Govt To Bunyoro: Prepare for AFCON 2027
The call was delivered by the Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hoima Booma and Masindi training grounds, which will serve as key facilities for the continental tournament.
By George Niyonzima
The Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, has called on residents of the Bunyoro sub-region to position themselves strategically to benefit from the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027.
The call was delivered by the Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hoima Booma and Masindi training grounds, which will serve as key facilities for the continental tournament.
Ogwang said Bunyoro is expected to receive a significant influx of visitors during the tournament, urging local leaders to improve urban infrastructure and service delivery to maximize economic gains.
“We expect many visitors in this region, and leaders must ensure that towns are well-prepared so communities can benefit,” he said.
He revealed that government has secured UGX 101 billion to support the development and upgrade of hotels across the region, in addition to UGX 213 billion earmarked for improving the road network around Hoima City Stadium to enhance accessibility.
Lieutenant Colonel Peter Seku Kidemuka, the Project Engineer from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces Engineering Brigade, commended the government for entrusting them with the infrastructure works, assuring that construction will be completed within the stipulated timelines.
Local leaders welcomed the development, with Rogers Byamukama Araali and Florence Asiimwe praising the government’s investment in sports infrastructure, noting that the projects are expected to generate employment and stimulate economic activity in the region.
Hoima City Mayor-elect, Edward Isingoma, pledged close collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports to ensure successful completion of the facilities ahead of the tournament.
Under the upgrade plan, Hoima Booma Grounds will be elevated to Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards at a cost of UGX 13.2 billion, while Masindi Municipal Council Stadium has been allocated UGX 20.2 billion.
The projects have officially been handed over to the UPDF Engineering Brigade as part of nationwide efforts to prepare training venues for AFCON 2027, which Uganda will co-host with regional neighbors.
