President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended businesswoman Hajjat Sarah Kiyimba for her contribution to Uganda’s private sector as he officially opened the renovated Mount Elgon Hotel in Mbale City.
Museveni praised Kiyimba while touring the hotel, where he was hosted by the Brovad Hotels proprietor following the completion of extensive restoration works on the historic property.
The President recognised Kiyimba’s commitment to growing the Brovad Group and expanding its investments in the hospitality industry.
The reopening of Mount Elgon Hotel marks a new chapter for one of Mbale’s historic landmarks. The restoration has preserved key elements of the building’s architectural heritage while introducing modern facilities for guests and conference users.
Museveni said the renovation had successfully combined the preservation of the hotel’s historical character with the demands of modern hospitality.
“This morning, I was in Mbale City, where I officially opened the renovated Mount Elgon Hotel. The restoration has preserved this historic landmark’s architectural heritage while introducing modern hospitality facilities,” the President said.
He noted that hospitality is an important part of Uganda’s service sector because it creates jobs, supports other businesses and contributes to economic growth.
“The hospitality industry is an important part of the service sector, creating jobs, supporting businesses and contributing to economic growth,” Museveni said.
The President’s recognition of Kiyimba comes against the background of her long involvement in the hospitality business. She heads Brovad Hotels, which has grown from its original operations in Masaka into a wider family investment in the hospitality sector.
Her son, Rashid Kiyimba, is the proprietor of Mount Elgon Hotel & Spa and has overseen the development of the Mbale property as part of the family’s expanding hospitality portfolio.
The investment has included upgrades to accommodation and meeting facilities, positioning the hotel to serve business travellers, conference delegates and tourists visiting the Elgon region.
The restored facility retains its identity as a historic Mbale landmark while offering modern accommodation and leisure services. The hotel lists 65 rooms, including three executive suites, as well as restaurants, bars, a swimming pool and spa facilities.
For the Brovad Group, the reopening represents another step in the expansion of its hospitality interests beyond its traditional base.
Kiyimba welcomed the development on social media, congratulating the Brovad Group and expressing gratitude to God for the achievement.
“Congratulations to the Brovad Group. Thank you, Lord, for this milestone,” she posted on X.
The reopening comes as Mbale and the wider Elgon region seek to strengthen tourism and conference activity. Mbale hosted the national World Tourism Day celebrations on Sunday, bringing renewed attention to the region’s tourism attractions and hospitality facilities.
The renovated Mount Elgon Hotel adds accommodation and conference capacity to the city while strengthening the Brovad Group’s presence in eastern Uganda.
Museveni’s remarks placed the investment within the broader role of private-sector hospitality in Uganda’s economy, particularly through job creation, support for businesses and growth in the service sector.