The government has assured MPs that preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament are progressing, with major investments underway in sports infrastructure, roads, health facilities, airports and hotels.
The state minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, briefed journalists at Parliament after updating the House on the status of the projects being implemented ahead of the continental tournament, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
Ogwang said the ministry of Finance is finalising a loan facility of nearly Shs101 billion that will be extended to selected hotels expected to accommodate visitors during the tournament.
“We would like the Ministry of Finance to conclude the loan facility of close to Shs101 billion that will be extended to selected hotels, which will accommodate our guests during the tournament. The expression of bids will commence on Thursday this week,” Ogwang said.
He explained that the government will support the upgrading of hotels in Hoima through financing from the Uganda Development Bank (UDB). He added that the list of beneficiary hotels will be presented to Parliament after the selection process.
According to the minister, the identification of the hotels was carried out jointly by the Uganda Hotel Owners’ Association and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
Ogwang said the government has already allocated about Shs 900 billion for infrastructure improvements linked to the tournament. These include upgrades to roads around Hoima City Stadium and Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
He said the Ministry of Defence has been assigned the design work for the Mandela National Stadium, while the Ministry of Works and Transport will upgrade the 6.2-kilometre Jokas, Bweyogerere, Kyaliwajjala, Kira and Kasangati road corridor.
The minister said the procurement process for the projects is progressing, adding that the completed infrastructure is expected to attract more investment.
However, he expressed concern about delays in implementing some of the road projects under the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Ogwang also revealed that construction of the passenger terminal at Kabalega International Airport in Hoima has been completed. He said the installation and improvement of airport facilities are nearing completion with support from the UPDF Engineering Brigade.
He added that other ongoing works include the installation of Wi-Fi services at Mandela National Stadium. Rehabilitation works are also continuing at Pece Stadium, while Akii-Bua Stadium will serve as a backup venue during the tournament.
The minister further said the government is upgrading water supply infrastructure in the Wakiso metropolitan area to support the expected increase in visitors.
Ogwang said his ministry will mainly coordinate preparations while working closely with local governments and other ministries to ensure the successful hosting of the tournament.
Nansana Municipality MP Zambali Bulasio Mukasa welcomed the progress but called for the urgent completion of the infrastructure projects.
He also urged the government to establish strong and independent oversight mechanisms to ensure the projects are completed on schedule.
Meanwhile, Ismail Kasule, the Hoima Wests from the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), criticised the minister for presenting what he described as an incomplete report.
He argued that MPs needed a comprehensive update covering the status of all AFCON 2027 projects.
The government has also allocated more than Shs 91 billion to upgrade Hoima Hospital, Masindi Hospital, and Buseruka Health Centre III to strengthen healthcare services during the tournament.
