Uganda Invests Billions in Major Project Ahead of AFCON 2027

The Ugandan government has initiated a significant UGX 14.24 billion water project in Hoima City to enhance water supply in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

The project, managed by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), was announced by Managing Director Dr Eng Silver Mugisha during a media briefing in Nakasero on Tuesday.

He emphasised that this initiative is a key part of the government's strategic investment in essential infrastructure for the tournament and to support the growing Albertine Region, Uganda's primary oil and gas hub.

Hoima is one of the designated host cities for the continental tournament, alongside Kampala and Lira, with matches scheduled for June and July 2027.

"The project will draw raw water from the River Kafu in Kikuube District, treat it at a new conventional water treatment plant, and transmit it to Hoima City through a bulk water transfer system," Dr Mugisha explained as quoted by Kawowo Sports.

Key components of the project include a treatment plant capable of producing 2,000 cubic meters of water daily, approximately 25 kilometres of pipelines, and a 300-cubic-meter elevated steel reservoir at Musaijamukulu Hill. It will also feature associated pumping, electrical, and storage infrastructure.

Dr Mugisha noted that this new system, named Hoima 2, is designed to supplement the existing Hoima 1 system. The older infrastructure is no longer adequate to meet the demands of a rapidly urbanising city with a growing population and increased industrial activity related to the oil and gas sector.

"The current system is no longer sufficient to adequately meet the water needs of Hoima City and its surrounding areas," he stated, describing Hoima 2 as a critical short-to-medium-term solution to bridge the supply gap.

Looking ahead, the government and NWSC are also finalising designs for a larger, long-term project, the Hoima 3 Water Supply System.

This future system will significantly expand water production and storage capacity and will eventually be integrated with the existing networks for improved efficiency and resilience.

"NWSC, therefore, appeals to government to make available the required funding for implementation of the Hoima 3 Water Supply System immediately upon completion of the designs," Dr Mugisha urged.

"Timely investment in Hoima 3 will secure the long-term water future of Hoima City and support Uganda’s broader economic transformation agenda."

The current project is jointly funded by the Government of Uganda and the NWSC, with an expected completion time of eight months. The construction contract has been awarded to Zhonghao Overseas Construction Engineering Company Limited.

Dr Mugisha issued a stern warning to the contractor, emphasising the importance of adhering to the timeline. "Time delays will not be acceptable," he said.

Representing the contractor, Managing Director Ma Yongqian and Deputy Managing Director Wang Feifei committed to delivering the project on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards.

The project is expected to significantly improve the reliability and quality of Hoima's water supply, reduce shortages, support urban and industrial growth, and enhance the region's preparedness for AFCON 2027, which will mark the first time the tournament is hosted by three nations.