Uganda Steps Up AFCON 2027 Readiness with Focus on Economic Benefits

Uganda’s preparations for the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have gained momentum, with government and football authorities highlighting vast business opportunities while hosting a high-level workshop led by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Kampala.

Speaking during a press briefing held Tuesday, 21st April 2026 at the Uganda Media Centre, officials underscored Uganda’s strategic positioning to benefit economically from the continental showpiece, which it will co-host alongside Kenya and Tanzania under the PAMOJA partnership.

A CAF delegation arrived in the country to conduct a two-day AFCON 2027 kickoff workshop scheduled from April 22 to 23 in Kampala.

The meeting brings together government representatives from the three host nations, ministers responsible for sports, presidents of respective football federations, and CAF officials led by Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu.

Organizers clarified that the workshop is not an inspection visit, but rather a coordination platform aimed at aligning priorities for the next phase of preparations. Key focus areas include safety and security, infrastructure development, procurement, finance, media, ticketing, and commercial operations.

The workshop signals CAF’s commitment to supporting the host nations and marks a critical step in strengthening collaboration and operational readiness ahead of the tournament.

Beyond logistics, Uganda is eyeing significant economic gains from AFCON 2027, with officials highlighting opportunities across multiple sectors.

These include transportation, hospitality, nature and cultural tourism, retail, ICT, and financial services. Additional prospects lie in fan engagement initiatives such as organized viewing centres and the sale of locally branded souvenirs reflecting both Uganda and the broader PAMOJA hosting identity.

Stakeholders have been urged to begin early preparations to ensure they meet international standards and capitalize on the anticipated influx of visitors.

Uganda is projected to receive at least 500,000 tourists during the tournament, creating strong demand for accommodation and related services.

Authorities emphasized that formal designation of tourist accommodation facilities remains the mandate of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, working closely with the Uganda Tourism Board.

Property owners seeking to host visitors—including operators of hotels, apartments, guest houses, and lodges—have been advised to channel their applications through the Uganda Tourism Board to ensure compliance and enhance credibility among international guests.

With sports tourists typically making bookings six to twelve months before major tournaments, officials noted that the current period is crucial for service providers to secure approvals and upgrade their facilities.

In a further boost to preparations, the Government of Uganda has released UGX 130.4 billion for the construction and upgrade of eight designated AFCON 2027 training facilities.

These will be located in various parts of the country, including Hoima, Masindi, Lira, Gulu, Kyambogo, and Makerere.

Plans are underway to hand over four of the facilities to the UPDF Engineering Brigade to commence construction works.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations has requested until the end of June 2026 to hand over Kadiba Stadium for its upgrade into a training venue.

Officials say these developments underline Uganda’s commitment to delivering a successful AFCON 2027 tournament while maximizing the long-term economic and tourism benefits associated with hosting Africa’s premier football competition.