Govt earmarks Shs102 billion for hotel upgrades in Bunyoro ahead of AFCON 2027
Barugahara also commended the government for supporting hotel owners with access to affordable financing to fast-track construction and renovation works ahead of the tournament.
Masindi: The Government of Uganda has earmarked Shs102billion for the upgrade and rehabilitation of hotels in the Bunyoro sub-region to four- and five-star standards, as the country prepares to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The development was revealed by Rogers Byamukama, Marketing Executive at the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), who is leading a team of Local Organizing Committee tasked with identifying suitable accommodation facilities for teams that will be based in Hoima.
On Monday, the team commenced inspections of hotels across Bunyoro to assess their readiness to host players, officials, and fans during the continental tournament.
Speaking on Wednesday evening after completing inspections in Masindi Municipality, Byamukama said the funds will support both the construction of new facilities and the upgrading of existing hospitality infrastructure to meet international standards.
He explained that Shs50 billion has been allocated for the construction of a new hotel between Kabalega Airport and Hoima City Stadium, while Shs30 billion will go towards upgrading selected hotels that will host teams and officials. An additional Shs22 billion has been set aside for improving facilities that will accommodate fans.
Byamukama further revealed that government plans include tarmacking key roads leading to Hoima City Stadium, as well as expanding health infrastructure at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and Masindi General Hospital. The upgrades will include the construction of casualty units, outpatient departments (OPDs), inpatient wards, and high-dependency units, alongside equipping the facilities.
He added that the inspection exercise will guide the identification of service providers, including hotels, tour guides, and tourism operators, urging residents to prepare to benefit from opportunities that will come with AFCON.
Meanwhile,Dr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, State Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and proprietor of a five-star hotel under construction in Masindi, welcomed the government’s investment in sports infrastructure. He noted that Cabinet recently approved the AFCON budget, describing it as a transformative step for the country.
Barugahara also commended the government for supporting hotel owners with access to affordable financing to fast-track construction and renovation works ahead of the tournament.
Rahim Muhamad, an administrator at Masindi Hotel, said that although the facility is a heritage site and its structure cannot be significantly altered, there is sufficient space for expansion to accommodate guests during AFCON.
Byamukama said a comprehensive report from the inspection exercise will be compiled and submitted to the Minister of Education and Sports, Jane Kataha Museveni.
Harrison Musinguzi, chairperson of the Bunyoro Sports Association, noted that the availability of high-quality accommodation is a key requirement by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), as it directly affects the comfort and performance of players during the tournament.
James Wakisa, chairperson of hotel owners in Bunyoro, expressed optimism, noting that being selected to host AFCON teams would significantly boost business and visibility in the region. “We are ready to meet the required standards. This is a chance for us to grow and to put Hoima on the map,” Wakisa said.
Uganda, alongside Kenya and Tanzania, is set to co-host the 2027 AFCON tournament, marking a historic moment for the region. Hoima City is among the selected host cities in Uganda and is expected to accommodate teams that will play their matches at the Hoima Stadium, which is currently under development.
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