Government has scrapped visa fees for visitors travelling to Uganda during the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, in a move aimed at boosting tourism and attracting thousands of football fans.
The waiver, approved by Cabinet, will take effect one month before the tournament and remain in force until one month after the final match, according to Dr Dennis Mugimba, chairperson of the communications and signage sub-committee on Uganda’s Local Organising Committee.
Dr Mugimba said the decision is part of a wider strategy to maximise the economic benefits of co-hosting the continental tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
“The visa waiver is intended to encourage more visitors to come to Uganda and experience what the country has to offer,” he said in a statement shared by organisers.
Uganda expects a significant economic boost from the tournament, with officials projecting that visitor spending could inject up to $500 million into the economy if each fan spends an average of $1,000 during their stay.
Plans are also underway to introduce a joint “Pamoja visa” arrangement with Kenya and Tanzania to allow seamless movement of fans across the three host nations, further enhancing the regional appeal of the competition.
The visa waiver comes as government steps up preparations for AFCON 2027, backed by increased funding and infrastructure investments. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recently approved an additional Shs905 billion to support critical inter-sectoral requirements for the tournament.
According to officials, the funds will be channelled through the Ministry of Finance to fast-track key projects across sectors.
In the hospitality industry, Shs101.1 billion has been earmarked for upgrading hotels in Hoima and Masindi, as well as constructing a facility to serve Kabalega International Airport, through financing by the Uganda Development Bank.
Transport infrastructure is also a priority, with Shs213.76 billion allocated for upgrading roads around major venues, including Mandela National Stadium and Hoima City Stadium, alongside improvements in pedestrian walkways and street lighting.
Further investments include Shs184.9 billion for the completion of Kabalega International Airport, Shs56.2 billion for renovations at Namboole Stadium, and Shs17.7 billion for upgrading FUFA Kadiba Stadium into a training facility. An additional Shs12.55 billion has been set aside to prepare the Uganda Cranes.
The AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee will receive Shs109.9 billion to coordinate tournament operations, including security, hospitality, communication, and branding.
Government is also investing in health, ICT, and urban services to meet Confederation of African Football standards, with upgrades planned for regional hospitals, sanitation systems, and essential utilities in host cities.
Dr Mugimba said the tournament presents an opportunity for Ugandans across sectors to benefit economically, urging both public and private players to position themselves.
“There is a need for everyone, government, private sector, and citizens, to align and tap into the opportunities that come with AFCON 2027,” he said.
With visa barriers eased and preparations gathering pace, Uganda is positioning itself not only to host a successful tournament, but also to leverage AFCON 2027 as a driver of tourism, investment, and long-term economic growth.
