Government Sets Shs42 Billion to Boost Hotels in Gulu and Lira Ahead of AFCON 2027

The government has set aside Shs42 billion to support private hotel operators in Gulu and Lira as Uganda prepares to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang has said.

The funding is intended to help hotel owners renovate, expand and upgrade their facilities to meet the expected demand for accommodation during the continental tournament, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.

Ogwang said the financing will be made available through a government-supported arrangement involving the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), with successful hotel investors expected to access loans at an interest rate of five percent and a three-year grace period before repayment begins.

He said the Ministry of Sports will engage hotel owners in Gulu and Lira to assess existing facilities and identify the upgrades needed to accommodate teams, officials and visitors during the tournament.

The minister urged hotel operators to begin preparing for the assessment, saying the investment is aimed at strengthening accommodation capacity in the two cities ahead of AFCON 2027.