UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News| Uganda is facing a significant shortage of hotel rooms as it prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with industry leaders estimating the country needs more than 10,000 additional rooms to meet the expected demand.
According to the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA), the current hospitality infrastructure is insufficient, particularly in Hoima District, one of the designated host cities for the tournament.
UHOA officials stated that while Kampala has more than 600 VVIP-standard rooms suitable for high-profile guests, areas outside the capital cannot accommodate the anticipated number of teams, officials, media personnel, and fans.
“We need to build capacity, especially in Hoima. We are talking about more than 10,000 hotel rooms that will be required there alone,” said UHOA Chief Executive Officer Jean Byamugisha.
She added that the government has been urged to support the hospitality sector through tax incentives to enable hotel developers to meet international standards.
Uganda, along with Kenya and Tanzania, won a joint bid to host AFCON 2027. In addition to the continental tournament, Uganda will host the 2027 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which also demands a substantial number of hotel rooms and logistical preparations.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has set strict requirements regarding accommodation, training facilities, health infrastructure, and transport systems for host nations.
As part of efforts to bridge the accommodation gap, the Ministry of Tourism has appealed to local and international investors to channel resources into the hospitality sector.
Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) officials said the need for new hotel rooms presents a strategic opportunity for investors, especially in areas like the Bunyoro sub-region, which currently lacks high-end hospitality infrastructure.
Hoima, which is earmarked for a new stadium under the AFCON infrastructure development plan, is particularly under pressure.
Officials allege that the city’s current accommodation options are limited to budget hotels and lodges, which do not meet the standards set by CAF.
Local authorities have begun engaging hotel owners to encourage facility upgrades and expansion projects ahead of the events.
“The President has already pledged support for the hospitality sector, and we are now working to ensure that developers get the necessary incentives such as VAT exemptions on construction materials,” Byamugisha said.
Training for hospitality workers is also a priority, with proposals for exchange programs and partnerships with established international hotels underway.
These initiatives aim to elevate service delivery in preparation for the international guests expected during the tournaments.
While the Kampala Metropolitan area—including Wakiso and Mukono—has approximately 70,000 hotel rooms, only a fraction meet international standards.
The focus now shifts to expanding quality accommodation across the country, especially in emerging host cities.
Authorities are working on a roadmap to ensure Uganda meets CAF’s requirements in time. The country will also undergo multiple evaluations by CAF officials before final confirmation of hosting rights.
The government has established national organising committees to oversee accommodation, infrastructure, health, and other critical aspects necessary for hosting the tournaments.
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