The Ugandan government has allocated an additional Shs905 billion to enhance its preparedness for co-hosting the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania.

This was revealed by Denis Mugimba, Chairperson of the Communications and Signage Sub-Committee, who assured that the country remains on track to host matches at key venues, including Nelson Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) and Hoima City Stadium.

However, a recent inspection by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) highlighted significant gaps.

The report noted that all four proposed stadia are not yet up to CAF standards, with deficiencies in infrastructure, training facilities, road networks, and hotel capacity.

Uganda was assessed as lagging behind its co-hosts, Kenya and Tanzania.

Additional venues expected to support the tournament include Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira, while training grounds such as FUFA Kadiba Stadium, Nakivubo Stadium, and Kyambogo Grounds are scheduled for completion by January 2027.

Mugimba acknowledged challenges in getting the private sector fully ready to benefit from the tournament, which is projected to attract up to 650,000 visitors.

If each visitor spends at least USD 1,000, the event could inject a minimum of USD 500 million into the local economy.

To boost visitor numbers, the Cabinet has approved a visa waiver for all travellers, effective one month before the tournament until one month after it ends, as part of promoting “Destination Uganda.

”Key funding allocations include:

• Shs17.7 billion to the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), with Shs12.55 billion for national team preparations and Shs5.2 billion for upgrading Kadiba Stadium.
• Shs213.76 billion for upgrading over 47 kilometres of roads, pedestrian walkways, and street lighting around Namboole and in Hoima.
• Shs101.1 billion for upgrading hotels in Hoima and Masindi, plus construction of a new hotel near Kabalega International Airport.
• Shs91.05 billion for upgrading Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital, and Buseruka Health Centre III to meet CAF medical standards.
• Shs37.85 billion for a marketing and promotion campaign under “Destination Uganda.”

Mugimba reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering a successful tournament, supported by the Inter-Sectoral Steering Forum, which brings together over 20 stakeholders including government, the private sector, and FUFA.