Hoima Buffalo hotel situated in Hoima city. Bunyoro Hotel owners are yet to receive UGX 102BN from government to upgrade their hotels ahead of 2027 AFCON. Photo by Emmanuel Okello.Hotel owners in Bunyoro sub-region are still waiting for the Shs102 billion in government funding promised to help upgrade their facilities ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).The funding was announced earlier this year as part of government efforts to improve accommodation in Bunyoro, particularly Hoima, which will host AFCON matches at the newly constructed Hoima City Stadium.Dr. Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa, chairperson of the Bunyoro Hotel Owners Association (BHOA), says the money has not yet been released, forcing several owners to use their own resources to continue upgrade and construction works.“We are progressing with hotel construction using our own resources. However, we are engaging relevant government authorities to ensure the funds promised to us are availed in time,” Kaliisa said.The hotel owners had initially requested Shs130 billion in October 2025 to upgrade facilities and prepare the region’s hospitality industry for AFCON.Government subsequently announced a Shs102 billion package, structured primarily as a concessionary loan facility at 5% interest through Uganda Development Bank (UDB).Under the arrangement, Shs52 billion is earmarked for construction of a new 100-bed five-star hotel near Kabalega International Airport and Hoima City Stadium.Another Shs30 billion is intended to upgrade existing hotels under BHOA, including improvements to rooms, gyms and conference facilities, while Shs20 billion is set aside for other qualifying hospitality and leisure facilities across the sub-region.Hotels expected to benefit include Miika Eco Resort Hotel, Hoima Resort Hotel, Edmara Hotel, Presidential Hotel, Urban Hotel, Kabalega Resort Hotel Hoima and Kabalega Resort Hotel Masindi.Kaliisa said some owners have already started upgrading because works must be completed several months before AFCON.“We have decided to put our own resources so that we do not delay the upgrade work,” he said.The target is to complete major works by end of March 2027, with testing in April and facilities ready for occupancy between May and June.According to Kaliisa, the region currently has between 160 and 200 rooms, but needs at least 900 rooms to meet expected demand during AFCON.He said expansion must cover modern amenities including well-equipped gyms, standard conference facilities and other services required to meet international hospitality standards.BHOA is engaging stakeholders including UDB officials, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance to ensure the financing is released.He added that UDB officials visited the sub-region about three weeks ago to conduct what he described as the final appraisal of hotels expected to benefit.Bunyoro has seen growth in hotel facilities in recent years, particularly in Hoima, driven largely by investments in the oil and gas sector. However, owners say many facilities still require significant investment to meet standards for international visitors.Kaliisa said the investment will remain useful beyond AFCON because upgraded facilities will support the region’s growing tourism industry. Bunyoro is home to attractions including Murchison Falls National Park, Kaiso-Tonya Game Reserve, Kibiro Hot Springs and Bugoma Central Forest Reserve.The upgrades are part of wider preparations for AFCON 2027, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.In Hoima, government has constructed the 20,000-seater Hoima City Stadium in Kyarwiru Cell, Hoima East Division. The multi-purpose facility was constructed by SUMMA on 34 acres at a reported cost of US$129 million, financed through Uganda’s Petroleum Fund.The stadium features VVIP sections, modern changing rooms and gyms, an indoor arena, swimming pool, volleyball and basketball courts, media conference halls, hybrid turf, a VAR room, FIFA and CAF offices, referee rooms, training grounds, media facilities and parking for nearly 1,000 vehicles.The facility is expected to attract players, officials, media and fans during the tournament, increasing pressure on Bunyoro’s hospitality sector to have adequate accommodation in place.-URNThe post AFCON Countdown: Bunyoro Hoteliers Still Waiting for Shs102bn Govt Upgrade Cash appeared first on Business Focus.