PM Nabbanja launches Hoima Regional Referral Hospital expansion ahead of AFCON 2027
She noted that the upgrading of Buseruka Health Centre IV will also play a critical role in supporting airport users, AFCON visitors and residents of the surrounding communities.
Hoima: Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabanja has officially broken ground for the expansion, rehabilitation and equipping of Hoima Regional Referral Hospital as part of Uganda’s preparations to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Thursday, June 12, 2026 at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, where Nabanja revealed that the project will include the construction of a modern Accident and Emergency Complex with a capacity of 150 beds.
She said the expansion is aimed at strengthening emergency health services, reducing congestion at the referral hospital, and ensuring that Hoima is ready to accommodate the anticipated influx of visitors during AFCON 2027 and following the operationalization of Kabalega International Airport.
“This facility will significantly boost emergency response capacity and reduce congestion at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. We want the hospital to meet international standards and effectively handle the expected increase in population during AFCON and with the opening of Kabalega International Airport,” Nabanja said.
The Prime Minister disclosed that government has so far invested Shs545 billion in various infrastructure and development projects across the Bunyoro sub-region to prepare the country for the continental football tournament, excluding funds allocated to the construction of Hoima City Stadium.
She noted that the upgrading of Buseruka Health Centre IV will also play a critical role in supporting airport users, AFCON visitors and residents of the surrounding communities.
“The upgrade of Buseruka Health Centre IV will help decongest both Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and Kigorobya Health Centre IV while serving airport users and visitors expected during AFCON,” she added.
According to Nabanja, the health infrastructure projects will be undertaken by the UPDF Engineers Brigade and are expected to be completed within six months, with handover scheduled for December 31, 2026.
State Minister for Primary Health Care and Koboko Municipality MP, Dr. Charles Ayume, said Hoima Regional Referral Hospital will be equipped with a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner to strengthen its capacity to provide specialized emergency care.
“Hoima Regional Referral Hospital will receive an MRI scan as part of preparations for AFCON. This equipment is important if the hospital is to be accredited and verified to handle emergencies involving AFCON guests and participants,” Dr. Ayume said.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang said Uganda is in the final stages of preparing for AFCON 2027 but acknowledged that some critical infrastructure projects still require urgent attention.
Ogwang cited delays in the construction of the Busunju–Hoima road and incomplete works at Kabalega International Airport as key concerns ahead of an inspection by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) expected by August 31, 2026.
“Government is in the last phase of preparations for AFCON, but there are still challenges. The progress on the Busunju–Hoima road is slow, and Kabalega International Airport is not yet ready to handle takeoffs and landings as required. Yet CAF inspectors are expected at the end of August,” Ogwang said.
Responding to the concerns, Nabanja assured leaders and residents that government remains committed to delivering all key infrastructure projects on schedule.
“Construction works at Kabalega International Airport are going to resume, and government will construct a passenger terminal at a cost of Shs182 billion. There is a lot of development taking place, so there is no need for fear,” she said.
Local leaders used the occasion to appeal to the contractors and implementing agencies to prioritize local employment opportunities during the construction works.
They argued that residents of Hoima and the wider Bunyoro region should directly benefit from the projects through jobs and business opportunities instead of importing labour from outside the area.
The expansion of Hoima Regional Referral Hospital forms part of a broader government strategy to improve health infrastructure and ensure Uganda meets international standards required for hosting one of Africa’s biggest sporting events.
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