As Uganda steps up preparations to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the government has assured selected hoteliers in the Bunyoro sub-region that funding to upgrade their facilities will be released within the next two weeks.
State Minister for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang said President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Ministry of Finance and the Uganda Development Bank (UDB) to expedite the financing process for eligible hotel operators preparing to host visitors during the continental tournament.
“I want to assure the hoteliers that the government committed itself and will deliver that money,” Ogwang said.
The assurance comes amid growing concern among hotel owners in Bunyoro who were selected to accommodate AFCON 2027 guests but are yet to access the financing required to bring their facilities up to the standards expected for the tournament.
Ten hotels in the sub-region have been earmarked to host AFCON-related guests, with seven located in Hoima and three in Masindi.
The government has committed Shs102 billion towards hospitality infrastructure and development in Bunyoro as part of Uganda’s preparations to co-host the 2027 tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
The financing package is largely structured as a concessionary loan facility carrying an interest rate of five per cent, channelled through UDB to enable qualifying hotel operators to upgrade their establishments to four- and five-star standards.
Under the funding plan, Shs52 billion was earmarked for the construction of a new 100-bed five-star hotel near Kabalega International Airport and the newly constructed Hoima City Stadium.
A further Shs30 billion was allocated to support the upgrading of existing hotels under the Bunyoro Hotel Owners Association, while Shs20 billion was set aside for other qualifying hospitality and leisure facilities across the sub-region.
With AFCON 2027 drawing closer, the release of the funds is expected to give hotel operators the financial capacity to accelerate renovations, improve facilities and meet the accommodation standards required to support the influx of teams, officials, supporters and other international visitors.
Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania will jointly host the 2027 AFCON, with the tournament expected to provide a major test of the three countries’ sporting, hospitality and tourism infrastructure.
