Business magnate Dr Sudhir Ruparelia has unveiled a new luxury Pool Pavilion at Speke Resort Munyonyo, adding a major attraction to one of Uganda’s most iconic hospitality destinations and raising the bar for lakeside leisure and entertainment along the shores of Lake Victoria this festive season.
The state-of-the-art facility transforms the resort’s famed Olympic-sized swimming pool, Kampala’s only one since 2000, into a contemporary lifestyle and entertainment hub. The upgraded space features shaded cabanas, infinity-style water elements, premium lounge beds and bespoke cocktail service, offering guests a refined, high-end lakeside experience.
Speaking at the unveiling, Dr Ruparelia reflected on the remarkable transformation of Munyonyo over the years. He noted that in the early 2000s the area was largely undeveloped, with the resort beginning as a modest family getaway marked by a small swimming pool nestled among mango trees. Today, it has grown into one of East Africa’s leading luxury hospitality and conferencing destinations.
Spanning an additional 5,000 square feet, the open-air pavilion can accommodate up to 500 guests and is designed to host live music performances, corporate functions, social gatherings and exclusive luxury events. The new facility integrates seamlessly with the resort’s existing sports, wellness and conference infrastructure, positioning it as a versatile venue for both leisure and business engagements. Its launch comes ahead of the festive season and in preparation for a busy 2026 events calendar.
The pavilion’s opening also coincides with the introduction of new seasonal packages aimed at both domestic holidaymakers and international visitors. Tourism analysts believe the development will further enhance Kampala’s appeal as a nightlife and conference destination, supporting Uganda’s ambition of attracting four million tourists annually by 2030.
Environmental advocates have urged continuous monitoring of the project’s impact on Lake Victoria’s ecosystem, particularly the bird habitats within the 90-acre resort grounds. In response, the Ruparelia Group has emphasized that the pavilion is powered by solar energy, operates on zero-waste systems and complies fully with environmental standards set by the Uganda Tourism Board.
