Gov’t earmarks Shs102bn to upgrade hotels in Bunyoro ahead of AFCON 2027
According to Rogers Byamukama, the Vice President of Federation of Uganda Football Associations in charge of Marketing and Communication, Shs52 billion has been allocated for the construction of a new five-star Greenfield hotel with a capacity of 100 beds.
By George Niyonzima
The Government of Uganda has earmarked Shs102 billion to support the development and upgrade of hotels in the Bunyoro Sub-Region as part of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations 2027.
According to Rogers Byamukama, the Vice President of Federation of Uganda Football Associations in charge of Marketing and Communication, Shs52 billion has been allocated for the construction of a new five-star Greenfield hotel with a capacity of 100 beds.
The facility will be strategically located between Kabalega International Airport in Kabaale Sub-county, Hoima District, and the Hoima City Stadium to support international air travel and hospitality needs during the tournament.
Byamukama explained that for the airport to attain certification from the International Civil Aviation Organization, there must be a hotel facility within close proximity to accommodate airline crew and passengers in case of flight delays or cancellations.
In addition, Shs30 billion has been earmarked to support existing hotels to upgrade to four- or five-star standards, while Shs20 billion will go towards other facilities that meet the required criteria.
He revealed that a joint inspection team comprising officials from the Ministry of Tourism, the Uganda Tourism Board, and the AFCON Local Organising Committee recently assessed hotel facilities across the region.
Priority, he said, was given to establishments with the capacity to upgrade to higher international standards.
The team inspected several hotels in Hoima City, including Mika Eco Resort, HB Hotel, Hoima Resort Hotel, Kontik Hotel, Zebbi Hotel, Golden Castle Hotel, and Trisek Hotel, among others, as well as facilities in Masindi District.
However, Byamukama said the final list of selected hotels is yet to be released, as a comprehensive report is being compiled for submission to Janet Kataaha Museveni. He added that the findings will be made public once approved.
Meanwhile, Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa, Chairperson of the Bunyoro Hotel Owners Association and proprietor of Mika Eco Resort, said hotel owners had initially requested Shs60 billion in support but were allocated Shs30 billion.
“We are still engaging government to see whether this amount can be increased,” he said.
Kabagambe added that the funds will be provided as soft loans through the Uganda Development Bank.
On the ground, hotel operators are already preparing for the upgrades. Trisha Kabaganda, owner of Trisek Hotel, said inspectors advised her to expand the facility from 42 rooms to about 600 rooms to meet four- or five-star standards.
The planned investments are expected to significantly boost hospitality capacity in Bunyoro, positioning the region to host international visitors during AFCON 2027.
