Government has approved an additional Shs905 billion to accelerate preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, with funding targeting critical infrastructure, logistics, and institutional readiness.
The latest allocation builds on the Shs1.35 trillion approved by Cabinet in 2024 to support Uganda’s co-hosting of both the African Nations Championship 2024—set for August 2025—and AFCON 2027, including mandatory hosting fees to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Officials said the additional funding, championed by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, will be ring-fenced for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) implementing priority projects, some scheduled to begin before the start of the 2026/27 financial year.
A large share of the funds will go into transport infrastructure, with Shs213.76 billion earmarked for upgrading more than 47 kilometres of roads around key venues, including Mandela National Stadium and Hoima City Stadium, alongside pedestrian walkways and street lighting.
Government has also committed Shs184.9 billion towards completing and operationalising Kabalega International Airport, while Shs101.1 billion will support the upgrade of hotels in Hoima and Masindi through a credit facility managed by the Uganda Development Bank.
In the health sector, Shs91.05 billion has been allocated to upgrade Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital, and Buseruka Health Centre III to meet international emergency and ICU standards required for the tournament.
Sports infrastructure will also receive a boost, with Shs56.2 billion set aside for further works at Namboole Stadium, bringing total Phase II funding to Shs248.6 billion. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations will receive Shs17.7 billion to upgrade FUFA Kadiba Stadium as a training facility, while Shs12.55 billion will go towards preparing the Uganda Cranes.
The AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee has been allocated Shs109.9 billion to oversee tournament operations, including security, hospitality, communication, and branding.
Additional funding will support ICT systems, railway upgrades, water and electricity infrastructure, sanitation improvements in host cities, and meteorological services for aviation safety.
To ease travel and boost tourism, government has also announced a waiver of visa fees for all visitors for at least three months around the tournament period.
The investments underscore Uganda’s push to deliver a successful tournament while leveraging AFCON 2027 to strengthen infrastructure and position the country as a regional hub for international events.
