The Hoima City Stadium which also houses a hotel, will be one of the main venues for AFCON
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Government of Uganda has earmarked Shs102 billion for hotel development in the Bunyoro Sub-region as part of a deliberate strategy to prepare the country for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.
The investment is intended to address critical gaps in hospitality infrastructure, meet international standards, and ensure the country is ready to host thousands of visitors expected during the continental showpiece.
At the heart of the plan is the construction of a new five-star facility aimed at supporting both aviation and tourism needs. According to Rogers Byamukama, Shs52 billion has been allocated for the development of a greenfield hotel with a capacity of 100 beds.
The facility will be strategically positioned between Kabalega International Airport in Kabaale Sub-county and the Hoima City Stadium.
Byamukama explained that the project is critical for the operational standards of the airport, noting that international aviation guidelines require nearby accommodation facilities. “For the airport to secure accreditation from the International Civil Aviation Organization, there must be a hotel facility within close proximity to accommodate airline crew and passengers in case of delays or flight disruptions,” he said.
Beyond the new hotel, the government has also prioritised upgrading existing facilities to meet global standards. A total of Shs30 billion has been set aside to support selected hotels in attaining four-star and five-star ratings, while another Shs20 billion will be extended to other qualifying establishments.
This approach is designed to rapidly increase the region’s capacity to host high-profile guests, including teams, officials, and international fans. Byamukama revealed that a team of experts from the Ministry of Tourism, the Uganda Tourism Board, and the AFCON Local Organizing Committee recently conducted inspections across Bunyoro to identify suitable beneficiaries.
Priority was given to hotels with the potential to upgrade within the limited timeframe. The team visited several facilities in Hoima, including Miika Eco Resort, HB Hotel, Hoima Resort Hotel, Trisek Hotel, Kontik Hotel, Zebbi Hotel, Golden Castle Hotel, and Kabalega Resort Hotel, as well as others in Masindi District.
However, Byamukama noted that the final list of selected hotels is yet to be confirmed, as a comprehensive report is still being compiled for submission to Janet Museveni. The findings will be made public once the review process is complete.
Stakeholders in the hospitality sector have welcomed the government’s intervention, describing it as a timely boost for the region. Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa, Chairperson of the Bunyoro Hotel Owners Association, said the funding would significantly enhance preparedness for AFCON, although it falls short of industry expectations.
“We had requested Shs60 billion because the requirements are extensive,” he said. “We need presidential suites, at least two beds per room, larger conference halls, and all this within a short timeframe. Our appeal is for the government to release the funds before the end of April.”
Dr. Kabagambe also raised concerns about possible bureaucratic delays, urging authorities to channel the funds directly to hotel owners through the Uganda Development Bank.
“Some of us have already started investing our own resources to meet the required standards. Since this is a capitation grant, it should come directly to the hotel owners, who best understand how to utilize it efficiently,” he added.
Hotel operators are already gearing up to take advantage of the initiative. Trisha Kabaganda confirmed that her facility was among those inspected and outlined plans for expansion.
“We want to increase our bed capacity, expand conference facilities, and improve our restaurant. We are hopeful that the funds will be disbursed in time,” she said.
The urgency of the investment is further underscored by the scale of the tournament. Dr. Kabagambe noted that AFCON officials and players alone will require at least 600 rooms in four-star and five-star hotels, not including the thousands of fans expected to travel to the region.
Ultimately, the Shs102 billion allocation reflects a broader government objective: to ensure Uganda not only successfully hosts AFCON 2027 but also leaves behind a lasting legacy of improved tourism infrastructure, enhanced service standards, and increased investment in the hospitality sector.
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