Uganda has announced that all visitors will have their visa fees waived for at least three months surrounding the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027, in a bold move to boost tourism and facilitate fan movement during the tournament.
Officials are also exploring a special “PAMOJA visa” in coordination with Kenya and Tanzania to allow seamless travel across the three host countries.
The announcement was made during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre by Dr. Dennis K. Mugimba, Chairperson of the Communications and Signage Sub-Committee of the AFCON Local Organizing Committee (L.O.C.).
Speaking about the scale of preparations, Mugimba said co-hosting a continental sports event of this magnitude is a complex operation that no single sector can execute alone.
“Over 20 government and private entities, including the Federation of Uganda Football Associations, are working together under the Inter-Sectoral Steering Forum to ensure Uganda is fully ready,” he said.
Uganda will host matches in two primary stadia: Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, and Hoima City Stadium, supported by eight training facilities, with all infrastructure expected to be completed by January 2027.
The tournament is scheduled to run from 19th June to 18th July 2027 and is expected to draw between 500,000 and 650,000 visitors to Uganda alone.
Dr. Mugimba emphasized the economic potential, noting that if each visitor spends at least USD 1,000 during their stay, the local economy could benefit from a minimum of USD 500 million.
The government has committed substantial funding to prepare the country for the tournament. UShs. 101.1 billion has been allocated to upgrade hotels in Hoima, Masindi, and at Kabalega International Airport, with a special credit facility available to the private sector through the Uganda Development Bank. Road infrastructure is receiving a major boost, with UShs. 213.76 billion is dedicated to upgrading 47.53 kilometres of select roads around the stadiums, Kinawataka Road, and pedestrian walkways, including street lighting to ensure fan safety. UShs. 184.9 billion has been set aside for the construction of a passenger terminal at Kabalega Airport to operationalize it as an international airport.
“We have allocated UShs. 109.9 billion to support tournament-specific preparations across our 13 sub-committees, covering everything from safety and security to guest hospitality, communications, marketing, and hosting the opening or closing ceremony,” he said.
Namboole Stadium is set to receive a total of UShs. 248.6 billion for ongoing Phase II upgrades. Health infrastructure is also being strengthened, with UShs. 91.05 billion allocated to upgrade Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital, and Buseruka Health Centre-III to provide ICU and emergency care as required by CAF standards.
