Hotel and Tourism Training Institute Launches Plan to Train Ugandan Hoteliers
HTTI LAUNCHES PLAN TO TRAIN UGANDAN HOTELIERS AND SPECIALISTS. NEW INFRASTRUCTURE TO BOOST SKILLS AND COMPETITION IN TOURISM.
The Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (HTTI) in Jinja District has launched a plan to train hoteliers, tourism students, and specialists. This initiative aims to strengthen Uganda and East Africa’s tourism markets.
Richard Kawere, Principal of HTTI, presented these plans to the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) on July 8, 2024. He emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the institute to counter foreign competition. The lack of proper infrastructure has hindered tourism and hospitality training in the past. However, the government is now addressing this by constructing a training hotel and school.
Kawere stated, “With the right infrastructure and staffing, we will lead in skills-based training. We aim to retool industry staff to compete effectively.” This strategy focuses on learning from expatriates while creating opportunities for Ugandans to lead in the sector.
Funding and Training Quality
Kawere also discussed potential funding models, such as a training levy collected by the government and allocated to the industry to boost capacity. Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi, Workers Representative (NRM), echoed these concerns, stressing the need for quality training. He questioned, “Why are managers and supervisors brought from Nairobi? Our Ugandans can do the same jobs.”
Bakkabulindi emphasized the importance of quality facilities and motivated staff to attract tourists. Buzaaya County MP, Hon. Martin Muzaale, expressed optimism about HTTI’s initiatives, highlighting the dominance of Kenyans in Ugandan hotels. He stressed that quality training is crucial for Ugandans to outcompete expatriates.
Hotel and Tourism Training Institute Launches: New Infrastructure and Future Goals
The HTTI will also house the Crested Crane Hotel, a three-star establishment under construction by ROKO. The World Bank funds this project at a cost of Shs24 Billion. Established under the UHTTI Act (2015), the institute’s mandate includes training and research in tourism and hospitality to advance industry skills and knowledge.
HTTI’s comprehensive plan aims to revolutionize Uganda’s tourism sector, ensuring local talent can thrive and compete regionally.
