UTB to crack down on unlicensed accommodation facilities

KAMPALA, October 29, 2024 — Following a notice issued earlier this month about the impending closure of unlicensed accommodation facilities next month the Uganda Tourism Board [UTB] has launched an enforcement initiative to address non-compliance among the industry players.

In collaboration with the Uganda Police, UTB conducted a training session for Tourism Police officers at Police Headquarters in Naguru on Saturday, aiming to streamline operations for the upcoming enforcement of this legal framework, starting in the Kampala Metropolitan Area.

This initiative is in line with the Uganda Tourism Act 2008, which mandates that all accommodation facilities in the country be licensed by UTB. The first phase of the programme began in May with efforts to sensitise facility owners about the licensing requirements.

During the training, UTB Deputy CEO Bradford Ochieng emphasised that obtaining a license is not only beneficial for marketing destination Uganda but also serves as a vital marketing tool for individual facilities. “A registered and compliant facility listed on the UTB website signals to clients that the regulator trusts the services you provide, making your facility a preferred choice. It is a marketing tool for both destination Uganda and individual service providers,” he said.

Ochieng also highlighted the crucial role licensing plays in maintaining operational standards within the tourism industry. “We monitor compliance and also engage in capacity building to help service providers improve. Ensuring that everyone handling tourists is licensed is essential for upholding standards,” he explained.

Additionally, UTB is working to educate those investing in hospitality facilities about standard requirements, including specifications for hotel bedrooms, to help them avoid complications during construction.

As the government regulator for the tourism and hospitality sector, UTB is responsible for the registration, monitoring, and licensing of industry players, including accommodation facility owners, tour operators, and tour guides.

Low compliance levels is a big concern

Ochieng revealed that out of an estimated 4,000 accommodation facilities in Uganda, fewer than 200 are licensed. Common reasons for non-compliance include ignorance, complacency regarding registration, and the perceived burden of registration and licensing fees.

During the training, CP Patrick Lawot, Deputy Director of Counter Terrorism Police, emphasised the role of Tourism Police in securing tourists and destinations, including national parks and accommodation facilities. He stated that enforcing compliance with minimum operational standards will involve collaboration with local police.

“We must enhance the quality of services offered to tourists to boost numbers and revenue. This can only be achieved if stakeholders meet a certain level of client satisfaction, which is the goal of this enforcement initiative,” said CP Lawot.

Closure of non-compliant accommodation facilities

According to the officials, the]  registration fee is a one-time charge of Shs 200,000, with an annual licence renewal fee of Shs 100,000.

According to Semakula Samora, Quality Assurance Manager at UTB, accommodation facilities  operating without a valid license will be closed and required to formally register and apply for a license after meeting the minimum requirements outlined in the Uganda Tourism Act 2008. “We are focusing on 19 policing divisions within Kampala, including Central Kampala, Kawempe, Wandegeya, Lubaga, Nansana, Kakiri, Entebbe, and Mukono. The enforcement exercise will then extend to other areas across the country,” Samora said.

To avoid closure, accommodation facilities must register with UTB and obtain a tourism operating licence.

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