AFCON 2027: Museveni greenlights additional $243M as Uganda intensifies preparations

Uganda has taken a significant step forward in its preparations to co-host the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2027 tournament, following the approval of additional government funding aimed at accelerating key projects and operational readiness.

No expenses spared for AFCON 2027 hosting preparations

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has sanctioned an extra UGX 905 billion ($243,500,000) to cater for critical inter-sectoral funding and administrative needs, reinforcing the country’s commitment to delivering a successful continental showpiece.

This latest boost builds on an earlier Cabinet decision in 2024, which allocated UGX 1.35 trillion ($363,238,560) to support infrastructure, logistics, and operations for both CHAN 2024 (scheduled for August 2025) and AFCON 2027. That package also covered mandatory hosting fees to CAF, including USD $13 million for CHAN and USD $30 million for AFCON.

“Uganda is going to spend close to UGX 2 trillion on the 2027 AFCON, and for me credit should go to President Museveni. He could easily have directed the funds to something else,” @JonahByakutaaga.#NBSportThePavilion #NBSportUpdates 📸 Courtesy pic.twitter.com/MOYkquAf9j

— NBS Sport (@NBSportUg) March 31, 2026

Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, Dr. Dennis K. Mugimba, Chairperson of the Communications and Signage Sub-Committee, welcomed the development, emphasizing its importance in fast-tracking preparations.

He noted that the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) will, in the coming months, roll out a series of activations designed to build excitement and engagement among fans both locally and internationally.

A substantial portion of the newly approved funds will go into upgrading key infrastructure.

Road networks around major venues such as Hoima City Stadium and Mandela National Stadium, Namboole will be improved, alongside pedestrian walkways and street lighting to enhance safety and accessibility.

In the hospitality sector, government has earmarked funding to support the upgrade of hotels in Hoima and Masindi, as well as the construction of a new facility near Kabalega International Airport.

The airport itself will receive a major boost, with plans to establish a passenger terminal and elevate it to international status.

Sports infrastructure is also a priority, with FUFA Kadiba Stadium set for upgrades to serve as a training facility, while additional funding will support Uganda Cranes’ preparations for the tournament.

The health sector will benefit from upgrades to key facilities including Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital, and Buseruka Health Centre III to meet CAF standards, particularly in emergency and intensive care services.

Further investments will target ICT systems, railway transport, water supply, electricity connectivity, and sanitation services across host cities, ensuring a seamless experience for teams, officials, and fans.

In a move to boost tourism and ease travel, the government will waive visa fees for all visitors during a specified AFCON 2027 window and is exploring a joint “PAMOJA visa” arrangement with co-hosts Kenya and Tanzania to facilitate regional movement.

Additionally, significant funding has been committed to marketing Uganda as a prime destination, leveraging the global appeal of AFCON to showcase the country’s tourism potential.

Overall, the latest financial commitment underscores Uganda’s determination to create a fully prepared and competitive environment, signaling strong government backing for what promises to be a historic tournament for the region.