Uganda’s commercial and hospitality real estate sectors are expanding beyond Kampala, with major projects emerging in Mukono and Wakiso districts. Analysts say the oversupply of office space in Kampala has prompted businesses to seek alternative locations within the Kampala Metropolitan Area, where most commercial activity takes place.
Between June and December 2022, demand for high-quality office space in Kampala rose by 4 percent, particularly in Class A and B properties, which cater to multinational tenants and high-income occupants. This shift has led to growing interest in peripheral districts, opening new opportunities for developers and investors.
Local business leader Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, chairman of Ruparelia Group, continues to play a pivotal role in expanding Uganda’s commercial and hospitality infrastructure. His investments are credited with creating employment opportunities and positioning Uganda as a top destination for real estate investment in East Africa.
Among the group’s flagship projects is the Kabira Country Club expansion in Bukoto, Kampala. The development will feature squash courts, indoor and outdoor restaurants, a youth and business centre, conference facilities, pool-side apartments, a six-lane bowling alley, underground parking, and a luxury shopping mall. Its location near the Central Business District, residential neighborhoods, schools, and diplomatic zones adds to its commercial and social appeal.
The second phase of Kingdom Kampala is also underway. The mixed-use project will include a 200-room luxury hotel, 16,500sqm of hotel space, 40,000sqm of corporate offices, a 30,000sqm shopping centre, and residential apartments. Construction of the Kingdom Kampala Hotel is expected to be completed in 2026, reinforcing the group’s focus on integrated developments.
In addition, the Pearl Business Park, situated on the former Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence site along Yusuf Lule Road, is transforming an 18-acre site into a mixed-use hub with a 5-star hotel, shopping mall, and modern hospital. The project reflects a growing trend of combining commercial, hospitality, and healthcare facilities within single developments.
Government partnerships have also contributed to the sector’s growth. The Convention Centre at Commonwealth Speke Resort Munyonyo, co-funded by the Ministry of Finance and Ruparelia Group, host major international summits. This initiative demonstrates how public-private collaborations can accelerate the development of key infrastructure.
Further highlighting the group’s portfolio, the five-star Speke Resort and Convention Centre in Entebbe will feature a marina, a convention centre, and a three-winged hotel with penthouse suites. Ruparelia Group also manages several other high-end properties across Kampala and Entebbe, including Commonwealth Resort, Dolphin Suites, Forest Cottages, and Speke Apartments.
Ongoing investment in office and hospitality facilities, led by developers like Sudhir Ruparelia, combined with increasing demand from businesses and tourists, is solidifying Uganda’s status as a major real estate and investment hub in East Africa.
