By Reagan Musinguzi
Fort Portal Tourism City has today marked another milestone in its growing hospitality sector with the official opening of Fort Arch Eco Lodges, during a colourful ceremony presided over by the Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhirwa Akiiki, who led a special thanksgiving Mass.
The eco-friendly facility is the brainchild of Dr. Patrick Birungi Amooti, a businessman born in Kyenjojo District. Speaking at the function, Dr. Amooti said the investment was motivated by the unmet need for quality accommodation in the Tooro Sub-region, particularly in Fort Portal Tourism City. He noted that the city’s elevation as a tourism hub inspired him to both benefit from the opportunity and contribute to the development of Tooro.
Dr. Birungi also thanked the engineers and contractors who worked on the project, praising them for their trustworthiness and professionalism, which he said ensured the successful completion of the lodge.
Church grateful for the development
In his homily, Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhirwa Akiiki congratulated the proprietor for achieving the milestone, applauding him for trusting in God throughout the journey. The Bishop said the facility has added value to the area by providing employment opportunities and quality services to the people. He urged the people of Tooro to maintain their renowned culture of hospitality and to deliberately cultivate the same spirit among children so that it remains a lasting heritage of the region.
The Member of Parliament for Fort Portal Central Division, Hon. Alex Ruhanda, commended the investment, noting that Fort Arch Eco Lodges will create jobs, improve service delivery, and strengthen the city’s local economy.
Tourism Ministry commends the initiative
The chief guest, Rt. Col. Tom Butime, the Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, described Fort Portal as a prime investment destination. Citing a recent Daily Monitor publication, he said Fort Portal is the friendliest area in Uganda, encouraging investors to take advantage of the city’s growing opportunities. He added that quick returns are now found in the hospitality industry, driven by increasing tourist numbers.
Minister Butime further revealed that the ministry has put in place a policy on quality competitiveness aimed at ensuring tourists receive value for money in hotels and lodges across the country. He also noted that Entebbe Municipality and Fort Portal Tourism City are the cleanest urban areas in Uganda, calling on residents and stakeholders to maintain high standards of cleanliness to attract more tourists.