Road to AFCON 2027: FUFA to receive Shs 30.25 Billion FUFA for Uganda Cranes and Kadiba Stadium

In a significant move to bolster Uganda’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Government of Uganda has moved to release Shs 30.25 billion to the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).

The funding is a strategic component of the PAMOJA 2027 roadmap, a joint hosting venture between Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The financial injection is divided into two critical areas: infrastructure development and national team excellence.

Breaking Down the Shs 30.25 Billion

Dr Dennis Mugimba, the Chairperson of the AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee (LOC) Sub-committee on Communications, confirmed the allocation during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday.

Kadiba Stadium Upgrade (Shs 17.7 Billion): A lion’s share of the funds is earmarked for the completion and modernisation of Kadiba Stadium. Located in Mengo, the facility is being positioned as a key training ground for visiting nations during the 2027 tournament.

Uganda Cranes Preparations (Shs 12.55 Billion): To ensure the national team is not just a host but a serious contender, Shs 12.55 billion has been dedicated to the Uganda Cranes. This fund will support high-level training camps, international friendlies, and technical enhancements to avoid a repeat of the early group-stage exit seen in the 2025 edition.

The investment comes at a time when the government is heavily prioritising sports tourism. Dr Mugimba revealed that the total government allocation for AFCON 2027 preparations stands at Shs 1.3 trillion, despite the LOC budget being streamlined from Shs 2.4 trillion to Shs 900 billion.

“Uganda is expecting to receive between 1.5 million and 1.8 million visitors, with projections potentially reaching 2 million,” Dr Mugimba stated. “This would mark a record attendance for any CAF competition.”

While Kadiba serves as a primary training ground, the main tournament matches in Uganda will be held at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole and Hoima City Stadium.

The government has set a strict deadline for all tournament venues to be fully ready and certified by January 2027, six months before the tournament kicks off on June 19, 2027.

Why this matters

For years, FUFA has advocated for consistent government funding to match the ambitions of regional rivals. With Kenya and Tanzania also upgrading multiple stadiums (including the 60,000-seater Benjamin Mkapa in Dar es Salaam and the Talanta Stadium in Nairobi), this Shs 30.25 billion disbursement is a vital signal that Uganda is ready to keep pace in the East African Pamoja bid.

As the Uganda Cranes prepare to walk onto the pitch in June 2027, the focus will now shift from the boardrooms and budgets to the grass at Kadiba and Namboole, where a nation’s dreams of continental glory will finally be tested.

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