How Uganda’s Oldest Restaurant Has Survived for Over 40 Years - AND IS STILL GOING STRONG!

In this episode of CEO Insights Uganda, we talk to Moses Calvin Byarugaba, the CEO of Kembabazi Catering Centre - Uganda’s oldest family-owned restaurant, now celebrating an incredible 44 years of continuous operation. Founded in 1981 by Eleanor Kembabazi Byarugaba, this legendary institution has not only outlived political regimes - it has fed presidents, hosted generations of families, and become a beloved cornerstone of Uganda’s culinary and cultural identity. Moses takes us behind the curtains of this enduring brand, sharing how his family built and preserved a hospitality empire through war, economic shifts, and changing times. Today, Kembabazi is more than just a restaurant—it's the heart of a growing business ecosystem that spans events, farming, retail, wellness, and catering. Join us as Moses opens up about how he and his siblings are sustaining a multi-generational enterprise, the challenges of transformation, and the bold vision shaping Kembabazi’s next chapter. This is one story you don’t want to miss. *Are you a Business Owner, Corporate Leader, or someone with a story others need to hear? We would love to feature you on our show! Contact us today via WhatsApp at +1 469 278 1138 or call +256 704 233 306.* *BUY ME COFFEE* https://buymeacoffee.com/supportceoinsightsuganda *Episode Chapters* 00:00 Intro 03:04 The Kembabazi origin story 16:00 When he knew Kembabazi had become a household name in Uganda 19:10 How Kembabazi has grown over the years 21:46 The impact of fast food chains on Kembabazi's business 29:20 Moses' professional background 35:35 Toughest time ever at Kembabazi 40:48 First big contract 50:00 Kembabazi's work in the Oil and Gas sector in Hoima 53:00 Myths that newcomers in the industry take for granted, yet are not true. 1:01:25 The Event that has given him the biggest moment of pride 1:05:10 Franchising opportunities for Kembabazi 1:06:45 Kembabazi branches in the country 1:14:50 Next chapter for Kembabazi 1:19:35 Kembabazi designated as a Uganda Tourist Site? 1:23:45 Advice for someone who wants to set up a restaurant business today 1:31:05 Business decision he wishes he had made sooner 1:34:50 Meals served per day and staff size 1:36:30 Legacy he wants to leave for Kembabazi 1:38:15 Rapid-fire question session *Enjoyed the show? Leave us a quick Google Review by clicking this link: https://g.page/r/CafSlD2tp1QZEAI/review. It helps us grow and reach more inspiring leaders.* CEO Insights Uganda with Herbert Rwabugahya is Uganda's number one business podcast. As the most watched and fastest growing Ugandan podcast, it continues to dominate the charts across YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every major streaming platform. Consistently ranked as the best podcast in Uganda, CEO Insights Uganda brings the country’s vibrant business and leadership landscape to life through powerful storytelling, raw success stories, and real-life insights that inspire action. At its core, CEO Insights Uganda is not just a podcast—it is the voice of Uganda’s transformation. Each week, host Herbert Rwabugahya engages in compelling, unfiltered conversations with Uganda’s most influential CEOs, startup founders, policymakers, investors, creatives, and visionaries. These are not scripted interviews; they are immersive dialogues that peel back the curtain on the innovations, failures, comebacks, leadership decisions, and strategic pivots that are shaping Uganda’s future. From Kampala to Gulu, from the diaspora to the boardroom, CEO Insights Uganda stands unmatched as Uganda’s number one business podcast for meaningful, relevant, and motivational content. Whether you’re searching for a “Uganda podcast,” “top Ugandan podcast on YouTube,” “Kampala business podcasts,” “East African entrepreneurship podcast,” or “CEO interviews Uganda,” this is the show that consistently delivers. If you’ve ever looked up content like the Lynn Ngugi Show, The Diary of a CEO podcast, The Ugandan Boy Talk Show, or wanted to know how to start a business in Uganda, you’ve now found your ultimate destination. CEO Insights Uganda is where Uganda’s best ideas meet Uganda’s brightest minds, creating a platform that educates, challenges, and empowers its listeners in every episode. Our topics span across the most pressing and exciting sectors today—technology and innovation, public health leadership, political transformation, real estate investing in Uganda, agribusiness, youth entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, finance and banking, investment opportunities in Uganda, and beyond. CEO Insights Uganda podcast is especially tailored for audiences both inside and outside Uganda who are curious about the nation’s development path, leadership evolution, and business potential.