Uganda has ramped up preparations for co-hosting the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, with government committing additional funding and rolling out a multi-sector strategy to ensure readiness for the continental tournament.
Chairperson,
Communications and Signage Sub-committee
This was revealed by Dennis Mugimba, the Spokesperson for the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) during a press briefing at Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday. Mugiba said Uganda has adopted a “whole-of-country approach” involving government, private sector and citizens to deliver a successful event.
The tournament, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania, is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 18, 2027. Uganda will stage matches at Mandela National Stadium and the under-construction Hoima City Stadium.
He added that infrastructure for competition venues and training facilities must be completed by January 2027, less than a year away.
“We see immense opportunities that come with Uganda co-hosting such a sports tournament,” the LOC said in the statement, noting the potential economic impact.
The committee estimates that between 500,000 and 650,000 visitors could travel to Uganda for the tournament. If each spends at least $1,000, the country could generate a minimum of $500 million in tourism revenue.
To support preparations, the government—backed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni—has approved an additional 905 billion Ugandan shillings to fund key sectors, including infrastructure, health, transport and hospitality.
Among the major allocations includes:
More than 213 billion shillings for upgrading roads around stadiums and key routes.
184.9 billion shillings for upgrading Kabalega Airport into an international facility.
109.9 billion shillings for LOC operations across 13 specialized sub-committees.
91.05 billion shillings to upgrade health facilities in Hoima and Masindi to meet Confederation of African Football standards.
Additional investments will go into hotels, ICT infrastructure, water and electricity systems, railway upgrades and sanitation services in host cities.
The government has also announced measures to boost fan experience and accessibility, including waiving visa fees for all visitors for at least three months around the tournament and exploring a joint regional visa with Kenya and Tanzania.
“This massive sports event requires a whole-of-country approach,” the LOC said, emphasizing the need for collaboration across sectors.
Organizers say regular updates will be provided as Uganda intensifies preparations to deliver what could be one of the most impactful sporting events in the country’s history.
