On July 16, 1997, Hotel Africana officially opened in Kampala, marking a significant milestone for Uganda's hospitality industry and locally owned enterprise.

The hotel was inaugurated by President Museveni, with businessman Hajj Bulaimu Muwanga Kibirige (BMK) realising his vision of building a premier Ugandan hotel at a time when the sector was largely dominated by foreign brands.

Located along Wampewo Avenue in Kololo, Hotel Africana began as a modest 40-room motel. Through continuous reinvestment and phased expansion, it grew into one of Uganda's leading four-star hotels, boasting more than 230 rooms and serviced apartments, over 14 conference halls, and a convention centre capable of hosting more than 3,000 delegates.

BMK's strategy focused on serving Uganda's growing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) market, making the hotel a preferred venue for government events, international conferences, corporate meetings, weddings, and major entertainment events.

Its location next to Kampala Golf Club and continued investment in facilities further strengthened its appeal to business and leisure travellers.

The success of Hotel Africana also laid the foundation for the expansion of the Africana brand, with properties later established in Moroto and Lusaka, Zambia, cementing BMK's legacy as one of Uganda's pioneering indigenous hotel developers.