AFCON 2027: President Museveni Endorses Common Visa for Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed Uganda's full commitment to co-hosting a successful 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), pledging complete government support for the landmark tournament.

In a high-level meeting at State House, Entebbe, the President assured the AFCON Local Organising Committee of full financial backing, accelerated infrastructure development, and strengthened regional cooperation to deliver the continent's premier football event.

Uganda is set to jointly host the 2027 finals with Kenya and Tanzania under the "Pamoja" (Together) initiative, marking the first time the tournament will be held in the East African region.

A key outcome from the meeting was President Museveni's endorsement of a proposal for a single, common East African visa for the duration of the tournament.

This special visa would grant football fans, officials, and teams unrestricted travel between the three host nations for four months, eliminating the need for separate entry permits.

"This is common sense. I support it," President Museveni stated as per Kawowo Sports, directing officials to begin discussions with his counterparts in Kenya and Tanzania to implement the arrangement.

The proposal was presented by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja during a comprehensive progress report on Uganda's preparations.

"Your Excellency, this issue of the entry visa is very important," Nabbanja said. "If somebody is coming to Uganda, they should also be able to access Kenya and Tanzania using the same visa for four months."

Col. Geoffrey Brian Kambere, the Acting Commissioner for Citizenship and Immigration Control, noted that a similar system already exists between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.

"That is the spirit of Africa…having one visa so that people can move freely within East Africa," he explained. "The objective now is to mobilise our neighbours under the Pamoja arrangement so that Tanzania also joins."

The meeting also underscored the significant work ahead as Uganda races to meet strict deadlines set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Prime Minister Nabbanja highlighted that several key infrastructure projects must be completed by December 31, 2026, ahead of CAF's final inspection scheduled for August 31 of that year.

Priority projects include the upgrade of Mandela National Stadium, the completion of designated AFCON training grounds, and finishing the passenger terminal at Kabalega International Airport.

Additionally, construction of roads around Hoima City Stadium and the 148-kilometre Busunju-Kiboga-Hoima Road are also on the critical path.