Sudhir Ruparelia Expands Speke Resort With New World Class Pool Pavilion

By Frank Kamuntu

Speke Resort Munyonyo is preparing to host one of Uganda’s most glamorous New Year’s Eve celebrations as it unveils the Pool Pavilion, a new signature venue set to anchor a night of luxury entertainment, family experiences, and a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Victoria as the country ushers in 2026.

The state-of-the-art facility transforms the resort’s iconic Olympic-sized swimming pool, the only one of its kind in Kampala since its construction in 2000, into a premium entertainment hub. The pavilion features shaded cabanas, infinity-edge water cascades, high-end day beds, and exclusive cocktail service, all overlooking the Lake Victoria skyline.

Designed as the centerpiece of the celebrations, the Pool Pavilion offers an expansive layout and refined décor that promise an immersive and vibrant countdown experience for hundreds of revelers. Early preview images of the venue have already generated excitement among partygoers.

Business mogul Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, Chairman of the Ruparelia Group, described the pavilion as a milestone in the resort’s two-decade transformation from a quiet lakeside village into one of East Africa’s most luxurious hospitality destinations.

“What started as a simple family weekend getaway with a pool under mango trees has grown into a world-class facility that showcases Uganda’s potential,” he said.

Access to the exclusive Pool Pavilion is priced at Shs250,000 for adults and Shs135,000 for children under 12. Guests will enjoy a complimentary welcome drink, a Chef’s Special New Year’s buffet dinner, live band performances, DJ sessions, and a grand fireworks display reflected across the lakeside horizon.

Those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere can opt for the Nyanja/Lake Terrace, offering an elegant lakeside experience at Shs200,000 for adults and Shs90,000 for children. The package includes a buffet dinner, acrobatic and fire-dancer performances, live DJ entertainment, and the signature fireworks show.

Budget-conscious revelers will also be catered for at the Lake Grill, with entry priced at Shs20,000 per person. The venue will be headlined by a live performance from Sheebah, alongside top DJs and a midnight fireworks display.

Guests wishing to extend the festivities can take advantage of festive staycation packages, with room rates starting from USD 176 for a single room. Resort management has encouraged early bookings, noting that the highly anticipated event is expected to sell out.

Since opening in 2001 and gaining global prominence as host of the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Speke Resort Munyonyo has welcomed presidents, global dignitaries, and major international conferences. The new Pool Pavilion is widely regarded as Dr Ruparelia’s latest luxury statement, blending hospitality innovation with aesthetic grandeur as he continues to position Uganda on the international tourism map.