In light of its ongoing expansion into the African continent, Thailand-based hospitality firm Axis Hotels has appointed Saad Kassis-Mohamed as its new chairman of the board.

Kassis-Mohamed’s appointment was announced alongside a presentation detailing Axis Hotels’ multi-year expansion across Uganda. This expansion features refreshed governance and a strategic rollout that will incorporate a lightweight approach, combining new constructions with conversion properties, and introducing destination-led food and beverage concepts while maintaining sustainable practices.

Key focus areas involve water stewardship in the Lake Victoria basin, solar energy integration, rainwater harvesting, responsible waste management, and prioritizing local hiring and training.

The planned development pipeline includes openings in Kampala, Entebbe, and key national park gateways, with initial openings slated for the next season. The program will also introduce a key city hotel in central Kampala, a lakeside property near Entebbe, and lodges focusing on nature tourism at Murchison Falls and Bwindi.

Guest experiences will focus on attentive service, wellness activities, and culinary offerings that highlight Ugandan products, coffee, and aquatic cuisine.

A straightforward plan

As Kassis-Mohamed articulates: “Our Uganda strategy is straightforward: build intelligently, operate transparently, and create lasting value for guests, partners, and communities. Growth will help local livelihoods while safeguarding the environment.”

Diana Nsubuga, the CEO of Axis Hotels, remarked: “This strategy aligns board oversight with measured expansion. We will only open in locations where infrastructure and environmental factors favor long-term success, publishing our progress toward environmental and training goals.”

Axis Hotels will track metrics such as energy use, water recovery and reuse, local employment rates, and waste reduction. There will be an emphasis on solar energy where feasible, investments in water treatment systems, and a substantial reduction in single-use plastics while sourcing from local farmers, fisheries, and craftspeople.

A new training academy in Kampala will provide pathways for Ugandan team members in culinary arts, hospitality operations, and conservation support roles. The initial properties are expected to greet guests during the 2025-2026 season, with more openings to follow, contingent on site readiness and community input.

The portfolio aims to strike a balance between urban stays, lakeside retreats, and nature-centric escape venues, catering to both celebratory and extended travel.