‘No Need to Panic’ - Uganda AFCON 2027 LOC Gives Assurances After Sh905 Billion Promise

Uganda's Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has moved to reassure the public, urging calm amidst growing fears that the nation may not be ready to co-host the tournament with Kenya and Tanzania.

The call for calm follows a recent CAF report that suggested Uganda was lagging behind its co-hosts in preparations.

The report sparked public debate and exposed underlying tensions between the football federation (FUFA) and the government. Federation members reportedly felt sidelined from consultations regarding the construction of Hoima City Stadium, despite their roles on the LOC's infrastructure sub-committee.

However, the government has since reaffirmed its commitment, allocating a substantial Shs905 billion to ensure the country is prepared for the tournament, tentatively scheduled for June and July 2027.

At a media briefing on Tuesday, Dennis Mugimba, chairperson of the LOC's communications sub-committee, downplayed the concerns. "There is no need to panic because CAF is not assessing us on readiness but preparedness towards readiness to host AFCON," he stated as Daily Monitor. "We feel good, we have political support, we have the money on our side too."

Mugimba addressed the apparent friction between the government and FUFA, describing it as "big boy stuff" and emphasising a collaborative structure.

"FUFA brought the bid, and we give credit where it is due," he explained. "But the LOC also has 13 sub-committees, and for these, CAF guided that where one is headed by FUFA, the vice chairperson should come from government and vice versa."

He added that the next key milestone will be in August when CAF officials return for another inspection.

Key infrastructure projects include upgrades to Hoima City Stadium, where the contractor, Summa, will address necessary modifications. These include better separation of general and VIP areas and expanding the media tribune to 150 seats.

The current media centre, built to 2022 standards, is now considered inadequate. The LOC is exploring options to either widen it or convert the nearby 2,000-seater Hoima Indoor Arena into a modern media hub for the tournament.

"In the contract we signed with Summa, they can make corrections without the government incurring extra costs," Mugimba noted. "But if the works are out of scope, they will still inform us."

The government's financial backing extends beyond stadiums. An additional Shs13.75 billion has been allocated to improve sanitation and environmental hygiene services in key host areas, including Hoima City (Shs6.55 billion), Masindi Municipality (Shs5.1 billion), and Kira Municipality (Shs2.1 billion).

Uganda aims to have all competition venues, including Mandela National Stadium and Hoima City Stadium, along with eight associated training facilities, completed by January 2027.