Marriott International has officially marked its entry into the Ugandan market with the grand opening of the Kampala Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments Kampala, establishing a prominent dual-branded footprint in the capital’s Nsambya district.
The launch introduces two distinct hospitality brands to the country simultaneously. The Kampala Marriott Hotel features 181 guestrooms and suites—including a dedicated Presidential Suite—blending functional workspaces, high-speed connectivity, and locally inspired architectural touches. Designed to reflect the energetic landscape of the city, the twin towers are connected by a striking skybridge that offers panoramic vistas of Kampala’s famous hills and partial views of Lake Victoria.
Complementing the hotel is the Marriott Executive Apartments Kampala, which brings 96 fully serviced residential units ranging from studios to a three-bedroom penthouse. Tailored specifically for long-term stays, corporate consultants, diplomatic personnel, and relocating families, the residences combine domestic comforts with full hotel amenities, featuring separate living and sleeping zones, gourmet kitchens, and round-the-clock security.
Strategically positioned just minutes from the city centre and roughly 40 kilometres from Entebbe International Airport, the complex sits in close proximity to major diplomatic missions, corporate headquarters, and government institutions. It also provides convenient access to prominent cultural landmarks, including the Uganda Museum, the Independence Monument, and the Kabaka’s Palace, making it a prime destination for both corporate and leisure itineraries.
Johan Cronjé, Regional Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa at Marriott International, noted that the dual-property launch aligns directly with the evolving demands of the region’s economy. “As Uganda’s tourism and business sectors continue to evolve, we see increasing demand for hospitality experiences that cater to a broad range of traveller needs,” Cronjé said. “Kampala Marriott Hotel reflects Marriott Hotels’ enduring legacy… Together with Marriott Executive Apartments Kampala, which offers an elevated residential experience for longer stays, this multi-branded property is well positioned to serve Kampala’s growing business, diplomatic, MICE and leisure travel sectors.”
Culinary and social experiences form a core pillar of the new property, which houses six distinct food and beverage outlets. Guests and local residents can access open-flame grilling at The Woodshed Grill & Bar, artisanal pastries at Luna Cake Studio, specialty coffees at Majlis Coffee Lounge, and casual open-air dining at Kasana Deck. Additional socializing venues include the Iron Taps Sports Bar and the Tatu Rooftop Bar, which overlooks the city skyline.
Wellness and leisure amenities at the complex include the signature Saray Spa, comprehensive steam and sauna facilities, a fully equipped modern fitness centre, and an outdoor heated swimming pool. For business travellers and members, the property includes an exclusive M Club lounge and a dedicated business centre.
Furthermore, the complex aims to capture a significant share of the region’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) market. It features 1,293 square metres of dedicated event space spread across six distinct venues. Among them is the Kampala Grand Ballroom, engineered to accommodate up to 1,000 guests and supported by advanced audiovisual infrastructure and specialized event planning teams.
Mustapha Fodil, General Manager of the Kampala Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments Kampala, emphasized the property’s dual appeal to international visitors and the local community. “Whether guests are staying with us for a few nights or a few months, attending an event, meeting colleagues, or enjoying our restaurants and bars, our team is committed to delivering heartfelt service and enriching experiences that showcase the very best of Kampala,” Fodil stated.
This latest development expands Marriott International’s cumulative portfolio in Uganda to seven operational properties across five distinct brands, reinforcing the hospitality giant’s footprint in East Africa’s expanding commercial and tourism landscape.
