Uganda is stepping up infrastructure development in the Bunyoro Sub-region as it prepares to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), with the government committing Shs545 billion to improve sports facilities, hotels, roads, health services and other supporting infrastructure.
The investment, announced in June by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja while commissioning the upgrade of Buseruka Health Centre III to a health centre IV in Hoima District, is intended to strengthen Bunyoro’s capacity to host the continental tournament, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
The Shs545 billion package is separate from the $130 million (about Shs487 billion) being spent on Hoima City Stadium, one of the venues expected to host Afcon matches.
The investments aim to address infrastructure gaps that could constrain the region’s ability to accommodate the anticipated increase in visitors, football teams, officials and spectators during the tournament.
Sports facilities take shape
Among the major projects is the Sir Tito Winyi Sports Academy in Hoima District, whose construction was launched last Wednesday. The Shs17 billion facility is being constructed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade and is expected to be completed within six months.
The academy will sit on 100 acres and, in the first phase, will include three irrigated pitches, an artificial turf pitch, a multipurpose building with changing rooms, a running-track base and a powerhouse, among other facilities.
Mr Ambrose Tashobya, the National Council of Sports board chairperson, said the facility would also have supporting water, electricity and floodlighting infrastructure.
The Sir Tito Winyi Academy is the third major Afcon training facility being developed in the area.
The other two are the Hoima Booma training facility in Hoima City and King George Stadium in Masindi District.
The three facilities are linked to Hoima City Stadium, which is expected to host Afcon matches.
King George Stadium, whose construction is estimated at Shs20 billion, was about 25 percent complete at the beginning of August. It is also being constructed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade.
Hotels prepare for influx
Beyond sports infrastructure, the government has allocated Shs101 billion from the Shs545 billion package to support selected hotels in Hoima City and Masindi District.
The money will be provided as soft loans to enable hotel operators to upgrade their facilities and increase accommodation capacity ahead of the expected influx of visitors during Afcon.
Mr Martin Owori, the director of Hoima Resort Hotel and secretary of the Bunyoro Hotel Owners Association, said hoteliers had engaged advisers from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), who guided them on the standards required to host Afcon delegations.
Mr Owori said his hotel had constructed a new accommodation wing.
Health infrastructure
Three major health facilities are undergoing upgrades: Buseruka Health Centre III in Hoima District, Masindi General Hospital and Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.
The combined cost of the health infrastructure projects is estimated at Shs91 billion.
At Buseruka Health Centre III, the facility is being transformed to provide services expected of a higher-level health facility, including an accident and emergency unit, radiology services, laboratory and pharmacy facilities, consultation rooms, a theatre, inpatient wards, staff accommodation and a redesigned outpatient department.
During a site inspection last Thursday by Hoima District leaders and UPDF Engineering Brigade officials, construction at Buseruka had reached 80 percent.
Col James Lwegaba, the Chief of Staff of the UPDF Engineering Brigade, said the theatre and general ward had already been roofed and expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the planned six months.
At Masindi General Hospital, construction is ongoing on staff quarters, a general ward, maternity facilities and fencing.
Additional infrastructure is also being established at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, where work on maternal and child health services is underway.
Dr Charles Ayume, the minister of State for Primary Health Care, said in June that the upgraded Hoima hospital would be completed by the end of December.
Roads and city infrastructure
The government is also upgrading roads around Hoima City Stadium to improve access before the tournament.
The roads include the 0.7km Dr Rujumba Road, 5.6km Hoima City Road, 1.5km Masindi Road diversion, the 12km Mparo bypass and link to the stadium, and the 11.7km Kinogozi-Buhimba Road.
Pedestrian facilities will also be constructed along a 12km stretch of the Hoima-Masindi Road.
Shs545 billion breakdown
Of the Shs545 billion investment package, Shs91 billion has been allocated to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and the upgrade of Buseruka Health Centre III to health centre IV status.
Another Shs101.1 billion will be provided as soft loans to hotels to enable them to upgrade their facilities to world-class standards ahead of Afcon 2027.
The government will spend Shs182 billion on the construction of a passenger terminal at Kabalega International Airport.
In sports infrastructure, Shs20.4 billion has been allocated to the King George Stadium training facility in Masindi District, while Shs18.6 billion will go towards upgrading the Sir Tito Winyi Secondary School stadium.
Hoima Boma Grounds will be upgraded at a cost of Shs13.3 billion.
The government will spend Shs95.5 billion on upgrading access roads around Hoima City Stadium, while Shs6.25 billion will be used to improve water services and Shs4.69 billion to establish a dedicated power line.
Kira Motors will provide buses for Kabalega International Airport at a cost of Shs1.2 billion.
Hoima City has been allocated Shs6.55 billion for beautification, while Shs5.1 billion has been allocated to Masindi Municipality for related infrastructure improvements.
Beyond Afcon
The sports facilities could provide permanent training and talent-development centres for athletes in Bunyoro and neighbouring regions, while upgraded hospitals could improve access to emergency and specialised healthcare for residents.
Mr Bosco Muhanuzi, the East City Division mayor, commended the government for selecting Hoima as one of Uganda’s Afcon host cities and for constructing Hoima City Stadium in Mparo Cell,
Hoima East Division.
‘I want to encourage residents near the roads that have been selected for upgrade not to sabotage the project. These roads are for their own good. After Afcon 2027, it is Hoima City that will benefit most, but currently people have not viewed how much they are going to benefit from it,’ Mr Muhanuzi said.
Mr Godfrey Azoora, the Hoima City secretary for works, said the infrastructure being developed in the city would create employment opportunities for residents, particularly young people.
Mr Rogers Byamukama, the Masindi Municipality Member of Parliament and a member of the Afcon Local Organising Committee, said the facilities should continue benefiting local communities after the tournament.
‘This is not only about Afcon. The facilities should create a lasting legacy for our young people and provide opportunities for talent development,’ Mr Byamukama said.
Former Kinyara Football Club coach Musa Mucunguzi said improved pitches could help revive competitive football in Masindi after Afcon because the area has lacked a stadium that meets required standards.
Masindi Municipality Mayor Rogers Amanyire said authorities should ensure the facilities remain accessible, affordable and well maintained after Afcon 2027.
key projects
Kabalega International Airport: Shs182b for construction of a passenger terminal.
Hoima City Stadium: About $130m (Shs487b) investment in the main Afcon venue.
King George Stadium, Masindi: Shs20.4b for the training facility.
Sir Tito Winyi Sports Academy (Shs18.6b).
Hoima Boma Grounds (Shs13.3b)
Hotels: Shs101.1b in soft loans to selected hotels.
Health facilities: Shs91b for Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and upgrading Buseruka Health Centre III to IV.
Access roads: Shs95.5b for roads around Hoima City