At 75 years, Ephraim Charles Kwizera stands as a living testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and uncompromising integrity in Uganda’s competitive real estate industry. PHOTO/EDGAR R BATTE
At 75 years, Ephraim Charles Kwizera stands as a living testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and uncompromising integrity in Uganda's competitive real estate industry. His remarkable journey from the misty hills of Kisoro to becoming the proud owner of Victoria View Boutique Hotel in the prestigious Kigo neighbourhood should be a masterclass in strategic property development.
Roots of a visionary
Kwizera's story begins in the breathtaking landscapes of southwestern Uganda, where the Virunga Mountains meet the lush forests of Mgahinga National Park. Born to uneducated but forward-thinking parents in Kisoro District, Kwizera’s childhood taught him environmental stewardship that would later define his architectural philosophy. "You could not cut my father's trees, no matter how many stood on our land," he recalls with visible pride.
This profound respect for nature would become the cornerstone of all his future developments.After completing his education, Kwizera spent fifteen years as a financial accountant before branching into real estate. "I needed to build something tangible, something that would outlast me," he explains.
In the 1980s, he took his first tentative steps into property development with residential rentals, learning the trade through hands-on experience rather than formal training. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for what would become an extraordinary second career.
The birth of Honest Construction
Kwizera's decision to name his company Honest Construction Company was more than just branding; it was a declaration of principles. "In our industry, shortcuts and compromises are everywhere," he observes. "I wanted my work to stand for something different."
This commitment to integrity would be tested repeatedly as he navigated Uganda's challenging construction environment, where counterfeit materials and unreliable contractors routinely derail projects.
The veteran developer speaks candidly about the obstacles he faced: "Between escalating material costs and predatory lending rates, where a Shs10m loan balloons to Shs50m in repayments, every project becomes an act of faith." His solution was characteristically hands-on.
Kwizera immersed himself in the technical aspects of construction, mastering material specifications and building ratios. "You cannot delegate quality control," he asserts. "I needed to understand every detail to ensure my projects met my standards."
Joining the hospitality industry
First conceived in 2004, the project saw him acquire land in then-remote Kigo in 2008 for Shs250m; a sum that required selling personal assets and securing loans. Today, that same acreage commands Shs1.5b, validating his foresight about the area's potential.
What makes Kwizera's hotel truly remarkable is its organic evolution. For twelve years, he lived on-site in what was originally conceived as a family home, personally supervising construction while refining his vision. "I wanted every room to have a view worth waking up to," he says, gesturing toward Lake Victoria's shimmering expanse.
This attention to detail extends to the hotel's innovative natural cooling system; high ceilings and strategic ventilation that eliminate the need for energy-intensive air conditioning.
True to his Kisoro roots, the developer designed the property as a sanctuary where built environments coexist harmoniously with nature.
Nature as co-architect
True to his Kisoro roots, Kwizera designed the property as a sanctuary where built environments coexist harmoniously with nature. Mature trees were preserved and incorporated into the layout, their canopies providing shade while hosting vibrant birdlife. "The sound of birdsong was part of my childhood," he reflects. "I wanted guests to experience that same serenity."
This environmental ethos extends to the hotel's water conservation systems and energy-efficient lighting; features that were visionary when implemented and now set industry standards.The hotel's expansion from its original six rooms to twenty demonstrates Kwizera's measured approach to growth. "I believe in sustainable scaling," he explains.
"Each phase had to be perfected before moving to the next." This patience has paid dividends, with the boutique hotel earning a reputation for personalized service and architectural integrity that belies its modest size.
Legacy
Perhaps Kwizera's most enduring contribution lies in his investment in Uganda's next generation of construction professionals. He speaks proudly of the young architects, artists, and tradespeople who contributed to the hotel's unique character. "Talent is everywhere in Uganda," he observes. "What is often missing are opportunities."
By commissioning local artisans for interior designs and collaborating with young architects such as Raymond Mwendwa, Kwizera has created a blueprint for intergenerational knowledge transfer in Uganda's construction sector.
With plans of adding twenty more rooms to the property, Kwizera remains characteristically focused on quality over quantity. "This is not about building the biggest hotel," he clarifies. "It is about creating something truly special that honours our Ugandan heritage while meeting international standards." His plans include expanding conference facilities to host cultural events that showcase Uganda's rich artistic traditions.
Standing on the hotel's terrace as the sun sets over Lake Victoria, Kwizera reflects on his improbable journey: "They said I was too old to start this when I was 60. Now at 75, I am planning our next expansion." His smile says what words cannot, that for those willing to build with care and conscience, the best projects often come later in life, when experience and vision converge to create something truly extraordinary.
LOCATION
Nestled in the tranquil neighbourhood of Kigo, the Victoria View Boutique Hotel offers an idyllic escape with breathtaking panoramas of Lake Victoria. Perfectly positioned away from the city’s hustle and bustle, this charming retreat provides peaceful rural serenity while remaining conveniently close to urban conveniences.
Whether you are unwinding by the lakeshore, soaking in the lush surroundings, or taking a short trip to explore nearby city attractions, the hotel strikes the perfect balance between seclusion and accessibility.
