President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assured the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of Uganda's commitment to ensuring the country is adequately prepared to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania. The CAF Secretary General, Samson Adamu, is in Uganda with a technical team to assess the country's preparedness ahead of the continental tournament, scheduled for June 2027.
During a meeting at State House on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the CAF delegation briefed President Museveni on its observations following inspections of stadiums, training facilities, and other infrastructure required for the tournament. The delegation, which included CAF Country Infrastructure Manager, Bianca Wambui, commended the progress made so far, particularly in the development of stadiums and training grounds.
President Museveni cited Uganda's experience hosting the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in 2024, which brought together representatives from about 150 countries. He assured the CAF officials that the Government would address the outstanding challenges and ensure Uganda is adequately prepared to co-host the tournament. The President noted that the Kampala area has the necessary facilities, but the challenge lies in upcountry areas, which the government will now focus on.
The CAF Secretary General also appealed to President Museveni to fast-track the implementation of a single visa arrangement for Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania to facilitate the movement of football fans, teams, and other tournament delegates across the three host countries. The proposed arrangement is intended to ease cross-border travel during the 2027 AFCON tournament.
President Museveni said he would follow up with his counterparts in Kenya and Tanzania, adding that discussions on the initiative had already begun. He assured the CAF officials that he would unlock whatever needs to be unlocked to ensure Uganda's readiness to co-host the tournament. The President met with the National AFCON Task Force, led by Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, which briefed him on preparations for hosting the Pamoja tournament.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania under the Pamoja arrangement, bringing the continental football tournament to East Africa for a major regional sporting event. The task force provided an update on activities being undertaken by Government ministries, departments, and agencies involved in preparations for the continental tournament.
Key stakeholders, including the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, and the president of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), Moses Magogo, attended the meeting. With the government's commitment to addressing the outstanding challenges, Uganda is poised to play a significant role in the success of the 2027 AFCON tournament.
Key points
- President Museveni assures CAF of Uganda's readiness to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
- CAF calls for single visa arrangement for Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
- Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania will jointly host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations under the Pamoja arrangement.
