Eye Media Reporter | 2 July 2026

ENTEBBE – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has thrown his weight behind the introduction of a single East African visa for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the proposal as “common sense” as Uganda intensifies preparations to co-host the continent’s biggest football tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania.

Speaking during a high-level meeting with the AFCON Local Organising Committee at State House, Entebbe on Wednesday, President Museveni also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring Uganda successfully hosts the tournament, pledging full financial support and directing all government agencies to fast-track critical infrastructure projects.

The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania under the “Pamoja” initiative, making it the first time in history that East Africa hosts the prestigious continental championship.

Single Visa Proposal Wins Presidential Support

One of the key highlights of the meeting was President Museveni’s endorsement of a proposal to introduce a common East African visa that would allow football fans, tourists, officials and participating teams to travel freely across the three host nations without obtaining separate visas.

The proposed arrangement would remain valid for four months during the tournament.

“This is common sense. I support it,” President Museveni said, directing that discussions begin immediately with his counterparts in Kenya and Tanzania to make the proposal a reality before the tournament kicks off.

The proposal was presented by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who said a common visa would greatly improve the experience of thousands of visitors expected in East Africa during AFCON.

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

Acting Commissioner for Citizenship and Immigration Control Col. Geoffrey Brian Kambere informed the President that Uganda already operates a similar arrangement with Kenya and Rwanda under the Coalition of the Willing framework.

“That is the spirit of Africa—having one visa so that people can move freely within East Africa. Currently, the arrangement exists between Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. The objective now is to mobilise our neighbours under the Pamoja arrangement so that Tanzania also joins,” Kambere explained.

Uganda Racing Against Time

The meeting also reviewed Uganda’s progress in preparing for CAF’s next inspection scheduled for August 31, 2026.

Prime Minister Nabbanja said government institutions are working against strict deadlines to complete all projects by December 31, 2026, as required by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Among the priority projects are the expansion and modernisation of Mandela National Stadium (Namboole), completion of AFCON training grounds, construction of roads around Hoima City Stadium and other host towns, completion of the passenger terminal at Kabalega International Airport, and the upgrading of the 148-kilometre Busunju–Kiboga–Hoima Road.

“Your Excellency, we are time-bound when it comes to all these projects. The completion date should be 31st December,” Nabbanja said.

Government Commits Funding

Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang said Uganda has already received a comprehensive infrastructure implementation schedule from CAF following inspection visits conducted in January 2024.

He noted that every government ministry, department and agency has since been assigned clear responsibilities to ensure Uganda delivers on its commitments.

“Following your guidance and the directive to Cabinet, preparations for hosting the 2027 AFCON tournament are being implemented under a whole-of-government approach. Every ministry, department and agency is aware of its expected deliverables and timelines,” Ogwang said.

Minister of Works and Transport Fred Byamukama assured President Museveni that construction of the Busunju–Hoima Road remains on schedule.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Henry Musasizi pledged timely release of funds for all approved AFCON projects.

“The most important point is that AFCON has strict timelines, which means these activities must be completed ahead of time. Most of the funding being discussed has already been provided for in the Financial Year that has just commenced,” Musasizi said.

Opportunity Beyond Football

Government believes hosting AFCON 2027 presents Uganda with an opportunity to boost tourism, attract foreign investment, create employment and improve the country’s sports infrastructure.

The tournament is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of football fans from across Africa and beyond, providing significant economic opportunities for businesses in hospitality, transport, trade and tourism.

The meeting was attended by several Cabinet ministers, permanent secretaries and members of the AFCON Local Organising Committee, including FUFA President Moses Magogo, KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Water and Environment Minister Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, and Acting Education Minister Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, among others.

With less than two years remaining before kickoff, Uganda has now stepped up preparations as government seeks to ensure the country meets CAF’s strict standards and delivers a successful tournament alongside its East African neighbours.

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