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 together with a presentation on Axis Hotels’ multi-year expansion across Uganda.
The expansion combines refreshed governance and a clear rollout that will scale an asset-light mix of new build and conversion properties, introduce destination-led food and beverage concepts, and embed transparent sustainability standards across operations.
Priority areas include water stewardship in the Lake Victoria basin, solar generation, rainwater harvesting and reuse, responsible waste management, and Uganda first hiring and training.
The development pipeline spans Kampala, Entebbe, and national park gateways, with staged openings beginning next season.
The programme also includes a flagship city hotel in central Kampala, a lakeside property near Entebbe, and nature focused lodges serving Murchison Falls and Bwindi.
Guest experience will center on thoughtful service, wellness programming, and chef driven dining that showcases Ugandan produce, coffee, and freshwater cuisine.
A straightforward plan
As Kassis-Mohamed explains: “Our Uganda strategy is straightforward: build intelligently, operate transparently, and create value that lasts for guests, partners, and communities. We will combine disciplined capital deployment with local talent development so growth strengthens livelihoods and protects the natural environment.”
Axis Hotels chief executive Diana Nsubuga added: “This plan aligns board oversight with measured expansion. We will open where infrastructure and ecology support long term success, and we will publish clear progress against our environmental and training commitments.”
Axis Hotels will measure energy use, water recovery and reuse, local employment, and waste diversion as core metrics.
Properties will prioritise solar where viable, invest in water treatment and greywater systems, reduce single use plastics, and source from local farmers, fisheries, and artisans.
A training academy in Kampala will offer pathways for Ugandan team members in culinary, hospitality operations, and conservation support roles.
The first properties are expected to welcome guests during the 2025 to 2026 season, followed by additional openings based on site readiness and community consultation.
The portfolio will balance city stays, lakeside leisure, and nature focused retreats to serve both celebratory and extended travel.
