Uganda is set to co-host 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Tanzania under the “Pamoja” bid, a move officials say could boost tourism, trade, and regional integration.
Uganda’s ambitious preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have come under parliamentary scrutiny after State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang presented a sweeping sh905bn investment plan aimed at meeting standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The proposal outlines a multi-sectoral approach involving infrastructure, health, tourism, and urban development—reflecting what analysts describe as a “mega-event model,” where large-scale public investments are accelerated under tight timelines.
Key allocations include sh213.76 billion for upgrading over 47 kilometers of roads in Hoima and Kampala, sh184.9 billion for a passenger terminal at Kabalega Airport, and sh91.05 billion for improving health facilities in Hoima and Masindi. Additional funding covers sh109 billion for Local Organising Committee operations, sh56.2 billion for renovations at Mandela National Stadium, and sh101.1 billion in financing through the Uganda Development Bank to support hotel upgrades.
Kampala Tycoon Drake Lubega Formalizes Relationship with Momo in Traditional Ceremony
Uganda is set to co-host 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Tanzania under the “Pamoja” bid, a move officials say could boost tourism, trade, and regional integration.
However, lawmakers raised critical concerns during plenary debates, focusing on Uganda’s readiness ahead of CAF’s inspection scheduled for August 2026. The Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, pointed to infrastructural gaps, particularly at Hoima City Stadium, while MPs questioned unclear timelines, alleged design flaws, and limited involvement of technical experts in project planning.
Speaker Anita Annet Among called for broader technical consultations, emphasizing Parliament’s constitutional duty to ensure transparency and value for money under the Public Finance Management Act.
Uganda’s situation mirrors challenges faced by other African hosts. In 2019, Cameroon lost AFCON hosting rights due to delays, forcing Egypt to step in. Studies by institutions such as the Brookings Institution and the African Development Bank highlight recurring risks in mega sporting events, including cost overruns, underutilized infrastructure, and weak inter-agency coordination.
Naggalama Junior School Promotes Healthy Living at Colourful Fruit Day Celebration
Economists have also weighed in. Mthuli Ncube warns that sports infrastructure must align with long-term economic planning to avoid becoming a fiscal burden. Similarly, Ugandan economist Augustus Nuwagaba notes that returns from AFCON will depend heavily on how well infrastructure is utilized after the tournament, particularly in tourism and small business sectors.
The investment comes amid rising public debt, currently estimated at sh130 trillion, raising concerns about affordability and opportunity costs. While potential benefits include job creation, improved infrastructure, and increased foreign exchange earnings, experts caution that such gains are not guaranteed.
Efforts to involve the private sector—such as channeling funds through the Uganda Development Bank for hotel development—are seen as a positive step, though success will depend on transparency and adherence to international standards.
Transport and mobility also emerged as key concerns, with sh23.33 billion allocated for railway rehabilitation between Kampala and Mukono, alongside stadium access improvements. Urban planners, however, warn that without a broader public transport strategy, congestion could undermine the tournament experience.
Health infrastructure upgrades, backed by sh91.05 billion, are expected to strengthen emergency response systems in line with global standards, potentially leaving a lasting legacy if integrated into national health planning.
Beyond infrastructure, AFCON 2027 is viewed as both an economic and political project, offering Uganda an opportunity to boost its international profile and regional ties. However, it also heightens scrutiny over procurement processes and corruption risks—areas that have historically challenged large public investments.
Government has pledged to complete all stadiums and training facilities by January 2027, just months before kickoff in June. The upcoming CAF inspection in August 2026 is expected to be a decisive test of Uganda’s readiness.