Bunyoro hoteliers remain in limbo as promised funding for AFCON-related upgrades remains unallocated, with officials urging immediate action to meet deadlines for the 2027 tournament. The Shs102 billion in government financing, announced earlier this year to modernize hospitality infrastructure ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, has yet to be disbursed, according to Dr Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa, chairperson of the Bunyoro Hotel Owners Association (BHOA)."
Hotel owners in the Bunyoro sub-region, particularly in Hoima, face mounting pressure to complete upgrades by March 2027 to accommodate visitors for the continental tournament. Kaliisa revealed that many operators have resorted to self-funding construction and renovation projects, citing the urgency of meeting international hospitality standards. "We are progressing with the hotel construction works using our own resources. However, we are engaging the relevant government authorities to ensure that the funds promised to us by the government to upgrade our hotels are availed in time," he stated."
The funding package, structured as a concessionary loan through the Uganda Development Bank (UDB) at 5% interest, was initially requested by hoteliers as Shs130 billion in October 2025. The government reduced the allocation to Shs102 billion, with Shs52 billion earmarked for a new 100-bed five-star hotel near Kabalega International Airport and Hoima City Stadium. Another Shs30 billion would upgrade existing BHOA-member properties, including Miika Eco Resort Hotel, Hoima Resort Hotel, and Kabalega Resort Hotel Masindi, while Shs20 billion targets other hospitality facilities across the sub-region."
Kaliisa emphasized that construction timelines require completion by March 2027, with testing commencing in April and occupancy readiness by May-June. He noted that the region’s current 160-200 hotel rooms must expand to 900 to meet AFCON demand, necessitating modern amenities like gyms, conference spaces, and international-standard services. "We have decided to put our own resources so that we do not delay the upgrade work," he said."
BHOA is actively engaging government stakeholders, including UDB officials, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and the Ministry of Finance’s Permanent Secretary, to expedite funding. A UDB team recently conducted a final appraisal of eligible hotels, according to Kaliisa. The association also highlighted the broader economic benefits of the upgrades, which would sustain tourism beyond the tournament, leveraging Bunyoro’s attractions like Murchison Falls National Park and Kibiro Hot Springs."
Bunyoro’s hospitality sector has grown alongside the oil and gas industry, but many facilities still lack infrastructure to host international visitors. The Hoima City Stadium, a key AFCON venue, exemplifies the region’s infrastructure push. Built by SUMMA at $129 million using Uganda’s Petroleum Fund, the 20,000-seater stadium includes VVIP sections, training grounds, and media facilities. Its completion underscores the pressure on hotels to meet demand for players, officials, and fans during the tournament."
As the 2027 AFCON co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania approaches, Bunyoro’s readiness hinges on timely funding. Hoteliers warn that delays risk undermining the region’s reputation and economic opportunities. Kaliisa reiterated the urgency: "The investment will remain useful beyond AFCON, supporting the region’s growing tourism industry. We need the government to act swiftly to avoid jeopardizing this critical development."