Hoima City has received UGX3.7 billion from the government for beautification works ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with authorities racing against time to improve the city’s appearance as major road construction works continue.
The funding will support the planting of trees and grass and green selected sections of the city, particularly along roads expected to receive increased traffic during the tournament.
However, the beautification programme faces a tight schedule, with sections of the Busunju-Kiboga-Hoima Road still under construction and the contractor seeking additional government funding of over UGX170 billion to accelerate progress.
The 145-kilometre road, being constructed by a local contractor Abubaker Technical Services and General Supplies Ltd (ATSGSL) at a contract cost of approximately UGX309 billion, is about 40% complete.
ATSGSL General Manager Frank Kizito said the company was committed to completing the project on time but appealed to the government to release the necessary funds to facilitate construction and enable the contractor to meet the February 2027 completion target.
Kizito also cited difficulties in obtaining bitumen, a key ingredient in asphalt production, as one of the challenges affecting the laying of the road’s final black surface in some sections, as a result of the ongoing war in the gulf region.
He explained that the company had the necessary equipment and stone materials but needed reliable supplies of bitumen to accelerate the remaining works.
Hoima Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Badru Mugabi said the city had to complete its beautification programme before AFCON, because some of the areas earmarked for greening were still occupied by ongoing construction activities.
He said the Ministry of Works and Transport had also awarded a contract for pedestrian walkways along part of the same road corridor, making coordination among the contractors essential to avoid delays.
The RCC urged ATSGSL to increase its manpower and prioritize sections within Hoima City to create room for the beautification and walkway projects.
“We have to plant trees, plant grass and green this section before AFCON,” he said, stressing the importance of completing the different activities within the available time.
Hoima City Mayor Isingoma Edward said the city was ready to work with the contractor and other stakeholders to ensure the projects progress smoothly. He also called for temporary parking arrangements to minimise traffic disruption during construction.
The RCC further called for a balanced approach to environmental concerns, urging the relevant authorities and contractors to preserve trees where possible and consider replacement planting where removal is unavoidable.
Hoima is preparing to welcome teams, officials and supporters for AFCON 2027, making the timely completion of road works and city beautification an important part of its preparations. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
