The government has unveiled a multi-billion-shilling infrastructure programme to transform the Hoima Cluster ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja announcing major investments in healthcare, transport, hospitality and sports facilities.
Speaking during the commissioning of works to upgrade Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and other health facilities, Nabbanja said the projects are designed not only to prepare Uganda for co-hosting Africa’s premier football tournament but also to improve public services for generations to come.
She said strengthening health infrastructure is central to Uganda’s preparations because a tournament of AFCON’s magnitude requires world-class emergency and medical services for players, officials, visitors and local communities.
The government has earmarked UGX 91 billion for the upgrade of three health facilities within the Hoima Cluster, with Hoima Regional Referral Hospital among the flagship projects.According to the Prime Minister, the investment will expand healthcare capacity, improve specialised medical services and reduce pressure on referral hospitals in Kampala.
UGX 101 BILLION FOR HOTEL UPGRADES
Recognising the expected influx of thousands of visitors during the tournament, government has allocated UGX 101.1 billion to upgrade hotels within the Hoima Cluster.The investment is intended to increase accommodation capacity and improve service standards to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements.
Hotels in Hoima are expected to host football teams, match officials, media crews, tournament organisers, sponsors and supporters travelling from across Africa and beyond.Nabbanja said improving hospitality infrastructure will also strengthen tourism and attract future investment into the rapidly growing city.
MODERN AIRPORT TO BOOST REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY
Another major investment announced by the Prime Minister is the UGX 182 billion allocated for constructing a modern passenger terminal at Kabalega International Airport.The facility is expected to serve as one of the main entry points for AFCON visitors travelling to western Uganda while supporting the country’s expanding tourism and oil sectors.
Government officials believe the airport will continue driving economic growth long after the final whistle of AFCON 2027 by improving access for investors, tourists and businesses.The upgraded airport is also expected to strengthen Hoima’s position as an emerging commercial hub.
NEW TRAINING GROUNDS FOR AFCON TEAMS
Beyond hospitals and transport, government plans to improve three modern football training facilities in Hoima and Masindi.The facilities will provide training venues for participating national teams and are expected to meet international standards set by CAF.
Nabbanja said the facilities will remain valuable community assets after the tournament, supporting sports development and nurturing young football talent across the region.She described sports infrastructure as an investment in Uganda’s future, rather than facilities built solely for a one-off event.
LEGACY BEYOND FOOTBALL
The Prime Minister emphasised that government’s preparations are focused on creating a lasting development legacy rather than temporary improvements.
She said the infrastructure projects will create employment opportunities during construction while stimulating growth in tourism, hospitality, transport and trade.According to Nabbanja, improved hospitals, hotels, roads and airport facilities will continue benefiting residents and businesses long after AFCON concludes.
She called on contractors to deliver quality work within the agreed timelines, warning that delays would undermine Uganda’s preparations.The Prime Minister also urged local leaders and communities to safeguard public infrastructure and support contractors throughout implementation.
HOIMA AT THE HEART OF UGANDA’S AFCON PLANS
Hoima has emerged as one of Uganda’s strategic host clusters because of its growing urban infrastructure, proximity to the Albertine oil region and the ongoing expansion of Kabalega International Airport.Government sees the city as a gateway to western Uganda and believes the investments will accelerate regional development while improving service delivery.The combined investment of UGX 374.1 billion in hotels, healthcare and airport infrastructure demonstrates government’s commitment to ensuring the Hoima Cluster is fully prepared for the continental tournament.
COUNTDOWN TO 2027
Uganda will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Tanzania, marking the first time East Africa hosts the prestigious tournament.The championship is expected to attract thousands of visitors and millions of television viewers worldwide, presenting a unique opportunity to showcase Uganda’s tourism potential and investment opportunities.
As construction begins across the Hoima Cluster, government says the focus is now on timely implementation, quality workmanship and ensuring every project leaves a lasting impact on communities.For the people of Hoima and the wider Bunyoro sub-region, the ongoing developments represent far more than football preparations. They promise improved healthcare, stronger transport networks, expanded business opportunities and modern infrastructure that could transform the region for decades to come.
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- Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]
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