Uganda's chairperson of the Communications and Signage Sub-Committee of the AFCON-2027 Local Organizing Committee, Dennis Mugimba has revealed that co-hosting the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 presents a huge economic opportunity for Uganda.
He made the revelation during a press briefing on Tuesday, where he outlined the country’s preparations to host one of Africa’s biggest football tournaments.
It should be noted that Uganda will co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania, with the tournament scheduled to run from 19th June to 18th July 2027.
During the briefing, Mugimba noted that basing on previous AFCON hosting countries' numbers, Uganda could attract between 500,000 and 650,000 visitors, with each expected to spend at least $1,000 (Approx. Shs3.7M) during their stay.
“If each visitor spends at least $1,000 during their stay in Uganda, that could potentially be $500 million at a minimum spent in the local economy during the tournament,” Mugimba said.
He explained that the benefits go beyond hotels and stadiums.
“The big question is about how the private sector, the government, and ordinary citizens can position themselves to tap into this newfound AFCON-2027 economy,” Mugimba added.
Uganda has already allocated UShs. 905 billion for critical preparations, covering stadium renovations, airports, hotels, roads, water, electricity, ICT, and healthcare facilities.
Mugimba said that the tournament will require a coordinated national effort.
“The successful co-hosting of such a massive sports event requires a whole-of-country approach in that citizens, government, civil society, and the private sector must all arise to a greater sense of common mission,” he noted.
Competition venues include Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, and Hoima City Stadium, with eight training facilities across the country set to be ready before January 2027.
He emphasized that lessons from the CHAN-2024 co-hosting experience were crucial in planning for AFCON-2027. “We are building on what worked in CHAN-2024 to ensure that Uganda delivers a top-class tournament,” Mugimba said.
The government has committed to waiving visa fees for fans visiting Uganda for the tournament, starting one month before the kickoff and ending one month after the final match.
Plans for a joint Pamoja visa with Kenya and Tanzania are also underway to facilitate smooth travel.
Mugimba further detailed infrastructure projects, including the upgrade of roads, with over 47 km being improved near Hoima City Stadium and Namboole Stadium, alongside pedestrian walkways and streetlighting.
Hotels are being upgraded and new facilities built, including a hotel to serve Kabalega International Airport. “We want to ensure fans have comfortable, safe, and accessible accommodation options throughout the tournament,” Mugimba said.
Healthcare readiness is another priority. Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital, and Buseruka Health Centre II are being upgraded to provide ICU, accident, and emergency care for visiting fans and teams.
Mugimba noted the broader opportunities for Uganda, saying, “We see immense opportunities that come with Uganda co-hosting such a sports tournament. Beyond football, this is a chance to showcase our country and boost tourism,” he said.
Officials hope that AFCON-2027 will leave a lasting legacy in terms of infrastructure, jobs, and tourism, transforming Uganda into a premier African sports destination.
