Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has directed the Uganda Development Bank (UDB) to expedite the processing and disbursement of low-interest loans to hotel owners in the Bunyoro and Lango sub-regions as government races to prepare the country for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking during a meeting with hoteliers on Thursday, Nabbanja said timely access to financing is critical if Uganda is to meet the accommodation standards required to host the continental football tournament, which Uganda will co-host alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
The Prime Minister, accompanied by Second Deputy Prime Minister Dr Chrispus Kiyonga and several ministers, assessed the progress made by hotel owners in upgrading their facilities and reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the private sector through affordable financing.
Nabbanja urged Uganda Development Bank officials to fast-track the loan approval and disbursement process, warning that delays could undermine efforts to have hospitality facilities ready before AFCON 2027.
“We cannot afford unnecessary delays. Our hotel owners need these resources in time to complete upgrades and prepare for the opportunities that AFCON 2027 presents. The financing process must be expedited,” she said.
Government has identified the hospitality industry as one of the key sectors that will benefit from the tournament, with thousands of football fans, officials, investors and tourists expected to travel to Uganda during the competition.
The low-interest loan facility is intended to enable hoteliers to expand room capacity, improve service delivery, modernise their establishments and align their facilities with international hospitality standards.
Nabbanja said AFCON 2027 should not only be viewed as a sporting event but also as a catalyst for economic transformation, job creation and tourism development across the country.
She noted that regions hosting tournament-related activities stand to reap significant economic benefits if adequate preparations are made in advance.
The Prime Minister’s directive comes as government intensifies efforts to complete critical infrastructure projects linked to the tournament, including stadiums, roads, airports and hospitality facilities.
Earlier in the day, Nabbanja welcomed Egypt’s Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mohammed El-Hamzawai, and his delegation for discussions on strategic infrastructure projects being undertaken in Uganda.
The meeting focused on the progress of the construction of Akii Bua Stadium in Lira City and interventions aimed at easing traffic congestion in Kampala.
Government and the Egyptian delegation reviewed the implementation of the stadium project, which is being undertaken by Egyptian construction firm Samco as part of Uganda’s preparations for AFCON 2027.
The Prime Minister commended the cooperation between Uganda and Egypt in delivering critical infrastructure projects and expressed optimism that the stadium will be completed within the required timelines.
Discussions also explored possible solutions to Kampala’s persistent traffic congestion, which government considers a priority as Uganda prepares to welcome thousands of visitors during the continental tournament.
Government officials say preparations for AFCON 2027 remain on course, with investments in sports infrastructure, accommodation facilities and transport systems expected to leave a lasting legacy for the country long after the final whistle of the tournament.
With the clock ticking towards 2027, Nabbanja’s call for the swift disbursement of hotel financing signals government’s determination to ensure that Uganda’s hospitality sector is adequately prepared to showcase the country on Africa’s biggest football stage.
