The Government of Uganda has earmarked shs102 billion for the upgrade and rehabilitation of hotels in the Bunyoro sub-region to four and five star standards as the country prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments.
The development was revealed by Rogers Byamukama, Marketing Executive at the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), who is leading a team of government officials tasked with identifying suitable accommodation facilities for teams that will be based in Hoima.
On Monday March 23, the team commenced inspection of hotels across Bunyoro to assess their readiness to host football players, officials, and fans during the continental tournament.
Speaking on Wednesday evening after completing inspections in Masindi Municipality, Byamukama said the funds will support both construction and upgrade of hospitality facilities to meet international standards.
He explained that shs50 billion of the shs102 billion has been allocated for the construction of a new hotel between Kabalega Airport and Hoima City Stadium, shs30 billion will go towards upgrading selected hotels that will host teams and officials.
An additional shs22 billion has been set aside for improving facilities that will accommodate fans.
Byamukama further revealed that government plans include tarmacking key roads leading to Hoima City Stadium, as well as expanding health infrastructure at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and Masindi General Hospital.
“The upgrades will include construction of casualty units, outpatient departments (OPD), inpatient wards, and high dependency units, alongside equipping the facilities,” he noted.
He added that the inspection exercise will guide the identification of service providers, including hotels, tour guides, and tourism operators, urging residents to prepare to benefit from opportunities that will come with AFCON.
Dr Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the State Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and proprietor of a five-star hotel under construction in Masindi commended the government for supporting hotel owners with access to affordable financing to fast-track construction and renovation works in preparation for the tournament.
Rahim Muhamad, an administrator at Masindi Hotel, said that although the facility is a heritage site and its structure cannot be significantly altered, there is sufficient space for expansion to accommodate guests during AFCON.
Byamukama said a comprehensive report from the inspection exercise will be compiled and submitted to the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni.
In 2027, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania will co-host AFCON with fans and supporters from the continent flying to these countries to cheer their national teams.
Discover more from tndNews, Uganda
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.