Hotel Next Masaka : Croissance rapide et succès dans l’hôtellerie

Ugandan Entrepreneur’s Hotel Expansion Signals Growth Beyond Kampala

Masaka, Uganda – As Uganda’s 2026/2027 financial year approaches, a rapidly expanding hotel in Masaka City is becoming a symbol of economic diversification and entrepreneurial success beyond the capital, Kampala. Hotel Next, owned by engineer-turned-entrepreneur Sotius Ssegawa, is undergoing a major expansion just two years after its initial opening, reflecting a growing confidence in regional investment.

Masaka City is experiencing a surge in commercial and administrative activity, fueled by improved infrastructure and a rising population. The ongoing redevelopment of the Masaka Recreation Grounds, slated to accommodate 15,000 people upon completion of its second phase, is anticipated to further boost tourism and events in the area.

Ssegawa’s journey began with a Diploma in Electrical Engineering and a venture into importing electrical accessories from China. He later founded Segken Services in 2006, specializing in solar installations and electrical work, securing contracts with major Ugandan companies including Airtel Uganda, Umeme, and the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL). These experiences, coupled with further studies in Information Technology and Project Planning and Management, provided a solid foundation for his hospitality ambitions.

“I have a journey to walk and create a difference in the hotel business in Masaka City and Uganda. That is my driving factor,” Ssegawa stated.

Despite the perceived risks associated with bank loans in Uganda, Ssegawa strategically combined personal savings with financing to build Hotel Next, which opened on July 1, 2023. The hotel currently features 34 fully furnished rooms with rates ranging from approximately Shs250,000 to Shs300,000, placing it in the mid-to-upper segment of the regional market. It also boasts two conference halls capable of hosting 200 and 250 guests, alongside a restaurant offering both local and international cuisine.

The current expansion will add 45 rooms, including presidential suites, a swimming pool, and a modern health club, significantly increasing the hotel’s capacity.

Beyond the business itself, Ssegawa is known within the community for his support of local initiatives, including contributions to centenary celebrations at St Theresa Bwanda Girls Secondary School. Florence Owa Maria, a local resident, noted Ssegawa’s belief that “business must uplift not only the owner but also the surrounding community.”

Hotel Next’s success story offers lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing calculated risk-taking, the value of a technical background, the importance of networking, and the integration of social responsibility into business operations. The hotel’s growth underscores the potential for regional cities like Masaka to attract modern, high-standard facilities and contribute to Uganda’s broader economic development.

Hotel Next Limited can be found online at https://www.hotelnextltd.com/ and on Booking.com https://www.booking.com/hotel/ug/next-masaka.html.