By Wamala Sipirian
Published: September 23, 2026
President Yoweri Museveni has directed government agencies to accelerate preparations for Uganda’s co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Kenya and Tanzania.
Museveni issued the directive at State House Entebbe after meeting Confederation of African Football (CAF) Acting Secretary General Samson Adamu and Uganda’s National AFCON Task Force, led by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 19, 2027, with the final set for July 17, according to CAF. The 2027 edition will be the first AFCON jointly hosted by three countries.
Uganda accelerates infrastructure preparations
Museveni called for faster implementation of infrastructure projects required for Uganda to host matches, including stadiums, training facilities, roads, airport infrastructure and accommodation.
He also stressed that the projects should be completed within the required timelines and meet CAF standards.
Uganda is preparing Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Hoima City Stadium and Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira as its competition venues, alongside designated training facilities.
The directive comes after CAF conducted an eight-day inspection of key facilities in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania earlier in September. The inspection covered stadiums, training facilities, hotels, airports and other infrastructure needed for the tournament.
The Uganda Local Organising Committee said earlier this month that the country’s three competition stadiums were on course for completion by December 2026 following a second CAF inspection. Nine designated training facilities were also assessed.
According to the supplied report, works at Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium were about 80 percent complete, while upgrades at Hoima City Stadium had reached about 95 percent after additional requirements were identified by CAF.
Preparations extend beyond stadiums
Uganda’s hosting preparations also cover roads, aviation, accommodation, health services and other supporting infrastructure.
In Hoima, preparations are being coordinated with developments at Kabalega International Airport and other facilities intended to support teams, officials and visitors.
CAF has said the inspections are part of its wider programme to ensure the three host countries meet the technical and operational requirements for the 2027 tournament.
Museveni pushes for easier regional travel
Museveni also highlighted the need for closer coordination between Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania to facilitate the movement of football fans, teams, officials and other visitors during the tournament.
He said he would engage his counterparts in Kenya and Tanzania over a proposed single visa arrangement for AFCON 2027.
The proposal would make it easier for visitors to move between the three host countries during the tournament and forms part of the wider regional cooperation under the PAMOJA hosting arrangement.
CAF describes PAMOJA, a Swahili word meaning “together,” as the theme of the joint hosting arrangement.
CAF continues to monitor preparations
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has recently held meetings with officials in the host countries as preparations continue.
During a September 19 visit to Kenya, Motsepe inspected the newly built Talanta Sports International Stadium and Kasarani Stadium as part of discussions on the country’s preparations. CAF said the visit also involved Acting Secretary General Samson Adamu and other football officials.
CAF’s September inspection mission covered facilities across all three host countries and involved officials from its competitions, safety and security, transport, marketing, media, television and logistics departments.
The tournament will run from June 19 to July 17, 2027, with 24 national teams expected to compete. Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania have already secured places as hosts but will also participate in the qualification campaign.
With less than a year remaining before the opening match, Uganda’s government is now working to complete the required facilities and supporting infrastructure while coordinating with Kenya and Tanzania on arrangements for the movement of teams, officials and supporters.