Uganda has committed UGX 905 billion to preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), including a USD 43 million payment to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and a visa waiver for all visiting fans.
The tournament, scheduled from June 19 to July 18, 2027, will be co-hosted with Kenya and Tanzania. Officials project that Uganda will receive between 500,000 and 650,000 visitors, with expected spending of at least USD 500 million in the local economy.
Cabinet approved the funding package to accelerate investments in infrastructure, hospitality, health, transport, and tournament operations. An inter-sectoral steering forum and the Local Organizing Committee are coordinating preparations.
Government has allocated UGX 213.76 billion for road upgrades around Mandela National Stadium and Hoima City Stadium. The works include street lighting and pedestrian walkways.
A further UGX 184.9 billion will finance a new passenger terminal at Kabalega International Airport to enable international flights.
Health infrastructure will receive UGX 91.05 billion for upgrades at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital, and Buseruka Health Centre to meet CAF standards.
In the tourism sector, UGX 101.1 billion will be channeled through Uganda Development Bank to support hotel upgrades in Hoima and Masindi, as well as construction of a new facility near the airport.
Authorities confirmed that visa fees will be waived for at least three months around the tournament period. Uganda is also pursuing a joint “Pamoja visa” arrangement with Kenya and Tanzania to ease regional travel.
For tournament operations, UGX 109.9 billion has been allocated to the Local Organizing Committee to manage security, branding, hospitality, media, and fan services.
Federation of Uganda Football Associations will receive UGX 17.7 billion to upgrade Kadiba Stadium as a training facility and UGX 12.55 billion to prepare the national team, the Uganda Cranes.
Meanwhile, redevelopment of Mandela National Stadium will receive UGX 56.2 billion in the next financial year, bringing total investment to UGX 248.6 billion.
Officials say hosting AFCON 2027 requires a whole-of-country approach involving government, the private sector, and citizens.
All major infrastructure projects, including stadiums and training facilities, are expected to be completed by January 2027, ahead of kickoff.
businessUganda Targets 650,000 Visitors with Massive Afcon 2027 Investment Plan
Uganda has committed an additional Shs 905 billion, announced a three-month visa waiver, and rolled out major infrastructure upgrades as it prepares to host up to 650,000 visitors for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
