Jean Byamugisha, CEO – Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA)
Uganda’s hospitality industry stands at a pivotal moment. As global travel patterns shift and guest expectations become increasingly tech-driven, hotel operators must reimagine how they do business — not just to stay relevant, but to thrive.
Today’s traveler, whether local or international, expects a seamless, digital-first experience: easy online bookings, secure cashless payments, real-time communication, and responsive service. To meet these expectations, we must move beyond manual processes and adopt smart, scalable solutions.
That’s why I’m excited about Reserveport by Pesapal, a groundbreaking hotel reservation and payment platform developed with the realities of African markets in mind.
Why Reserveport is a Game-Changer for Ugandan Hotels
Unlike many imported platforms that fail to address our local needs, Reserveport has been designed specifically for African/Ugandan hospitality businesses. It offers a collection of features that solve real challenges our members face every day:
Direct Online Bookings
Hotels can now take bookings straight from their websites and social media pages, reducing over-reliance on Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and improving profitability.
Instant Mobile & Card Payments
Through integration with Pesapal, hotels can seamlessly accept payments via MTN MoMo, Airtel Money, Visa, and Mastercard — giving guests the flexibility they expect while improving hotel cash flow.
Centralized Dashboard
Hotel owners and managers can now view and manage all bookings, cancellations, payments, and guest communications from one dashboard, simplifying operations and saving time.
Multi-Currency Support
As Uganda continues to attract international travelers, the ability to accept and process payments in multiple currencies is a significant competitive advantage.
Offline Mode
Even in areas with unreliable internet, Reserveport continues to function, a critical feature for hotels in remote locations.
Whether you operate a boutique lodge in Bwindi or a business hotel in Kampala, the platform offers equal access to world-class digital tools.
At UHOA, we have long advocated for technology that lifts the entire sector not just the top-tier. Reserveport is doing exactly that. It brings modern capabilities to small and mid-sized hotels, helping them improve visibility, efficiency, and guest satisfaction without requiring massive investment in IT infrastructure.
The Bigger Picture: A Digitally Ready Hospitality Sector
As Uganda positions itself as a must-visit destination in Africa, from hosting major sports events like CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027 to expanding regional tourism partnerships, digital readiness will be critical. Technology platforms like Reserveport are no longer “nice to have” — they are essential infrastructure for growth, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability. At UHOA, we are committed to supporting digital transformation for our over 700 member hotels.
Final Thoughts
The future of hospitality in Uganda is smart, seamless, and guest-centric and that future starts now. I encourage hotel owners, general managers, and tourism stakeholders to explore Reserveport and experience firsthand how it can streamline operations and enhance guest experience.
Ugandan hotels have the talent, the charm, and the potential. Let’s give them the tools to shine in a digital world.
