By Amon Ngabo
Uganda has paid USD 43 million to CAF as its hosting commitment for AFCON 2027 and will waive visa fees for all visitors during the tournament period, as government rolls out a UGX 905 billion funding package to fast-track preparations.
The tournament, to be co-hosted with Kenya and Tanzania from June 19 to July 18, 2027, is expected to attract between 500,000 and 650,000 visitors to Uganda, with projected spending of at least USD 500 million in the local economy.
The funding, approved by Cabinet, targets infrastructure, hospitality, health, transport, and tournament operations under a coordinated inter-sectoral framework.
An Inter-Sectoral Steering Forum bringing together more than 20 government and private sector entities is overseeing preparations alongside the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).
Infrastructure and logistics
Government has earmarked UGX 213.76 billion for road upgrades around Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, and Hoima City Stadium, including street lighting and pedestrian walkways.
UGX 184.9 billion will fund the construction of a passenger terminal at Kabalega International Airport to enable international operations.
Health facilities will receive UGX 91.05 billion for upgrades to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital, and Buseruka Health Centre to meet CAF requirements.
Tourism and hospitality
UGX 101.1 billion has been set aside through the Uganda Development Bank to support hotel upgrades in Hoima and Masindi, alongside construction of a new facility near Kabalega Airport.
Government will waive visa fees for all visitors for at least three months around the tournament period and is pursuing a joint “Pamoja visa” arrangement with Kenya and Tanzania.
Sports and tournament operations
UGX 109.9 billion has been allocated to the LOC to manage tournament operations, including security, branding, hospitality, media, and fan services.
FUFA will receive UGX 17.7 billion to upgrade Kadiba Stadium as a training facility and UGX 12.55 billion to prepare the Uganda Cranes.
Namboole Stadium will receive UGX 56.2 billion in the next financial year, bringing total redevelopment funding to UGX 248.6 billion.
Whole-of-country approach
Officials say hosting AFCON 2027 requires a “whole-of-country approach,” involving government, private sector, and citizens.
All major infrastructure, including competition stadiums and training facilities, is expected to be completed by January 2027, ahead of the tournament kickoff.
