Patrick Bitature

The Beginning of Simba Group

The Simba Group started in 1998 with its flagship business, ‘Simba Telecom’. This was also the year in which Simba Telecom Uganda entered an exclusive relationship with MTN Uganda. Simba Telecom would later grow to be the largest mobile phone airtime distributor in East Africa and the largest retail chain in East Africa with over 100 non-franchise retail outlets.

Simba Telecom expands into Tanzania

Simba Telecom entered an exclusive relationship with the largest mobile network in Tanzania, Vodacom.

Simba Telecom expands into Kenya

Simba Telecom entered an exclusive relationship with the largest mobile network in Kenya, Safaricom.

Simba Telecom enters partnership with Nokia

Simba Telecom was appointed the Nokia distributor for Uganda.

Nokia gives Simba Telecom an award

Simba Telecom is awarded best dealer of Nokia phones.

Electro-maxx was launched

Electro-maxx (U) Ltd which was incorporated on 4th July 200, is a 50MW Thermal plant producing and distributing energy to the Government.

Simba Group launches Protea Hotel, Kampala

Protea Hotel Kampala is a four-star hotel located in upmarket Kololo, Kampala district. Protea was opened in November 2007 with a capacity of 71 rooms and large conference facilities. It quickly built loyalty with business travellers and conference businesses. Protea Hotel Kampala holds the master franchise for Protea Hotels Uganda and developments in the rest of the East Africa region

Appointed to the Board of the Uganda Investment Authority(UIA)

In March 2007, I was appointed as the Chairman Board of Directors, Uganda Investment Authority (UIA). Upon taking on this position UIA made strides in promoting investment opportunities in the country for both local and internationally to become a customer-centric organisation.

Appointed to the Board of Umeme

In September 2007, I became the Chairman Board of Directors, Umeme Uganda Limited– the country’s sole electricity distribution company. As part of the turnaround plan to improve Umeme’s operations in the last year’s Umeme has significantly dropped yield losses.

Appointed as Chairman of The Presidential Investment Round Table

In May 2007 I was appointed as the Chairman, The Presidential Investment Round Table- a think tank of Private Sector leaders and H.E the President of the Republic of Uganda.

Appointed as Board Member, Traidlinks Limited

In October 2007, I was appointed as a Board Member of Traidlinks Limited: an Irish non-profit focused on improving the productivity that promotes the growth of SME for Public-Private Partnership. Brought on Board for strategic insight into Uganda’s economy and support for operations.

Appointed as Chairman of Ndege Premier Aviation Company

In 2009, I was appointed as the Chairman of Ndege Premier Aviation Company. The company offers charter services for light flying planes.

Appointed as Director, CURE Children’s Home Uganda

In May 2010, I was appointed as Director, CURE Children’s Home Uganda: - First paediatric neurosurgical hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa was established in 2000. Cure Hospital is a speciality teaching hospital focused on treating the neurosurgical needs of children with an emphasis on Hydrocephalus, neural tubes such as spina bifida, and brain tumours. Cure Hospital has emerged as the global leader and centre of excellence for the treatment, management of children transforming many lives and continuing to do tremendous work on a shoestring budget.

Appointed Honorary Consul, Australian Consulate in Uganda

In December 2010, I was appointed the Honorary Consul, Australian Consulate in Uganda. My role as Honorary Consul is to promote and enhance the relationships between our nations, as well fostering trade and investments both in Uganda and Australia.

Appointed as Board Member, Wananchi Group Holdings Limited (ZUKU Satellite Pay Tv Uganda)

In July 2011, I was appointed as Board Member, Wananchi Group Holdings Limited (ZUKU Satellite Pay Tv Uganda)- an East African brand that targets the modern African consumer and aspires to bring superior quality and meaningful entertainment experience.

Simba Telecom grows and accumulated more accolades

Simba Telecom Kenya received an award for being the best performing dealer of Mpesa as well as being the 1st Runner up as the Best Performing Dealer in Airtime Sales.

Became the Patron of The Alliance of Mayors & Municipal Leaders on HIV/AIDS in Africa (AMICAALL)

In August 2012, I was appointed the Patron of The Alliance of Mayors & Municipal Leaders on HIV/AIDS in Africa (AMICAALL)– assists with resource mobilisation, promote the organisation by way of fundraising activities, charities, public relations and advocacy.

Became a Patron, Australian Alumni Association

I was appointed in March 2013 to become a Patron of the Australian Alumni Association Uganda: - To act as a platform through which Members of the Association can network and interact as a group for mutual benefit, assist Members of the Association to build on or enhance, the qualifications and experience gained by Members of the Association from Australia through training workshops and other post-qualification education opportunities and to promote relations between Ugandans and Australians through consular, business, social and cultural activities and projects.

Awarded an Honorary Doctorate

In 2013, I was awarded an honorary doctorate by the United Graduate College and Seminary International, based in Asheville, North Carolina.

In September 2013 stepped down as Chairman Board of Directors, Uganda Investment Authority (UIA).

Appointed as the Chairman of Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU)

I was appointed as the Chairman Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU): Uganda’s apex body for the private sector. It is made up of 175 business associations, corporate bodies and the major public sector agencies that support private sector growth.

Appointed as a Board Member, Uganda Reinsurance Company

In May 2015, I was appointed as a Board Member, Uganda Reinsurance Company, Uganda’s first and only reinsurance company.

Skyz Hotel opens atop the hills of Naguru.

Skyz Hotel was opened in 2017. It is a newly built Four –Star Hotel located atop the highest hill in Kampala (Naguru) with a capacity of 140 rooms.

Appointed as a Board Member, Mulago National Referral Hospital

In September 2021, I was appointed as a Member of the Board of the Mulago National Referral Hospital where I hope to use my business acumen to bring business-oriented solutions to problems in the areas such as customer service and construction.

Where I Am Today

Simba Group is now a conglomerate of East African companies spanning telecommunications, Hospitality, Real Estate, Energy, Agriculture, Oil & Gas, and the most recent Healthcare products. He is also the Honorary consul, of the Australian Consulate in Uganda. I serve as the Chairman board of directors Umeme Uganda Ltd, the country’s main energy distributor as well as Chairman Uganda Tourism Board Steering Committee. He also previously served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Private Sector Foundation (PSFU), Uganda Reinsurance, Ndege Premier Aviation Company, Traidlinks Limited and The Presidential Investment Round Table.