Hotel owners in Uganda's Bunyoro sub-region are still waiting for Shs102 billion in government funding to upgrade their facilities ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The funding, announced earlier this year, aims to improve accommodation facilities in Bunyoro, particularly in Hoima, which will host AFCON matches at the newly constructed Hoima City Stadium.
The Bunyoro Hotel Owners Association chairperson, Dr. Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa, stated that the funds have not yet been released, forcing hotel owners to use their resources for upgrade and construction works. With a tight deadline to complete the works, test facilities, and accommodate visitors, Kaliisa emphasized that hoteliers cannot afford to wait.
Initially, hotel owners requested Shs130 billion in October 2025 to upgrade facilities and prepare the region's hospitality industry for AFCON. The government subsequently announced a Shs102 billion financing package through the Uganda Development Bank. The package includes Shs52 billion for a new 100-bed five-star hotel, Shs30 billion for upgrading existing hotels, and Shs20 billion for other qualifying hospitality facilities.
Several hotels, including Miika Eco Resort Hotel, Hoima Resort Hotel, and Edmara Hotel, are expected to benefit from the funding. Kaliisa mentioned that some hotel owners have started upgrading facilities, with a target to complete major works by March 2027, testing in April, and facilities ready for occupancy between May and June.
The region currently has hotels with 160-200 rooms, but Kaliisa stated that at least 900 rooms are needed to meet expected demand during AFCON, along with modern amenities like well-equipped gyms and standard conference facilities. He added that the Bunyoro Hotel Owners Association is engaging government stakeholders to ensure the promised financing is released in time.
According to Kaliisa, UDB officials recently visited the sub-region to conduct a final appraisal of hotels expected to benefit from the financing. Bunyoro has experienced growth in hotel facilities, driven by investments in the oil and gas sector, but hotel owners say many facilities require significant investment to meet international standards.
The hospitality upgrades are part of wider preparations for AFCON 2027, co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The government constructed the 20,000-seater Hoima City Stadium, which will host matches during the tournament. The multi-purpose facility was built on 34 acres of land at a reported cost of US$129 million, financed through Uganda's Petroleum Fund.
Key points
- Hotel owners in Bunyoro await Shs102 billion in government funding to upgrade facilities ahead of AFCON 2027.
- The funding will support construction of a new hotel, upgrade existing hotels, and improve other hospitality facilities.
- Bunyoro needs at least 900 hotel rooms to meet expected demand during AFCON 2027.
