Museveni Welcomes Ethiopian Investment in Tourism in Meeting with Kuriftu Resorts CEO

Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni held discussions with Mr Tadiwos Getachew Belete, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kuriftu Resorts and Spa, during a meeting at State House, Entebbe.

“Uganda is peaceful and has one of the best climates in the world; favorable for all kinds of tourists,” said President Museveni on Tuesday, June 25th, while welcoming Belete’s interest in investing in Uganda’s tourism sector.

According to a release from the Presidential Press Unit (PPU), Belete expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to Uganda’s tourism industry. He outlined his vision for initiatives such as establishing amusement parks within forests and national parks in a manner that preserves the natural environment.

President Museveni speaks to Ethiopian Ambassador H.E Etsegenet Yimenu Bezabih (2nd R) and her delegation during their meeting 25th June 2024

Belete was accompanied by the Ethiopian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, as well as Ms. Adiam Negash, a diplomat in charge of tourism, and Ms. Tigist Bekele, a senior diplomat at the Ethiopian Embassy.

Kuriftu Resorts & Spa Bishoftu, the flagship resort of Belete’s Kuriftu Resorts and Spa, is located on the northern tip of Bishoftu, in Ethiopia. Born from Mr. Belete’s vision to create luxury resort destinations in neighboring cities of the capital, this resort made its mark in 2007 as the first 5-star resort in Ethiopia.

The meeting between President Museveni and Tadiwos Getachew Belete, along with the involvement of Ethiopian diplomats, signifies a strengthening of Uganda-Ethiopia diplomatic relations. With Kuriftu Resorts and Spa’s successful history in Ethiopia, their investment in Uganda could lead to significant advancements in the tourism sector. This can foster closer collaboration in promoting tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations.