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.
HISTORY MADE: WHY UGANDA CRANES USED THREE GOALKEEPERS IN A SINGLE AFCON NIGHTMARE
Uganda’s AFCON run ends in a 3-1 defeat to Nigeria. The Cranes used three goalkeepers in a match that saw Salim Magoola sent off.
Uganda's run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is over after a tough 3-1 loss to Nigeria. They didn't win a single game and are out after the group stage. Nigeria finished top of Group C with 9 points, while Uganda ended up last with only 1 point. Uganda had trouble scoring and let in the most goals, showing they still have a ways to go.
Nigeria came out strong, keeping Uganda pinned back. Their pressure paid off when Paul Onuachu scored in the 28th minute after a great pass from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, putting Nigeria ahead.
Uganda couldn't get into the game and barely created any chances. Karl Uche Ikpeazu was isolated up front. They wasted several set-piece opportunities, and captain Denis Onyango had to make a bunch of saves. He even needed treatment a few times before being subbed out at halftime.
Things got worse in the 57th minute when Onyango's replacement, Salim Jamal Magoola, got a red card for handling the ball outside the box while trying to stop Victor Osimhen. Uganda was down to ten men.
Nafian Alionzi came in, making Uganda the first team in the tournament to use three goalkeepers in one game.
Nigeria took advantage of the situation, and Raphael Onyedika scored twice in the 62nd and 66th minutes, making it 3-0. Game over for Uganda.
Uganda managed to pull one back in the 75th minute when Rogers Kassim Mato scored after a nice play with Allan Okello. It got the 11,545 fans excited, but Nigeria just slowed the game down and won easily.
With this win, Nigeria finished Group C undefeated. Uganda finished last, having let in the most goals in the group.
In the other game, Tanzania drew 1-1 with Tunisia. This meant that both teams, along with Nigeria, moved on. Tanzania made it to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Uganda lost 3-1 to Tunisia, drew 1-1 with Tanzania, and lost 3-1 to Nigeria. They're still waiting for their first-ever win in the AFCON finals.
For head coach Joseph Paul Put, the tournament had some good moments, but it also showed that Uganda needs to be more consistent, disciplined, and clinical to compete at the highest level.
TUESDAY PREVIEW: PAUL PUT PREPARES UGANDA FOR DECISIVE FINAL AFCON GROUP CLASH
Uganda must beat Nigeria to reach the AFCON 2025 knockouts. Discover Paul Put’s strategy and Jordan Obita’s call for belief in Fes.
Paul Put's team is heading to Stade de Fes, aiming for a win. This victory could get them into the round of 16 either as Group C's second-place team or as one of the top four third-place teams in the 24-team contest.
"We're up against a really good team," Put said. They were in the final at the last Cup of Nations, and they've won both matches here in Morocco.
We know how good the Nigerian players are. A lot of them play in big leagues in Europe, so we need to be super focused.
But we know what's at stake. It won't be easy; it will be tough. But if we put in the effort, anything's possible.
Tunisia is playing Tanzania in Rabat on Tuesday night. They beat Uganda 3-1 in their first game on December 23.
In their second game, Uganda drew 1-1 with Tanzania after Allan Okello missed a late penalty.
"We had a great chance to win," said Uganda defender Jordan Obita. But it didn't happen.
We can't be scared of going into the Nigeria game. We have to believe we can do something, and that's what we're going to do.
Uganda reached the last 16 in 2019 in Egypt—the first time the Africa Cup of Nations had 24 teams.
But the country's teams didn't make it into the competitions in Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire after that.
In 2027, Uganda will host the event with Kenya and Uganda. Obita mentioned that the players in the Uganda team want to show what they're made of at the 2025 contest.
"Everyone back home in Uganda needs to see that we can compete with the best countries in the world," said the 32-year-old, who plays for Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.
When we played Algeria in the World Cup qualifiers, it showed we can go head-to-head with top-tier countries and players.
Nigeria's coach, Eric Chelle, was secretive on Monday about who would be on his team Tuesday night.
"I'm keeping my plans to myself," said the 48-year-old former Mali player. A lot of players deserve a chance on this team.
I make hard choices for every match. I've got two or three teams in mind.