Bunyoro urged to tap into AFCON-driven development boom
Bosco Muhanuzi, the East City Division Mayor, commended government for selecting Hoima to host AFCON matches and for constructing the stadium in Mparo Cell.
By George Niyonzima
Leaders in Hoima have urged residents of Bunyoro to seize the economic opportunities emerging from infrastructure developments linked to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
The tournament, scheduled for June 2027, has triggered major investments in infrastructure, hospitality, transport, health and sports facilities in the Bunyoro sub-region.
Government has allocated about Shs545 billion to AFCON-related projects in Bunyoro, excluding the construction of Hoima City Stadium.
The investments include Shs91 billion for Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and the upgrading of Buseruka Health Centre III to Health Centre IV, while Shs101.1 billion has been earmarked for soft loans to hotels to enable them to upgrade to international standards.
A further Shs182 billion is being spent on the passenger terminal at Kabalega International Airport, while Shs20.4 billion is allocated to upgrade King George Stadium in Masindi.
Other projects include the Shs17 billion upgrade of Sir Tito Winyi Secondary School Sports Academy, Shs13.3 billion for Hoima Booma Grounds, and Shs95.5 billion for access roads around the stadium.
Government is also investing Shs6.25 billion in water services, Shs4.69 billion in a dedicated power line and Shs1.2 billion through Kira Motors for buses to serve Kabalega International Airport.
Hoima City has received Shs6.55 billion for beautification, while Masindi Municipality has been allocated Shs5.1 billion.
Construction of training pitches at Hoima Booma Grounds and Sir Tito Winyi Sports Academy in Bulindi Town Council is already underway, with the works being undertaken by the UPDF Engineering Brigade.
Hotels Race to Meet CAF Standards
The hospitality industry is also undergoing rapid transformation as hotel owners work to meet the four- and five-star standards required by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Seven hotels in Hoima City were selected to benefit from soft loans through Uganda Development Bank (UDB).
Among the beneficiaries are Edmara Hotel, which is developing a five-star facility, Hoima Resort Hotel, which is upgrading to four-star status, as well as Miika Eco Resort Hotel, Urban Hotel, Kabalega Resort Hotel and Presidents Hotel.
Several roads around Hoima City Stadium are also being upgraded, including Dr Rujumba Road (0.7km), Hoima City Road (5.6km), the Masindi Road diversion (1.5km), the Mparo bypass and link to the stadium (12km), and Kinogozi-Buhimba Road (11.7km).
Pedestrian facilities along the Hoima-Masindi Road are also planned, alongside improvements to the city’s drainage system and installation of street lighting.
Leaders Urge Residents to Prepare
Bosco Muhanuzi, the East City Division Mayor, commended government for selecting Hoima to host AFCON matches and for constructing the stadium in Mparo Cell.
Muhanuzi urged residents living along roads earmarked for upgrading not to frustrate the projects, saying the infrastructure would ultimately benefit them.
He said the tournament was already changing attitudes among residents, with some people beginning to protect their mango and avocado trees instead of cutting them down, in anticipation of increased economic activity during AFCON.
Godfrey Azoora, the Hoima City Secretary for Works, said the projects would create employment opportunities for residents while allowing football fans in Bunyoro to watch international matches locally instead of travelling to Kampala or neighbouring countries.
Sheikh Abudulmajidu Abigaba, Chairperson of the Hoima City Imams Association, said AFCON had already generated benefits through road construction and employment.
He noted that some residents had been employed to clean Hoima City Stadium, describing the tournament as one of the biggest opportunities Bunyoro has received.
Ashraf Orom Luzira, Chairperson of the Alur Community in Hoima District, also hailed President Museveni for supporting Uganda’s hosting of AFCON, particularly the decision to have Hoima among the host locations.
He said the development would give residents an opportunity to watch major international football matches in their own region, something many had previously experienced only through television.
