His transition from being a medical doctor to a real estate mogul is a testament to Dr Dan Twebaze’s versatility, whose hard work will forever be etched in the history of Uganda. He is a businessman of many colours, who has gone all the way to change Kampala’s real estate landscape. However, it has not been all smooth for him. He has had to fight some battles to pursue a larger than life dream, some of which he has won, but also lost some.
In July 2023, Dr Dan Twebaze won a bruising court battle that had threatened his entry into the hospitality sector.
In details filed against the National Building Review Board in 2022, Dr Twebaze successfully challenged a decision that had halted his Twed Property Development project in the upscale Kampala suburbs of Nakasero on two plots on Kyadondo and Lourdel road.
The project was halted after the National Building Review Board received complaints from Caleb Kakuyo and Doreen Sandra Rwabubuyu. They protested the construction of the hotel and office space building over alleged safety violations.
However, after almost a year, Justice Musa Ssekaana, of the Civil Division of the High Court, ruled in favour of Dr Twebaze, faulting the National Building Review Board of failing to give Twed Property Development a fair hearing when it accused the company before the State House-Anti Court Unit of safety violations and transgression, before subsequently issuing an order to stop building operations.
Whereas Dr Twebaze successfully argued against the illegal halting of the project, for almost a year, it had stood in the way of a hotel franchise between Hilton International and Twed Property Development.
However, more than a year later, the project has moved on in earnest from the court mess and will usher Dr Twebaze and TwedProperty Development into the hotel and hospitality sector, in addition to mega projects under Twed.
Who is Dr Twebaze?
He is a dynamic businessman who has successfully etched his background in medicine with the world of real estate development to create one of Uganda’s most influential property empires.
At 55, his multifaceted expertise spans medicine, public health, business management, and urban development, making him a unique figure, not on in the real estate landscape, but in Uganda as a whole.
He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and a Master of Public Health, both from Makerere University.
He also holds an MBA from Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute and a diploma in Urban Management and Governance from the Uganda Management Institute.
His medical training provided him with a strong analytical mindset, while his additional qualifications laid the foundation for his entry into urban development and business management.
Before venturing into the private sector, Dr Twebaze served for six years at Kampala City Council (now Kampala Capital City Authority). During that time, he specialised in urban and business management, contributing to large-scale infrastructure projects funded by international agencies such as AFD (French Government) and BTC (Belgian Government).
This experience laid the groundwork for his later success in real estate development, equipping him with the skills necessary to manage large urban projects effectively.
A pioneer in Uganda’s real estate development
Dr Twebaze’s entry into real estate began in 1993 when he identified a significant gap in the market for affordable, high-quality housing for young professionals and small families.
With limited resources, but a disciplined approach, he successfully developed a 26-flat housing project targeting life starters, earning him a strong reputation within Uganda’s financial community for delivering projects on time and with efficiency.
Uganda to host WFP Global Fleet Hub, establish unique humanitarian platesAs Uganda’s economy began to recover from the effects of war and civil unrest in the late 80s and early 90s, Dr Twebaze saw further opportunities for development.
He recognized the increasing demand for quality office space in Kampala’s Central Business District and capitalised on this by expanding his portfolio into commercial real estate.
The evolution of TWED and success in real estate
Dr Twebaze’s real estate business evolved into TWED (TwebazeReal Estate Development) and has since become one of Uganda’s leading property development companies.
He has enriched expertise in real estate based on his involvement in equity, capital markets and telecoms, where he held a 15% stake in sim4U, a telecom value-added services company, in 2002.
This experience deepened his understanding of medium-sized enterprise management and further shaped his approach to business.
Since its inception, TWED has developed a series of projects, including residential, commercial, hospitality, warehousing, and retail properties.
The company’s portfolio has grown to include high-profile properties such as TWED Plaza, TWED Towers, TWED Heights and Hilton Hotel, and a Warehouse and Logistics Centre in Kampala.
These developments have significantly contributed to Kampala’s infrastructure and urban landscape.
Leadership
In 2010, Dr Twebaze began professionalising and enhancing the governance structures within TWED, which culminated in the establishment of a five-member board in 2014.
Under his leadership, the company has grown into a well-respected and dynamic player in Uganda’s real estate market.
With an estimated net worth of $120m, TWED has earned a reputation for providing tailored real estate solutions to some of the largest national and international corporations, NGOs, parastatals, and public institutions.
Dr Twebaze’s success story is not only one of business acumen but also a demonstration of how visionary leadership can transform urban landscapes.
His deep understanding of the local context and market requirements has allowed TWED to deliver projects that meet the evolving needs of both local and international clients and his ability to identify and fill market gaps, combined with his efficient project delivery, and has been key to the company’s sustained growth.
Today, Dr Twebaze stands as a prominent figure in Uganda’s real estate industry, with an empire that continues to expand and shape the future of the country’s urban development.
His journey from being a medical doctor to a real estate mogul reflects his versatility, determination, and commitment to contributing to Uganda’s development.
