Bunyoro security tightened ahead of AFCON 2027, oil production

Bunyoro sub-region have intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance and patrols as Uganda prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and commence commercial oil production.

The heightened security measures are targeting strategic installations, including Hoima City Stadium, training facilities and oil and gas infrastructure, as authorities anticipate increased business activity and an influx of people into the region.

Uganda will co-host AFCON 2027 with Kenya and Tanzania, with Hoima City among the areas expected to benefit from the tournament’s infrastructure developments.

Construction of Hoima City Stadium is ongoing, while Booma Grounds in Hoima and facilities in Masindi are also being developed for training purposes.

Hoima City Resident City Commissioner Badru Mugabi said the region is already experiencing an increase in population due to the various developments, creating a need for stronger security measures.

“Of course, it is true the population influx is on. Not only good people come; even the wrong people come. That is why we have heightened security, increased human resources, but importantly, more intelligence on the ground to ensure that we deal with wrong elements in time,” Mugabi said.

The Albertine Regional Police spokesperson, Julius Hakiza, said police and other security agencies have increased patrols, particularly around critical installations.

He said a multi-agency security team has been deployed at Hoima City Stadium, comprising personnel from the Counter Terrorism Police, Uganda Police Force, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other sister agencies.

“At the stadium, we have a full unit there. There is Counter Terrorism Police, Police, UPDF, among other sister security agencies. Besides that, we have more motorised police patrols,” Hakiza said.

Hakiza urged local leaders, particularly village chairpersons, to work closely with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and people.

“It is good we are dealing with new chairpersons. We keep telling them they are heads of security in their respective villages. We want to ask them not to connive with wrongdoers, but rather report them so that they are arrested and peace prevails,” he said.

He said the large number of strategic installations in the region requires close cooperation between security agencies and communities.

“As security, we are ready to ensure that it is safe,” Hakiza added.

Meanwhile, the expected commencement of oil production has emerged as another major factor behind the increased security deployment in the region.

Kikuube Resident District Commissioner Godwin Angalia said a dedicated security unit has been deployed to protect oil and gas installations and urged communities to remain vigilant.

“We have an entire unit, the Counter Terrorism Unit, that most of you call the oil and gas police. But we also want to work with local leaders and the community so that there is no space for wrong elements to cause any disturbances to our sector,” Angalia said.

“We know oil is coming out this year, so as security, we are very ready to safeguard that natural resource.”

Security officials say the increased deployment is intended to ensure that the region remains secure as major sporting and economic activities take shape, while strengthening cooperation between security agencies, local leaders and communities.