Sports Ministry Raises Concern Over Hoima Hotel Standards Ahead of AFCON 2027

What the report says

Uganda’s sports ministry has raised fresh concerns about whether Hoima and the wider Bunyoro area can provide enough suitable hotel space for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. According to Nile Post, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang and National Council of Sports Secretary General Dr Bernard Ogwel said the region is still falling short on both room quality and capacity, even as it prepares to welcome large numbers of visitors for the tournament.

The officials said the area has been slow to upgrade facilities despite AFCON planning. Nile Post reported that 10 hotels in Bunyoro have been selected for the event, with seven in Hoima and three in Masindi, but only about 200 of the 20,000 rooms needed are currently considered up to standard. Ogwang said recent events in Hoima, including the National Basketball League finals at Hoima City Arena, showed how quickly accommodation can be exhausted.

Ogwel added that some visiting delegations, including government and judicial groups, had to stay in other towns such as Masindi or even in Kampala because suitable rooms were unavailable. Hoima City Mayor Edward Isingoma said city authorities are working with hotel owners and other stakeholders to improve services, and said government has set aside Shs50 billion for hotel upgrades in Bunyoro.

The concerns come as Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania prepare to co-host AFCON 2027. The issue highlights broader pressure on host areas to improve hotels, transport and related infrastructure ahead of the continental tournament.