Uganda Races Against Time on AFCON 2027 Projects in Hoima

State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang has called for an urgent acceleration of construction work in Hoima, as Uganda's extensive and costly preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) face a critical inspection from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

During a weekend tour, Ogwang assessed the progress at several key sites, including the Hoima Booma Grounds and Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.

These facilities are being upgraded to support the newly constructed Hoima City Stadium, the centrepiece of the region's hosting plans.

The minister was joined by officials from the National Council of Sports, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and the UPDF Engineering Brigade, which is handling several of the construction projects.

Ogwang said he was encouraged by the work completed so far but stressed that contractors must increase the pace to ensure the projects are delivered within the strict timelines.

"I am, so far, impressed by the work done by the UPDF Engineering Brigade," Ogwang stated as quoted by Kawowo Sports, while also emphasising the need for a faster pace to meet the strict deadlines.

The playing surface at Booma Grounds is scheduled for completion by September to give the grass enough time to mature, while the entire project is expected to be completed by December 31.

The tight deadlines underline the pressure on Uganda to address concerns raised during previous CAF assessments before inspectors return to evaluate the country's readiness.

CAF's hosting requirements extend far beyond the main stadium, with host cities also required to provide quality training venues, medical facilities, accommodation, transport and security infrastructure.

To meet those standards, the Ugandan government has committed more than Shs1 trillion towards projects in Hoima and neighbouring Masindi district.

According to the Office of the Prime Minister, Shs545.99 billion has been allocated for supporting infrastructure, in addition to the approximately Shs487 billion already invested in Hoima City Stadium.

A further Shs52.1 billion has been earmarked for the upgrade of training venues, including Hoima Booma Playground, King George Memorial Stadium and facilities at Sir Tito Winyi Secondary School.

Booma is being transformed into a CAF-standard training facility featuring a hybrid pitch, floodlights and a modern pavilion.

Medical preparedness has also received significant attention, with Shs91 billion allocated to upgrading Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital and Buseruka Health Centre III.

The Hoima hospital is expected to receive a new 150-bed wing, an accident and emergency unit, CT and MRI scanners, as well as improved laboratory and pharmacy services.

Other investments include Shs106.4 billion for roads and utilities around Hoima City Stadium, Shs183.7 billion for a passenger terminal at Kabalega International Airport and Shs101.1 billion to support local hoteliers in improving accommodation standards.

The upcoming CAF inspection will assess more than the progress made at Hoima City Stadium and will examine whether the wider host-city infrastructure can meet the demands of the continental tournament.

With such substantial public investment involved, questions over value for money, financial management and the long-term sustainability of the facilities are also expected to remain important.

The cost of maintaining the completed infrastructure is already a concern, with Hoima City Stadium alone estimated to require $15,200 per month for upkeep.

Ogwang has previously urged the institutions expected to take over the upgraded facilities to begin planning for their future maintenance instead of waiting until construction work is completed.

"After our work, you must maintain these facilities," he warned. "Start thinking of those budgets now."

The government has presented the extensive AFCON investment as a long-term development opportunity for the region rather than simply a short-term tournament project.

Hoima will also get an early test of its hosting capabilities when Kitara FC hosts Somalia's Mogadishu City in CAF Confederation Cup matches at the new stadium in September.