AFCON 2027 to run June-July as Uganda rolls out visa-free entry

The Local Organising Committee in Uganda has formally unveiled the competition window for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), offering the clearest indication yet of how the expanded East African hosting plan will take shape.

The tournament, which will be jointly staged by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 18, 2027.

The announcement marks a significant milestone in preparations for what is expected to be one of the most logistically ambitious editions of the continental showpiece.

It also comes in the wake of lingering debate surrounding the hosting rights for the 2025 edition, eventually awarded to Morocco, which delayed clarity on the tournament calendar.

While the exact venues for the opening ceremony and final remain undecided, precedent from recent regional tournaments suggests a rotational hosting model could be adopted.

Tanzania staged the curtain-raiser for CHAN 2024, with Kenya hosting the final at the Kasarani Stadium, a template organisers may revisit.

Visa waiver policy signals tourism push

In a move designed to boost turnout and maximise economic returns, Ugandan authorities have confirmed a sweeping visa waiver policy for the duration of the competition.

The initiative will allow fans to enter the country freely from one month before kickoff until one month after the final whistle.

“The government has decided to grant a visa waiver for visitors coming to Uganda, starting one month before the kickoff of AFCON 2027 and ending one month after the tournament.

“This decision is intended to encourage more visitors to come to Uganda as part of the marketing and promotion of Destination Uganda,” said Dr Dennis Mugimba.

The visa policy forms part of a broader tourism strategy backed by significant public investment. Authorities have earmarked KSh 1.3 billion (approximately $9,996,155) to promote Uganda’s diverse attractions, positioning the country as a central hub during the tournament.

From gorilla trekking in Bwindi to wildlife experiences across national parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park, officials are betting on football to amplify global visibility.

Stadium readiness remains under scrutiny

Despite progress on organisational fronts, infrastructure readiness continues to pose a major challenge. Uganda has put forward the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole and the Hoima City Stadium as its primary venues, but both facilities have drawn critical feedback from the Confederation of African Football.

Neither stadium has yet secured approval to host AFCON matches, highlighting the scale of work still required ahead of the next inspection cycle. Government officials, however, remain confident that the gaps identified will be addressed in time.

“It is true that CAF, in their report, cited a few gaps, specifically on Hoima Stadium, and such gaps have been brought to the attention of the contractor, SUMMA,” said Minister Peter Ogwang.

“Indeed, the contractor has since held several meetings with us and has hands on deck to ensure that the issues raised are addressed in due course to the satisfaction of the CAF requirements and standards before the next inspection in August this year.”

Hoima project offers promise but needs upgrades

The Hoima City Stadium project, commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni, represents a cornerstone of Uganda’s hosting ambitions. Delivered ahead of schedule by a Turkish construction firm, the 20,000-capacity facility includes multi-sport amenities such as swimming pools and indoor courts.

However, despite its modern outlook, further upgrades will be necessary to meet CAF’s stringent tournament standards. With time still on their side, organisers are under pressure to accelerate works and ensure the venue is fully compliant well before 2027.

East Africa’s joint bid now enters a decisive phase where planning must translate into execution, with infrastructure, logistics and regional coordination set to define the success of AFCON 2027.