By Prince Obed

Uganda is steadily moving towards the final phase of preparations to co-host the historic TotalEnergies Confederation of African Football (CAF) Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 in partnership with Kenya and Tanzania.

The Spokesperson of Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr. Dennis Mugimba, addressing journalists at Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday, 7th April, 2026 said, “There is overwhelming government commitment, to ensure a ready environment in Uganda, for the successful co-hosting of the AFCON PAMOJA 2027 tournament. The successful co-hosting, of such a massive sports event, requires a ‘whole-of-country approach’ in which citizens, government, civil society and the private sector must all rise to a greater sense of common mission, as far as AFCON 2027 is concerned.”

On 28th November 2024, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports inaugurated the Inter-Sectoral Steering Forum, a collaborative platform created to support the Local Organizing Committee, in preparation for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 and AFCON 2027 tournaments. This forum brings together more than twenty key institutions, including government ministries, departments and agencies, private sector representatives and the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).

The tournament will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania from 19th June to 18th July 2027. Uganda will host matches in two primary competition venues; Mandela National Stadium in Namboole and Hoima City Stadium, which are currently under the final phase of infrastructure development. Supporting these will be eight training facilities that must be completed by January 2027.

For regional integration and a fan-friendly tournament experience, based on visitor trends from recent AFCON tournaments Mugimba said, “Uganda is preparing to receive between 500,000 and 650,000 visitors during the competition. Lessons from the co-hosting of CHAN 2024 in August 2025 are also being integrated to ensure efficiency, readiness and excellence.”

Mugimba stated that Cabinet has strongly demonstrated financial commitment. “In 2024 Cabinet approved UGX 1.35 trillion to support infrastructure, logistics and operations for CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027, including CAF co-hosting fees and an additional UGX 905 billion has since been approved to meet critical inter-sectoral requirements.”

On hospitality and accommodation, Mugimba confirmed that UGX 101.1 billion has been earmarked for upgrading selected hotels in Hoima and Masindi and constructing a hotel to serve Kabalega International Airport.

On water and utilities; UGX 6.25 billion has been allocated to upgrade Hoima’s water grid capacity. Dedicated electricity lines, costing UGX 4.69 billion will power key facilities, including Kabalega International Airport, Hoima City Stadium and multiple training grounds.

On roads and maintenance; UGX 23.33 billion will be directed towards road upgrades and maintenance to guarantee efficient movement of teams, officials and fans.

On tourism, while recognizing the global spotlight AFCON, UGX 37.85 billion has been committed to promoting Destination Uganda internationally. In an effort expected to significantly boost tourism and fan attendance, the government of Uganda has committed to waive visa fees for all visitors, for a three-month period surrounding the tournament. Mugimba added that discussions are also underway with Kenya and Tanzania, to introduce a special joint PAMOJA visa, allowing fans to move freely across host countries.

This event is really a massive economic opportunity for Uganda. “If each visitor can spend an average of USD 1,000 during their stay, Uganda could see at least USD 500 million injected into the local economy within a single month spanning from tourism, hospitality, transport, construction, retail, entertainment, agriculture and creative industries. This now represents a moment for Uganda’s private sector and citizens to position themselves to benefit from the “AFCON economy,” Mugimba explained.

The shared banner PAMOJA, a Swahili word for ‘togetherness’ defined CHAN 2024 and will remain the heartbeat of AFCON 2027. For the first time since 1976, the tournament will return to the CECAFA region, coinciding with AFCON’s 70th Anniversary. June and July 2027 will be historic months, as Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania welcome Africa to a football festival that will leave a lasting legacy.