Uganda has unveiled a multi-billion-shilling investment programme as it intensifies preparations to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania, with Sports Minister Peter Ogwang revealing that government has already committed over UGX 2.2 trillion in combined funding and sectoral allocations to support the continental tournament.
Presenting an update to Parliament, Ogwang said Cabinet approved UGX 1.35 trillion specifically for AFCON 2027 and the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 preparations, alongside an additional UGX 905 billion dedicated to inter-sectoral implementation needs across government ministries, departments and agencies.
He told lawmakers that the scale of investment reflects the magnitude of AFCON, describing it as a “whole-of-government financial undertaking” requiring coordinated infrastructure, logistics and service delivery systems.
A major share of the funding is directed toward infrastructure development. Uganda has allocated UGX 56.2 billion for the expansion and remodeling of Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, while UGX 213.76 billion has been earmarked for 47.53 kilometres of road upgrades around Hoima City Stadium and Namboole, including lighting, pedestrian walkways and security enhancements.
Air transport infrastructure has also received significant funding, with UGX 184.9 billion committed to the development of a passenger terminal at Kabalega International Airport in Hoima, a facility expected to handle increased international traffic during the tournament.
In the health sector, UGX 91.05 billion has been allocated for upgrades to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital and Buseruka Health Centre III to meet CAF requirements for emergency, trauma and intensive care services.
The Local Organising Committee has been allocated UGX 109.9 billion to coordinate 13 technical sub-committees covering operations, security, ICT accreditation, hospitality, branding and spectator services.
Additional allocations include UGX 6.44 billion for ICT infrastructure across venues, UGX 13.75 billion for sanitation improvements in Hoima, Masindi and Kira municipalities, and UGX 3.39 billion for meteorological services to support event planning.
Uganda has also set aside UGX 101.1 billion for hotel upgrades in Hoima and Masindi under a Uganda Development Bank credit facility, aimed at meeting CAF accommodation standards.
On transport connectivity, UGX 23.33 billion has been allocated for railway upgrades along the Kampala–Mukono line and Namanve–Namboole corridor, while UGX 4.69 billion will support electricity extensions to key AFCON facilities.
Ogwang confirmed that Uganda will waive visa fees for all visitors for a three-month window around the tournament and is working with Kenya and Tanzania on a joint “PAMOJA visa” to facilitate regional fan movement.
On sporting infrastructure, Hoima City Stadium is complete and under defects liability management, while Mandela National Stadium’s capacity is being expanded from 38,268 to 45,000 seats under ongoing redevelopment works. Training facilities at Makerere University, Kyambogo University and other sites are expected to be completed by August 2026.
Government has also committed UGX 12.55 billion for Uganda Cranes preparations, as well as UGX 5.2 billion for FUFA’s Kadiba Stadium upgrades.
Ogwang told Parliament that all critical facilities must be ready by January 2027, with the tournament scheduled to run from 19 June to 18 July 2027.
He emphasized that strict coordination, timely budget execution and compliance with CAF standards will determine Uganda’s readiness, as the country positions itself not only as a co-host but also as a regional sports investment hub ahead of the tournament.