AFCON 2027 Uganda Preparations: Inside the Shs257B Race to Host Africa’s Biggest Tournament

On Wednesday evening, Parliament wrapped up a plenary session with the approval of a Shs4.2 trillion supplementary budget. Among the most significant allocations was the Shs257.155 billion earmarked specifically for AFCON 2027 Uganda preparations.

The supplementary funding, tabled earlier in the week and processed in under 48 hours, will be channeled through the National Council of Sports (NCS). According to Finance Junior Minister Henry Musasizi, the funds will support:

• Completion of Hoima City Stadium
• Construction of the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium
• Upgrading approved training facilities nationwide
• Operational expenses for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), a precursor to AFCON

Stadium Projects and Their Budgets

State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang disclosed the cost estimates of two flagship stadiums:

• Akii Bua Olympic Stadium: Shs505 billion
• Hoima City Stadium: Shs510 billion

While Shs257 billion has been secured through the current supplementary budget, Ogwang assured Parliament that the remaining funds have already been allocated in the forthcoming 2025/26 national budget, which is under review. “We will not come here to ask for another supplementary,” he emphasized.

Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) Gets a Boost

In a parallel development, Shs87.845 billion has been designated for continued upgrades to Mandela National Stadium, commonly known as Namboole. This allocation is channeled through the Ministry of Education and Sports.

This latest boost supplements the Shs97.90 billion released in April 2024 for Phase One renovations led by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Turkish construction firm Summa is now expected to spearhead Phase Two. Planned upgrades include:

• Demolishing the western roof section to revamp VIP seating
• Relocating dressing rooms and media centers from the eastern to the western wing

Political Pushback and Budget Scrutiny

Despite widespread support for the funding, Parliament did not convene without discord. Shadow Finance Minister Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda and Sheema Municipality MP Dickson Kateshumbwa criticized the government for consistently relying on supplementary budgets to finance crucial projects.

Kateshumbwa pointedly remarked, “There has been a persistent occurrence of items that would appear to be provided for in the normal budget. But they don’t find space and come in the supplementary.”

In response, Minister Musasizi defended the urgency, explaining that certain essential projects often miss initial funding allocations due to budgetary constraints. “Some items remain unfunded and cannot be avoided during execution. We take them through this window,” he stated.

Speed vs. Strategy: Budget Approval in Record Time

The express passage of the supplementary budget has sparked debate about the robustness of parliamentary oversight. Bernard Ogwel, head of the NCS, was allotted only 15 minutes to defend the full suite of AFCON-related projects. The Budget Committee, chaired in interim by MP Kateshumbwa, deliberated and reported within the same day.

Though some critics see it as premature, others say it shows Uganda’s need to match the logistical requirements of holding a continental football event. Uganda has a reputational and logistical challenge given Kenya and Tanzania as co-hosts.

Uganda’s AFCON Vision: Infrastructure, Opportunity, and National Pride

AFCON 2027 is viewed as a driver for more general economic and social growth outside the stadiums. Part of the government’s more general strategic objective is enhanced infrastructure, tourist increases, and youth involvement via sport. The competition gives Uganda a unique opportunity to show itself as a competent and ambitious host on the continental level.

Still, questions linger. Will the funds be managed with transparency? Will the construction timelines be met without compromising quality? And can Uganda leverage the tournament beyond the 90-minute matches?

Regional Synergy: Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania Co-hosting AFCON 2027

Uganda is not on this journey by itself. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are committed to jointly carry out AFCON 2027 as part of an unprecedented tri-nation host bid. This approach of regional co-hosting provides many possibilities for diplomatic unity, regional branding, and cross-border infrastructural growth.

Uganda’s neighbors’ cooperation is essential. Transport connections—including roads and regional airports—must be improved to enable smooth movement of teams, fans, and officials. There are also hopes for coordinated security policies and communication plans to guarantee the event runs successfully across borders.

In East Africa, where regional integration under blocs like the East African Community (EAC) has long been championed, this tournament could become a real-world example of unity through sport. Government officials from the three nations have pledged to hold joint planning sessions and pool resources, but actual implementation will be the true test of this vision.

Community Engagement: Beyond Stadiums to Grassroots Impact

While the spotlight shines on stadiums, experts argue that Uganda must use AFCON 2027 as a springboard for more inclusive development. Building community-based sports programs, nurturing local talent, and upgrading smaller pitches and recreational facilities are some of the initiatives civil society organizations are advocating for.

There’s growing sentiment that AFCON shouldn’t be a top-down spectacle, but rather a bottom-up movement. Schools, universities, and local sports clubs could serve as training centers and fan zones, further embedding the tournament’s legacy into Uganda’s social fabric.

Engaging communities early will not only foster national pride but also encourage grassroots ownership of the tournament. Such efforts could create a generation of young Ugandans who see sport not just as entertainment but as opportunity.

What’s Next for Uganda’s AFCON 2027 Journey?

With the remaining funds for Akii Bua and Hoima stadiums reportedly secured, all eyes are on the 2025/26 national budget as preparations get more serious.  The Ministry of Education and Sports is anticipated to shortly release its Ministerial Policy Statement, which will provide more in-depth analysis of Uganda’s road plan.

In the meantime, Uganda’s swift parliamentary action signals intent. But intent must now translate into timely execution, inter-agency coordination, and the upholding of CAF standards. The race to AFCON 2027 has begun—and Uganda’s performance off the pitch will matter just as much as the action on it.