Kampala — Uganda has intensified preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with the government committing an additional UShs 905 billion to support critical infrastructure and inter-sectoral interventions.
Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre, Dennis Mugimba, Chairperson of the Communications and Signage Sub-Committee, said the funding underscores the country’s readiness to deliver a successful continental tournament.
“Uganda’s preparations for co-hosting AFCON 2027 are gaining momentum, and this additional investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring all key sectors are ready,” Mugimba said.
He emphasised that hosting the tournament requires a coordinated national effort involving multiple stakeholders.
“This is a whole-of-country approach. Government, the private sector, civil society, and citizens all have a role to play in delivering a successful AFCON,” he noted.
Mugimba revealed that an Inter-Sectoral Steering Forum has already been established to support the Local Organising Committee, bringing together more than 20 institutions, including the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), to coordinate preparations for both the 2025 African Nations Championship and AFCON 2027.
On the economic outlook, he said Uganda stands to benefit significantly from the tournament, with projections indicating a major influx of visitors.
“Uganda could receive between 500,000 and 650,000 visitors during AFCON 2027. If each visitor spends at least 1,000 US dollars, the tournament could inject a minimum of 500 million dollars into the local economy,” he said.
To support logistics and fan experience, the government has allocated UShs 213.76 billion for upgrading over 47 kilometres of key roads, pedestrian walkways, and street lighting around Hoima City and Namboole Stadium.
“This investment will improve fan safety, access, and mobility during the tournament,” Mugimba explained.
In the hospitality sector, UShs 101.1 billion has been earmarked to upgrade selected hotels in Hoima and Masindi, as well as construct a new facility to serve Kabalega International Airport, with financing to be channelled through the Uganda Development Bank.
“We are working closely with the private sector to ensure accommodation meets international standards,” he said.
The health sector is also set for significant upgrades, with UShs 91.05 billion allocated to improve Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital, and Buseruka Health Centre III.
“These facilities will be upgraded to meet CAF medical requirements, including intensive care and emergency response capacity,” Mugimba noted.
Additionally, the government has committed UShs 37.85 billion towards marketing and promoting Uganda as a global destination.
“We are leveraging the global visibility of AFCON 2027 to position Uganda as a prime destination for tourism, trade, and investment,” he said.
To further ease travel for fans, Mugimba announced that Uganda will waive visa fees for visitors for at least three months around the tournament period, while also pursuing a joint “PAMOJA visa” arrangement with Kenya and Tanzania.
“This will make it easier for fans to move across the three host countries and fully experience the tournament,” he added.
Uganda is co-hosting AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania, marking the first time the tournament will be jointly hosted by three East African nations.
