95% of AFCON 2027 Road PAPs in Hoima, Kikuube consent to works

Hoima: The Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, has said 95 per cent of people affected by the AFCON 2027 road projects in Hoima City and Kikuube District have consented to the works, as government moves to resolve compensation disputes that have threatened construction in some areas.

Byamukama made the revelation on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while inspecting progress on the 11.7-kilometre Kinogozi-Buhimba Road project, one of the roads being upgraded to support Uganda’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He commended residents in the Bunyoro sub-region for offering land to facilitate infrastructure development, saying the projects would improve connectivity and support economic growth.

Government plans to upgrade 43.8 kilometres of roads at a cost of Shs90.8 billion under the AFCON 2027 infrastructure programme.

The projects include the 7.8-kilometre Dr Rujumba, Masindi Diversion and Hoima City roads; the 12-kilometre Mparo Bypass; the 11.7-kilometre Kinogozi-Buhimba Road; and 12 kilometres of pedestrian facilities in Hoima and Masindi.

During the inspection, Byamukama also engaged project-affected persons (PAPs) in Kyakabubi, Kyarwiru and other areas of Hoima East Division, where some residents had opposed construction over compensation claims.

The minister’s visit followed disruptions by residents demanding compensation, with some PAPs taking the government to court over the matter.

Hoima City Woman MP Asinansi Nyakato Kamanda welcomed the minister’s intervention, saying direct engagement with affected residents could help resolve the disagreements and allow construction to continue.

Nyakato attributed the disputes partly to an information gap between government and the affected communities.

She urged government to work closely with local leaders when implementing infrastructure projects to ensure residents understand the compensation process and other project requirements.

Hoima East Division MP Patrick Isingoma Mwesigwa Obama also called for dialogue with residents who have compensation concerns.

He said those seeking compensation should be given an opportunity to present their grievances so that the responsible authorities can establish what action is necessary.

Contractor cites high fuel prices

Isaac Ibanda, a local contractor working under MUGA Services Ltd, which is constructing the 11.7-kilometre Kinogozi-Buhimba Road at a cost of Shs26.7 billion, said equipment had been mobilised and construction was progressing.

Ibanda said work covering the different pavement layers was ongoing but identified high fuel prices as one of the challenges affecting operations.

Byamukama commended the contractor and the technical team for the progress made, urging them to maintain the pace and deliver quality work within the planned seven-month period.

He said the improved road network would ease movement and strengthen connections between communities and economic centres in the region.

Minister urges residents to embrace opportunities

The State Minister for Bunyoro Affairs, Grace Mary Mugasa, said the AFCON 2027 road projects would stimulate economic activity and create opportunities for residents to earn income.

She encouraged communities to prepare to benefit from the expected increase in business activity associated with the infrastructure developments.

Mugasa said the projects would also include pedestrian walkways and street lighting, which are expected to improve safety and accessibility.

Meanwhile, Expedito Isingoma, a resident of Kyarwiru in Hoima East Division, has offered more than 200 metres of his land to facilitate road improvement works ahead of AFCON 2027.

His contribution comes amid disagreements between some residents and government over land acquisition and compensation.

The road projects form part of Uganda’s broader preparations to host AFCON 2027, with improved transport infrastructure expected to support movement, urban development and economic activity in the host areas.

Authorities are expected to continue engaging affected residents to address outstanding concerns and ensure construction proceeds alongside efforts to improve the road network in Hoima and Kikuube.

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