UGANDA, Munyonyo | Real Muloodi News | The Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) has urged government agencies and ministries to actively promote the Speke Resort convention centre, both domestically and internationally.
Patrick Birungi, the executive director of UDC, emphasised the significance of marketing the centre as a key tourism and conference infrastructure, highlighting its potential to attract foreign earnings and position Uganda as a global conference destination.
The convention centre recently hosted the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the G77+ China summit in January.
Speaking to the media following an inspection of the facility, Birungi stated that while the primary purpose of the centre was to host the NAM and G77 summit, it is currently available for various events, meetings, and conferences.
He emphasised the importance of attracting business to the convention centre, urging stakeholders to actively promote and market it both locally and internationally.
“The main purpose of this centre was to host the NAM and G77+ China summit, but currently, the centre is not in use.
The facility is currently available for meetings, conferences, and other events from both within Uganda and globally,” Birungi said, emphasising the need to leverage the centre’s capacity to host large-scale gatherings.
With a seating capacity of 3,800 people in both the gallery and main hall, Birungi highlighted that the Speke Resort convention centre is the largest of its kind in the region, offering unparalleled facilities for hosting various conferences and events.
Birungi also revealed that UDC holds a 50% stake in the convention centre, with the remaining shares owned by Meera Investment Limited, a company under the Ruparelia Group.
Sudhir Ruparelia, chairman of the Ruparelia Group of companies, recounted the challenges and commitment involved in the construction of the convention centre.
He emphasised the dedication of his family members, including Sheena Ruparelia, who spent six months sleeping at the construction site to ensure timely completion.
“When the construction of the convention centre started in 2023, almost no one believed that it would be completed on time. My family and I had to personally oversee the construction, with some of us sleeping at the site for months,” Sudhir Ruparelia revealed, emphasising the family’s commitment to the project.
He further explained the extensive efforts involved in importing construction materials, furniture, and other essentials, highlighting the family’s dedication to ensuring the success of the project.
Sudhir Ruparelia also stressed the importance of marketing the convention centre to attract events and conferences, citing the efforts of neighbouring countries in promoting similar facilities.
“Our neighboring countries are actively marketing their convention centres, and we must do the same to ensure that this centre reaches its full potential,” Sudhir Ruparelia emphasised, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to position the Speke Resort convention centre as a premier destination for conferences and events.
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