Uganda: Economic Forum Urges Ugandans to Turn Afcon 2027 Into Jobs and Household Income

What the report says

Uganda’s preparations for AFCON 2027 should be used to create jobs, support businesses and raise household incomes, participants said at the 7th UG Economic Forum in Kampala. The discussions, held at Next Media Park, centered on how the continental football tournament, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania, could generate demand for hotels, transport, tour operators, small enterprises and other local services.

Sports minister of state Peter Ogwang urged Ugandans to position themselves to benefit from the event rather than focus only on stadium readiness. He said renovations at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole were advancing and that Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira was expected to be ready by December, while also saying the government wanted Uganda to host the opening ceremony. Tourism and business officials echoed the call for stronger promotion, better customer service, affordable financing and improved business preparation so visitors spend more time and money in Uganda.

The forum also highlighted wider structural issues that could shape the economic payoff. Speakers from the Uganda Tourism Board, the AFCON local organizing committee, ACODE, Uganda Airlines, the National Planning Authority and the Uganda Revenue Authority pointed to the need for training, reliable services, effective health communication and stronger international marketing. The broader point, as framed by the forum, was that AFCON 2027 could have lasting value only if public and private actors coordinate to turn the event into sustained economic activity beyond the tournament itself.