Sports 1 October 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Museveni Greenlights Shs 102 Billion for Hoima Hotel Upgrades Ahead of AFCON 2027
President Yoweri Museveni has ordered the immediate release of Shs 102 billion to upgrade hotels in Uganda's Bunyoro sub-region, crucial for co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The directive aims to address concerns from hoteliers facing delays in accessing the promised financing. Source: https://observer.ug/news/afcon-museveni-orders-release-of-shs-102bn-to-upgrade-hoima-hotels
President Yoweri Museveni has directed the African Development Bank (AfDB) to promptly release Shs 102 billion intended for upgrading hotel facilities in the Bunyoro sub-region. This move comes as Uganda, alongside Kenya and Tanzania, prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The funding, announced earlier this year, is designated to enhance accommodation in Hoima, which is slated to host AFCON matches at the newly built Hoima City Stadium. Hoteliers had expressed concerns that delays in accessing the funds could jeopardize preparations for the continental tournament.
Dr. Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa, chairperson of the Bunyoro Hotel Owners Association (BHOA), noted that some hotel owners had resorted to using their own capital to push forward with construction and renovations due to the tight schedule. He emphasized the need for facilities to be ready months in advance for testing and occupancy, targeting completion of major works by March 2027.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja confirmed the government’s awareness of the delay and assured stakeholders that the President’s directive to the AfDB was clear.
Initially, hoteliers had requested Shs 130 billion. The government subsequently structured a Shs 102 billion package, primarily as a concessionary loan at 5% interest through the Uganda Development Bank (UDB). This includes Shs 52 billion for a new five-star hotel near Kabalega International Airport, Shs 30 billion for upgrading existing hotels, and Shs 20 billion for other hospitality facilities.
Several hotels, including Miika Eco Resort Hotel and Hoima Resort Hotel, are expected to benefit from these upgrades. The enhancements are part of broader preparations for AFCON 2027, which also include the construction of the state-of-the-art Hoima City Stadium, a facility designed to accommodate players, officials, media, and fans, thereby boosting demand for hospitality services in the region.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)