By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
Ugandan businesses have been urged to position themselves for business opportunities arising from the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) spokesperson, Dennis Mugimba, said CAF will start inviting bids for goods and services required for the continental tournament, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania under the Pamoja initiative in June 2027.
Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, Mugimba encouraged companies to regularly monitor CAF’s official website and the AFCON Pamoja Uganda website for procurement opportunities.
“The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will begin advertising major tournament tenders early next month (August)”
He said the LOC will not endorse or recommend any business to CAF, stressing that suppliers must apply directly whenever bids are advertised.
Mugimba also reminded companies that the LOC’s ongoing pre-qualification exercise for suppliers intending to provide goods and services in Uganda will close at the end of July.
He said firms interested in supplying the Ugandan LOC should register through AFCON Pamoja website under the tenders and supplier registration section, warning that companies that fail to pre-qualify before the deadline will not be considered for contracts to be advertised in September and October.
According to Mugimba, eligible firms must be legally registered in Uganda, registered with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), be tax compliant, financially sound and free from litigation or records of non-performance.
He clarified that while CAF will directly award continental contracts such as ticketing, television broadcasting and other tournament-wide services, the Ugandan LOC will only procure services under its mandate in accordance with CAF procurement guidelines.
Meanwhile, Mugimba said preparations for the tournament infrastructure remain on course.
He revealed that works recommended by CAF at Hoima City Stadium are now 95% complete and are expected to be fully concluded by mid-August.
“Construction of Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium has reached 72%, with roofing works nearing completion, while the UPDF Engineering Brigade has procured key equipment, including the roof, floodlights, LED screens, generators and power systems required for the remodeling of Mandela National Stadium, Namboole,” he stated.
Mugimba said Namboole remains on schedule for completion by December 31, 2026.
He added that fan parks will be established in major cities, including Gulu, Mbarara, Arua, Lira, Soroti, Mbale, Jinja, Masaka, Fort Portal and Hoima, and in all five Divisions of Kampala City, with additional facilities planned for Moroto Municipality to enhance the tournament experience for supporters.
