Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has directed Ugandan institutions to accelerate preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, particularly work on stadium infrastructure, training grounds, roads, airport facilities and accommodation in the proposed host cities outside Kampala.
Museveni issued the directive on September 22 at State House Entebbe after receiving a progress briefing from CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu and Uganda’s National AFCON Task Force, led by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.
He stressed that the country must complete the required facilities on time and meet CAF standards. Museveni also said he would engage Presidents William Ruto of Kenya and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania on a proposed single visa that would make it easier for supporters, teams and officials to travel between the three host countries.
The existing East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda but does not include Tanzania, meaning the proposed AFCON arrangement would require a new or expanded framework.
Scheduled for June 19 to July 17, 2027, the tournament will bring together 24 teams and become the first Africa Cup of Nations jointly hosted by three countries. Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania have qualified automatically as hosts, although they are still participating in the qualifying campaign.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe recently expressed confidence in the three countries but acknowledged that significant work remained and urged them to accelerate preparations.
Beyond football, the tournament is expected to test East Africa’s ability to coordinate immigration, aviation, road transport, security and hospitality across national borders while presenting the region as a connected sporting and tourism destination.
