EXPLAINED: How Uganda Will Spend Shs 905Bn for AFCON 2027

The Government of Uganda has detailed how the Shs 905 billion supplementary budget will be allocated to support preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the country will co-host alongside Kenya and Tanzania.

According to the AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee (LOC), the funds will finance critical infrastructure, logistics, and operational requirements to ensure Uganda is ready to host the continental showpiece.

A significant portion of the budget has been allocated to infrastructure development. Shs 213.76 billion will go towards upgrading at least 47.53 kilometres of roads around key venues, including Hoima City Stadium and Mandela National Stadium, as well as pedestrian walkways and street lighting to improve safety and accessibility.

The government has also set aside Shs 184.9 billion to establish and operationalise a passenger terminal at Kabalega International Airport, elevating it to international airport status ahead of the tournament.

In the hospitality sector, Shs 101.1 billion will support the upgrading of hotels in Hoima and Masindi, alongside the construction of a new facility to serve the airport, with financing facilitated through the Uganda Development Bank.

FUFA will receive Shs 17.7 billion for the upgrade of FUFA Kadiba Stadium as a training facility, while an additional Shs 12.55 billion will be invested in preparations for the Uganda Cranes.

The AFCON 2027 LOC itself has been allocated Shs 109.9 billion to oversee tournament operations, including security, hospitality, branding, media, medical services, and preparations for hosting either the opening or closing ceremony.

Further investments include Shs 56.2 billion for the continued redevelopment of Mandela National Stadium, bringing the total allocation for its second phase to Shs 248.6 billion.

Technology and communication infrastructure will receive Shs 6.44 billion to enhance ICT systems across airports, hotels, stadiums, and health facilities.

Healthcare preparedness has been prioritised with Shs 91.05 billion allocated to upgrade key facilities, including Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital, and Buseruka Health Centre III, to meet CAF standards.

To improve sanitation and urban management, Shs 13.75 billion will be distributed among Hoima City, Masindi Municipality, and Kira Municipality.

Meteorological services will also be enhanced, with Shs 3.39 billion set aside to upgrade aviation weather systems at Entebbe and Kabalega airports.

Water infrastructure in Hoima City will receive Shs 6.25 billion to boost supply capacity for tournament needs.

The railway sector has been allocated Shs 23.33 billion for upgrades and maintenance, including the Kampala–Mukono line, Namamve Station, and Namboole Halt.

Additionally, Shs 4.69 billion will fund the installation of dedicated electricity lines to key facilities such as Kabalega International Airport and training grounds.

The government has also earmarked Shs 37.85 billion for marketing and promoting Uganda as a destination under the AFCON 2027 brand.

Beyond infrastructure, authorities announced policy measures aimed at enhancing the tournament experience.

These include a temporary waiver of visa fees for all visitors for at least three months around the tournament period and plans for a special “PAMOJA visa” to ease movement between Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Officials estimate that Uganda could receive between 500,000 and 650,000 visitors during the tournament, presenting significant economic opportunities for the country.

The government emphasised that a “whole-of-country approach” involving public institutions, the private sector, and citizens will be critical to delivering a successful AFCON 2027.