HOIMA CITY: OIL, AFCON, AIRPORT FUEL UGANDA'S NEXT MEGA HUB
Hoima is set for massive economic growth as the centre of Uganda's petroleum industry, a new international airport, and a host city for the 2027 AFCON.
With a new international airport opening soon, Hoima is set to become a major hub for hospitality.
Hoima City is set to become a key spot in the country. It's becoming the centre for the petroleum industry and will soon have the country's second international airport.
Plus, it's getting Uganda's newest sports stadium, one of three hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (CAF) in 2027. But there's more—Hoima is right in the middle of Uganda's top tourist spots. It's near Murchison Falls National Park, the Rwenzori Mountains, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. With a new international airport opening, Hoima is about to boom in hospitality, thanks to all the visitors passing through.
Hoima, one of Uganda's ten new cities, looks set for success. The city will likely need more hotel rooms soon. This is because of the expected economic growth from the oil industry and also because of the AFCON tournament in 2027, which will bring many visitors. Plus, Hoima is getting Uganda's second international airport. Travellers will need places to stay and eat during layovers. People from South Sudan and eastern Congo may soon pick Kabalega over Entebbe to make their trips home shorter.
Because of the new airport, tourists heading to Uganda's national parks may choose Kabalega over Entebbe. The international airport could draw in more tourists since those who didn't want long drives from Entebbe might change their minds. The more travellers landing in Hoima, the more hotels we'll need for them before and after visiting western Uganda's parks. With more good rooms in that area, it will be easier to market places like Murchison Falls and the Rwenzoris. Right now, the city only has 507 hotel rooms, so there's room to grow.
One reason many tourists visit Bwindi through Rwanda is that Rwanda's Kanombe International Airport is closer than Entebbe. Some tourists don't like long drives. Because of this, Hoima International Airport could be a reason for tourists to visit, cutting out extra charter flight costs and long trips from Entebbe. Most people have put money into Kampala's property because they want to be part of Kampala's economy. So, Hoima city is about to see lots of property investors. Keep an eye on Hoima.
UGANDA NETBALL: SHE CRANES FOLLOW KENYA WIN WITH HUGE VICTORY OVER ZIMBABWE
The She Cranes secured a massive 60-38 victory over the Zimbabwe Gems, dominating after the first quarter tie. Uganda's second win sets up a clash with Namibia.
Uganda's She Cranes played a great game, beating Zimbabwe's Gems 60-38 in their second Africa Netball Cup match.
After a tied first quarter, the She Cranes took charge and won their second game in a row in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The first quarter was close, ending 12-12, which hinted at a tough match. But Uganda quickly turned things around and controlled the next three quarters.
After narrowly defeating Kenya 46-45 in their first game, the She Cranes began the second quarter by scoring off an early turnover to take a two-goal lead. They kept the pressure on the Gems, forcing three turnovers in four minutes, but Zimbabwe managed to stay close.
As halftime approached, defenders Gloria Aya and Shaffie Nalwanja made important intercepts, helping Uganda increase their lead to 26-20 at the half.
In the third quarter, Uganda really found their groove. The defence, with Shaffie, Aya, and Kadondi, was tough, causing many turnovers as Zimbabwe struggled with Uganda’s intensity. Lillian Achola's entry at wing attack brought speed and accuracy to the shooters, and the Gems had no answers.
Goal shooter Shadia Nassanga's accurate shots helped Uganda increase their lead, outscoring Zimbabwe by a large margin and entering the final quarter ahead 45-26.
In the final quarter, the She Cranes kept up their strong defence and smooth play. The Gems seemed overwhelmed and made more mistakes. Uganda could have won by an even bigger difference, but a slight lack of focus on offence in the last five minutes caused them to lose three centre passes. Even so, Nakitto's fresh energy on defence made sure Zimbabwe never caught up.
Uganda easily secured a 59-38 win, their second in two games.
The She Cranes will now rest before playing Namibia on Thursday to finish their group games.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s men’s team, The Rock, plays Zimbabwe tomorrow after beating Botswana 40-39 earlier today in their first match.
DONE DEAL: UGANDA CUBS STARS JAMES BOGERE & HAMZA SENGOOBA SIGN PRO CONTRACTS WITH DANISH LEADERS AGF
Ugandan youth stars James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba have signed their first long-term professional contracts, joining Danish Superliga leaders Aarhus GF's U19 team in February 2026.
James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba, two rising Ugandan soccer players, are moving up fast. They just signed their first pro contracts with Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF), a top club in Denmark.
Two teenage soccer players from Uganda are heading to Europe. Bogere James and Sengooba Hamza, both from El Cambio Soccer Academy and Masaka Sunshine Football Club, have signed transfer deals to play for Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF). AGF is currently in first place in the Danish league. El Cambio shared their excitement on social media, saying they're excited to see what the future holds for these young men.
Both players were part of the Uganda Cubs team that played in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Bogere had some great moments, including scoring two goals during group play to help the team advance. He scored against Canada and France, and Uganda made it to the round of 32 before losing to Burkina Faso. Ssengooba, a defender, also played well during the tournament.
Bogere is now with the Uganda Cranes team, getting ready for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
About AGF Aarhus:
Full Name: Aarhus Gymnastikforening
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Nicknames: De hviie (The Whites), Byens hold (The City’s Team)
Home Field: Ceres Park (Aarhus Stadium)
Men’s Team: Plays in the Danish Superliga, coached by Jakob Poulsen
Current Status: They’re leading the Danish Superliga with 40 points from 18 games (12 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses).
History: They’re one of the oldest clubs in Denmark and have won a lot of trophies.
With AGF doing so well in Denmark and these talented Ugandan players joining them, it will be interesting to see what happens with Bogere and Sengooba
Bogere James and Hamza Sengooba are joining AGF in Denmark during the next transfer window.