow, Uganda will join the rest of the world to celebrate World Tourism Day to highlight the great strides the industry has taken and the inter-agency and stakeholder support the sector obtains. This year's celebrations will be held in Ssese Island under the theme:Item Exploring Murchison falls park with the preachers(New Vision, 2018-06-10) Ssenkaaba, StephenThe park, the second most visited in Uganda, is home to about 1,600 elephants. About 1,000 hippos live here.Item Uganda struggling to end child marriages(2017-07-31) Mugabe, RobertUgandans should embrace their culture and promote them as a tool to steer the nation into the desired middle-income status, the state minister for tourism, Godfrey Suubi Kiwanda, has said.Item Karimojong urged to promote peace using culture.(New Vision, 2017-09-05) Wanyama, OlandasonThe state minister for minerals, Peter Lokeris, has said culture is significant in promoting peace in Karamoja region, previously characterised by armed conflict and cattle rustling. "We need to make use of culture to ensure the promotion of peace," he noted.Item Decentralise Namugongo tourism promotion.(New Vision, 2017-07-26) Kintu, NyagoThe catholic, Anglican and muslim Namugongo Martyr' shrines are key Ugandan uniting national symbols and tourist attraction.Item Pearl of Africa Hotel to boost tourism sector(Daily Monitor, 2017-10-16) Natasha, MariamI recently attended the opening of the Pearl of Africa Hotel in Nakasero, Kampala. The hotel has been under construction for the last decade and it has more than 253 rooms. It also employs more than 2,000 Ugandans.Item Kalangala: the Ferry is waiting for you(New Vision, 2017-09-02) Kakembo, TusCome International tourism week (September 22-27) under the theme, "Unlocking the potential", all the boats, ferries and ships on Lake Victoria will lead to Kalangala district.Item US criticises Uganda over Journalists rights(New Vision, 2017-11-04) Masaba, JohnThe US Government has criticised the Ugandan Government officials for harassing journalists. This is contained in a US state Department statement released in Washington on Thursday to mark the international day to end impunity for crimes against journalists.Item Uganda targets a million Chinese tourists by 2020(New Vision, 2017-09-11) Tenywa, GeraldThe Minister for Tourism, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu is hunting for one million Chinese tourists to increase Uganda's visitors to four million by 2020. Currently, Uganda gets 1.7 million tourists mostly from Europe and the US. Kamuntu is heading a delegation at the China Guangdong International Tourism Expo as part of promotional efforts to get at least one million tourists from the world's largest tourist nation.Item Coffee to become toursim product(New Vision, 2017-08-25) Nandudu, ProssyCoffee has earned Uganda Foreign Exchange for years. Now Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is planning to use the coffee experience to attract more visitors into the country.Item One day to go! Sponsors speak out on Toto fest(New Vision, 2017-12-08) Kasirye, AshrafWith just one day to the Toto Christmas Festival on Sunday, preparations of the Venue at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Namboole are in high gear.Item A date with the beasts of Queen Elizabeth(New Vision, 2018-05-06) Luwemba, JuliusAnyone visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park will concur that indeed Uganda is the pearl of Africa! Apart from being the second biggest game habitat in the country, has the biggest number of birds in the country - with over 610 species - and animal species.Item Location gives Sheraton competitive advantage(Daily Monitor, 2017-10-12) Kigongo, JulietToday Sheraton Kampala Hotel is celebrating 50 years of operations. Ms. Jacqueline Nalubega, the corporate sales and public relations manager, spoke to Daily Monitor's Juliet Kigongo.Item Batwa begin New life out of the Forest(New Vision, 2017-09-03) Jagwe, NoahThe Batwa were originally forest-dwelling hunter-gathers in the Great lakes region of Central Africa. The Bwata in Uganda are said to have migrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Over time, they lost these forest lands and territories to agro activities and later government conservation.