Nile Special has announced a revised travel experience for the two Ugandan football fans who won its all-expenses-paid FIFA World Cup 2026 consumer promotion.
The winners had initially been scheduled to travel to the United States for the tournament. However, recent public health developments and the resulting temporary suspension of visa services at the United States Embassy in Kampala have made it impossible to complete the required travel documentation within the necessary timelines.
Under a contingency plan announced by the brand, the winners will instead receive an all-expenses-paid trip to South Africa, where they will experience the FIFA World Cup through a premium football and hospitality package.
The package will include return flights, accommodation, an exclusive viewing experience for the World Cup Final, hospitality activities and curated football entertainment.
Nile Special said the alternative arrangement reflects its commitment to fulfilling the spirit of the promotion and delivering a memorable football experience to the winners despite circumstances beyond the control of both the brand and the beneficiaries.
In a statement issued on June 5, Nile Special management said:
“Nile Special wishes to update consumers and stakeholders regarding the FIFA World Cup 2026 consumer promotion through which two Ugandan football fans won an all-expenses-paid FIFA World Cup experience.
Due to recent public health developments and the resulting temporary suspension of visa services at the United States Embassy in Kampala, it has not been possible to complete the required travel documentation within the necessary timelines. Consequently, the winners will no longer travel to the United States as originally planned.
While this development is beyond the control of both the brand and the winners, we remain committed to delivering an exceptional football experience in recognition of their participation in the campaign.
As part of the brand’s contingency plan, the winners will instead receive an all-expenses-paid trip to South Africa to experience the FIFA World Cup through a premium football and hospitality package. The experience will include a return flight, accommodation, an exclusive match-viewing experience of the World Cup Final, hospitality activities, and curated football entertainment designed to celebrate the tournament in a memorable way.”
The promotion was created to give Ugandan football supporters an opportunity to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup beyond the matches watched at home.
While the change means the winners will no longer travel to the United States as initially planned, Nile Special said the South Africa package has been designed to maintain the premium nature of the prize and ensure the winners remain at the centre of the tournament experience.
The brand will also continue bringing the tournament closer to fans in Uganda through dedicated watch parties, offering supporters opportunities to experience key matches in an engaging communal environment.
