Govt approves additional sh905b for AFCON 2027 preparations

KAMPALA - The government has approved an additional sh905b (905 billion shillings) to fast-track Uganda’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Uganda will co-host with East African neighbours Kenya and Tanzania.

The approval is a major funding boost that underscores the scale and urgency of the country’s readiness efforts.

The supplementary allocation, announced Tuesday during a briefing by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, is aimed at closing critical infrastructure and service gaps ahead of the tournament that will be held from June 19 until July 18 next year.

Dr Dennis K. Mugimba, the chairperson of the LOC communications and signage sub-committee, described the funding decision as part of a “whole-of-government approach” to delivering a successful tournament within tight timelines.

He said the newly approved funds will be channeled into priority sectors considered essential to hosting the continental showpiece.

Road infrastructure takes the largest share, with sh213.76b earmarked for the upgrade of more than 47 kilometres of roads around key venues, including Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, and Hoima City Stadium.

In aviation, sh184.9b has been allocated for the construction of a passenger terminal at Kabalega Airport to enable it handle international traffic.

The health sector will receive  sh91.05b to upgrade Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital and Buseruka Health Centre III to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards, particularly in emergency and intensive care services.

Tourism and hospitality facilities are also set for improvement, with sh101.1b to be extended as credit through the Uganda Development Bank (UDB) to support hotel upgrades in Hoima and Masindi.

In the sports sector, sh17.7b will go towards upgrading FUFA Kadiba Stadium, while  sh12.55b has been set aside to support preparations of Uganda's national football team, The Cranes.

The approval comes against the backdrop of tight construction timelines, with all major competition infrastructure — two stadiums and eight training facilities — expected to be completed by January 2027.

Government has also committed an additional sh56.2b to the ongoing redevelopment of Mandela National Stadium, bringing the total cost of Phase II works to sh248.6b.

Beyond physical infrastructure, part of the funding will support ICT systems, sanitation improvements in host cities, and dedicated electricity supply lines for AFCON facilities.

The 2027 edition is expected to draw between 500,000 and 650,000 visitors to Uganda.
Officials estimate that, with a minimum spend of $1,000 per visitor, the country could realise at least $500m (sh1.87 trillion) in direct economic benefits.

To boost arrivals, the government plans to waive visa fees for a three-month period around the tournament and is exploring a joint “PAMOJA visa” arrangement with Kenya and Tanzania to ease regional travel.

“There is overwhelming government commitment to delivering a ready environment," said Mugimba, adding that regular updates would be provided as preparations intensify.

Background

On Thursday, November 28, 2024, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Museveni, inaugurated an Inter-Sectoral Steering Forum to support the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in Uganda’s co-hosting of the CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 tournaments.

The forum brings together more than 20 key institutions, including representatives from the private sector and the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).

Following the establishment of Uganda’s LOC in full compliance with CAF statutes and subsequent approval, the committee was officially gazetted on March 14, 2025.

The LOC Secretariat also serves as the secretariat for the Inter-Sectoral Steering Forum, whose technical arm is led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports.

Member entities of the Inter-Sectoral Forum were tasked with submitting their respective requirements deemed critical to Uganda’s preparations for co-hosting the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 tournament.