The government has released an additional Shs 905 billion to speed up preparations for the tournament Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
It adds to the Shs 1.35 trillion approved earlier for infrastructure, logistics and operations tied to CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027, including mandatory fees to CAF.
The Local Organizing Committee, working with a broad inter-sector team of government and private players, is coordinating the push.
The task is huge, and deadlines are tight. Key facilities must be ready by January 2027.
Roads take a big share, with Shs 213.76 billion set aside to improve access around Hoima City Stadium and Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Another Shs 184.9 billion will upgrade Kabalega Airport into an international facility.
Hospitality is also in focus. Government has allocated Shs 101.1 billion to upgrade hotels in Hoima and Masindi and support private investors through a special credit facility.
On the football side, FUFA will receive Shs 17.7 billion to upgrade Kadiba Stadium as a training venue, while Shs 12.55 billion will go into preparing the Uganda Cranes.
The Local Organizing Committee will use Shs 109.9 billion to handle tournament operations, including security, fan services, media and marketing.
Spending goes beyond sport. More than Shs 91 billion is set aside to upgrade hospitals in Hoima and Masindi. Funds are also going into sanitation, ICT, water, electricity and railway improvements to support the tournament.
Government has also waived visa fees for visitors for at least three months around the competition and is working on a joint visa with Kenya and Tanzania to ease travel.
The expectations are high. Uganda could receive up to 650,000 visitors. If each spends about $1,000, the economy could see at least $500 million during the tournament.
