By Gloria Gwitabinji
Government has lined up a sweeping financing plan running into hundreds of billions of shillings to fast-track infrastructure, services and logistics ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with works already underway across key sectors.
The latest update shows heavy spending focused on stadiums, roads, health facilities, aviation, hospitality and tournament operations, as Uganda moves to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements.
Stadiums and training facilities
Hoima City Stadium, the centerpiece venue, is already complete, with the defects liability period running until December 2026. During this phase, contractors are expected to address issues raised during recent CAF inspections.
At Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, expansion works are set to push capacity from 38,268 to 45,000 seats. Plans also include upgrades to VIP and VVIP lounges, media facilities, press conference rooms, medical areas and spectator zones.
The redevelopment follows a memorandum signed in February 2026 between the Ministries of Education and Defence.
Training facilities are also progressing. Works at Kyambogo University and Makerere University are ongoing and expected to be completed by August 2026.
Construction at Hoima Boma Grounds and Masindi Municipal Stadium is set to begin before the end of April, while FUFA Kadiba Stadium is expected to be ready by June 2026.
Roads, airport and access
Government has committed UGX 213.76 billion to upgrade at least 47.53 kilometres of roads around Hoima City Stadium and Mandela Stadium, including Kinawataka Road. The works will also cover pedestrian walkways and street lighting.
At Kabalega Airport, UGX 184.9 billion has been earmarked for a passenger terminal and upgrades to elevate the facility to international status.
Hotels and tourism support
To address accommodation gaps, UGX 101.1 billion has been set aside under a special Uganda Development Bank facility to support hotel upgrades in Hoima and Masindi.
Consultations with CAF on hotel standards have been concluded, with financing engagements expected to begin by April 23, 2026.
In addition, UGX 37.85 billion has been allocated for destination marketing to position Uganda ahead of the tournament.
Health, ICT and utilities
Government has committed UGX 91.05 billion to upgrade Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital and Buseruka Health Centre III to handle emergencies and intensive care.
ICT infrastructure will receive UGX 6.44 billion to support operations across stadiums, airports and related facilities.
Further allocations include UGX 6.25 billion for water systems in Hoima City, UGX 4.69 billion for electricity connections to key facilities, and UGX 3.39 billion for meteorological services.
Sanitation services in Hoima City, Masindi and Kira Municipality will be supported with UGX 13.75 billion.
Tournament operations and teams
UGX 109.9 billion has been allocated to the Local Organising Committee to run tournament preparations across multiple areas including security, accreditation, medical services, volunteers and hospitality.
FUFA will receive UGX 5.2 billion to upgrade Kadiba Stadium as a training ground, while UGX 12.55 billion has been set aside to prepare the Uganda Cranes for the tournament.
Transport and mobility
Railway infrastructure is also part of the plan, with UGX 23.33 billion going into upgrades along the Kampala–Mukono line, including works at the Central Terminal, Namamve Station and Namboole halt.
Visa and regional access
Government has also proposed waiving visa fees for visitors for at least three months around the tournament window.
At the regional level, discussions are ongoing for a joint “PAMOJA visa” with Kenya and Tanzania to ease cross-border movement for fans.
Implementation
Government ministries, departments and agencies are expected to drive implementation, with the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Local Organising Committee taking on a supervisory role to ensure timelines are met and CAF standards achieved.
Authorities say the focus now shifts to execution, with infrastructure delivery seen as central to Uganda’s readiness to host AFCON 2027.
