MP Explains Why UGX12.5 Billion Uganda Cranes’ AFCON 2027 Budget is ‘Very Little’

Bukomansimbi Member of Parliament Geofrey Kayemba Ssolo is among those who feel the UGX12.5 billion allocated to the Uganda Cranes for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is insufficient.

The Ugandan government unveiled a budget of over UGX900 billion for AFCON 2027 with the Cranes allocated UGX12.5 billion for their pre-tournament preparations.

However, Ssolo, who is also a licensed football agent, says that is a drop in the ocean and it will not help Uganda’s course of having a strong team that can impress at home.

“They have to play a lot of friendlies and if you want to play a friendly that is in the upper rankings, you have to pay them appearance fee,” he told Pitchside.

“Uganda has to do the same because to put up the mood for the nation to be prepared you need the fans and that is by bringing one of those teams here. That UGX12 billion cannot bring Brazil here.”

The MP also waded into the issue of player naturalization which has been allocated UGX1.5 billion from the Cranes budget, aimed at convincing players in the diaspora who have Ugandan roots to represent the country.

“Since there are no development plans as a country, we need to naturalize those players. If anyone has any roots in Uganda, he needs to come and represent the country. That is one of the reasons to motivate those players,” he added.

“Getting like Divine Mukasa [on loan at Leicester City from Manchester City], we have many players even in Germany. That is what Nigerians do. Nigeria and West African countries have many citizens out. Uganda has to go the same route but I don’t see a UGX1.5 billion budget [doing it], that is very little for player naturalization.

“How are you going to convince that young boy, Mukasa, because they also bring commercial value to the team. Sponsors will give you big money, now what are you giving them? UGX1.5 billion for those players…they were not serious, the people who budgeted…they need to increase.

“That is for transport; air tickets and accommodation for the people who are going to talk to them.”

Having had a poor AFCON 2025 campaign, when they exited at the group stage without a win, Uganda is keen to avoid an embarrassment at home from the Cranes.