Uganda Targets 650,000 Visitors with Massive Afcon 2027 Investment Plan

Uganda has intensified preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with government committing additional funding, infrastructure upgrades and a three-month visa waiver expected to support up to 650,000 visitors during the tournament.

Dr Dennis K. Mugimba, a spokesperson for the organising committee, said the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania from June 19, 2027 to July 18, 2027, with Mandela National Stadium, Namboole and Hoima City Stadium designated as Uganda’s primary competition venues. Competition infrastructure, including the two stadiums and eight training facilities, must be completed by January 2027.

Planning estimates show between 500,000 and 650,000 visitors could travel to Uganda. If each spends at least 1,000 US dollars (about Shs 3.7 million), the country could earn at least 500 million dollars (about Shs 1.85 trillion) during the tournament.

Government had earlier approved Shs 1.35 trillion for infrastructure, logistics and operational costs for CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027, including CAF commitment fees of 13 million dollars for CHAN and 30 million dollars for AFCON. Authorities have now approved an additional Shs 905 billion for inter-sectoral preparations.

Of the new funding, Shs 213.76 billion will upgrade 47.53 kilometres of roads around Hoima City Stadium and Namboole, including 29.5 kilometres around Hoima, 14.83 kilometres around Namboole, 3.2 kilometres of Kinawataka Road and 8.8 kilometres of pedestrian walkways with street lighting.

Another Shs 184.9 billion will establish a passenger terminal at Kabalega International Airport. Government also set aside Shs 101.1 billion for upgrading selected hotels in Hoima and Masindi and constructing a hotel to serve the airport through a credit facility under Uganda Development Bank.

Sports-specific funding includes Shs 17.7 billion for upgrading FUFA Kadiba Stadium as a training facility and Shs 12.55 billion for preparations of the Uganda Cranes team. The Local Organising Committee will receive Shs 109.9 billion to support tournament operations across thirteen sub-committees.

Government also allocated Shs 56.2 billion for further remodelling of Namboole Stadium in the 2026/2027 financial year, bringing total Phase II funding to Shs 248.6 billion.

Health and support services will also be strengthened. Shs 91.05 billion will upgrade Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital and Buseruka Health Centre III to meet CAF medical requirements. Shs 13.75 billion will improve sanitation in Hoima City, Masindi Municipality and Kira Municipality.

Infrastructure support includes Shs 6.44 billion for ICT systems, Shs 3.39 billion for aeronautical meteorological services at Kabalega and Entebbe airports, Shs 6.25 billion for Hoima water grid upgrades, Shs 23.33 billion for railway improvements including Kampala-Mukono line and Namboole Halt, and Shs 4.69 billion for dedicated electricity lines to key facilities.

Government also committed Shs 37.85 billion to market Destination Uganda ahead of the tournament.

To boost travel, government will waive visa fees for all visitors for at least three months, starting one month before kick-off and ending one month after the final. Authorities are also pursuing a joint PAMOJA visa with Kenya and Tanzania to ease cross-border movement of fans.

Officials say the investments are intended to ensure Uganda is ready to host matches while maximising tourism, infrastructure and economic benefits from the continental tournament.