AFCON 2027 preparations gain momentum as six hotels take shape in Bunyoro

Uganda’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Kenya and Tanzania have gained more momentum, with over six five-star hotels confirmed to be under construction or upgrade in the Bunyoro sub-region.

The development signals a major step forward as the country intensifies its readiness to stage the continental showpiece, scheduled for June 19 to July 18, 2027, under the banner of PAMOJA.

The progress follows a recent inspection by a delegation led by international hotel management expert, Frenchman Laly Helmut Warnecke, alongside members of Uganda’s Local Organising Committee (LOC), headed by FUFA president Moses Magogo.

Confirmed hotels under construction or upgrade include Hoima Resort Hotel, Kontiki Hotel, Miika Eco-resort, Masindi Hotel, Hotel Buffalo, Kabalega Resort Hoima, and Kabalega Resort Masindi, among others.

Magogo, who also serves as the LOC vice chairperson, expressed optimism about the pace of progress while acknowledging the work still ahead.

“I am excited with the energy levels in Hoima and Masindi regarding the hotels for AFCON PAMOJA 27. While there is so much to be done to complete the works, it is a fact that it is doable,” Magogo said, flanked by LOC sub-committee members Ambrose Tashyobya and Rodgers Byamukama.

“With the support of the government and the personal attention of President Museveni, the private sector has been provided with concessional loans to ensure timely completion of these projects,” he added.

Dr. Patrick Ogwel, General Secretary of the National Council of Sports (NCS) and LOC chairperson in charge of finance, also hailed the government’s financial support, describing it as a critical catalyst.

“We commend the President for prioritising AFCON 2027 preparations. The shs101 billion credit facility extended to the private sector for hotel construction and upgrades in Hoima and Masindi has significantly accelerated progress towards meeting CAF standards,” Ogwel noted.

The latest developments come in response to concerns raised in a February 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection report, which had cast doubt on Hoima City Stadium’s suitability as a host venue, citing inadequate five-star hotels with a minimum capacity of 50 rooms.

The report further indicated that none of Uganda’s proposed competition venues, including Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) and Hoima City Stadium, had fully met CAF Category Four standards at the time.

Hospitality concerns, particularly in Hoima and Masindi districts, had sparked anxiety among football stakeholders and fans about Uganda’s readiness to co-host the prestigious tournament.

But with ongoing investments in hotel infrastructure appearing to address one of the key gaps highlighted by CAF, and phase two of the Namboole renovation officially underway, confidence is steadily growing.