The building stands on a 14 acres (5.7 ha) site that was previously occupied by the state's television stations.

The elevation of the site is approximately 1,240 metres (4,070 ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest points in the city.

[5][6] Because of cash shortages and administrative difficulties, the hotel took much longer to complete, with many missed deadlines and multiple postponements of the opening date.

As of April 2012[update], the total construction bill for the property was estimated at US$150 million (UGX:350 billion), according to Aya Group Chairman Mohammed Hamid.

[12] In December 2013, the Hilton Hotels & Resorts denied rumors that they had pulled out of the deal with the Aya Group due to construction delays.