Uganda is pinning its hopes on the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to boost its tourism industry. The country will jointly host the tournament with Kenya and Tanzania. The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has signed a partnership agreement with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to promote Uganda's tourism attractions ahead of the tournament. This move is expected to encourage greater involvement of the business community in the three host countries.
The partnership agreement was welcomed by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who said football has become a major business that supports employment, investment, and trade. Tayebwa urged Uganda to use the tournament to promote its wildlife, culture, food, and hospitality to visitors. He emphasized the need for improvements in transport, accommodation, security, and hospitality services ahead of the tournament.
UTB Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa also urged players in the tourism industry to begin preparing for the expected influx of football fans and other visitors. Kagwa said Uganda should use the tournament to promote its tourism attractions to visitors who may be coming to the country for the first time. She emphasized the need for early preparations to ensure that tourism operators are ready to receive visitors and market destinations across the country.
CAF official Adamu said the partnership would create opportunities for businesses to benefit from the tournament. He encouraged greater involvement of the business community in the three host countries. The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted under the Pamoja arrangement, which means "together" in Swahili.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa also cautioned service providers against overcharging visitors, saying fair prices, good services, and reliable information would encourage tourists to return. He urged tour operators, hotels, and other businesses to develop affordable packages that allow football fans to visit national parks, cultural sites, and other attractions during their stay.
The benefits of hosting AFCON are expected to be felt by ordinary Ugandans, particularly those working in tourism, transport, accommodation, and other related businesses. Tayebwa said young people should also benefit from the tournament through jobs, business opportunities, and skills development.
Uganda hopes the tournament will attract visitors who will return to explore more of the country after the competition. The country is expected to showcase its tourism attractions to a large audience, potentially leading to increased investment and tourism revenue.
Key points
- Uganda to host 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Kenya and Tanzania.
- Partnership agreement signed between UTB and CAF to promote Uganda's tourism attractions.
- Deputy Speaker urges preparations for influx of visitors and promotion of tourism attractions.
