By Ben MusanjeUganda has stepped up its preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with officials urging the private sector and individuals to position themselves early to benefit from a surge in tourism and business activity expected to accompany the continental tournament.Speaking during a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday, Dr. Dennis Mugimba, Chairperson of the Communications and Signage Sub-Committee for CHAN/AFCON, emphasized the importance of proper authorization for accommodation providers seeking to host visitors during the tournament.Dr. Mugimba clarified that those intending to offer accommodation services must obtain the necessary approvals from the Uganda Tourism Board, noting that the AFCON Local Organizing Committee does not issue such authorizations. He explained that the committee itself relies on the Uganda Tourism Board for relevant information regarding tourism services.He pointed out that the current timeline aligns with global trends, where tourists typically book accommodation between six and twelve months before major sporting events. According to him, this period provides an opportunity for prospective service providers to prepare adequately and secure the required credentials to ensure credibility in the eyes of international visitors.With Uganda expecting at least 500,000 visitors during AFCON 2027, Dr. Mugimba highlighted the scale of opportunity available, particularly in the accommodation sector. He stressed that no single city has the capacity to host such a large number of visitors in conventional hotel spaces alone, underscoring the importance of alternative options such as Airbnb and bed-and-breakfast services. He encouraged individuals and businesses to tap into this demand, noting that many visitors prefer more personalized accommodation experiences outside traditional hotels.Beyond accommodation, Dr. Mugimba outlined a wide range of sectors poised to benefit from the tournament. He identified transport services as a key area, explaining that visitors will require movement from points of entry and throughout the country during their stay. With Uganda potentially hosting multiple matches, including group stage games and knockout rounds, he noted that visitors will have time to explore destinations beyond match venues.He further pointed to opportunities in tourism-related services, including nature and cultural tourism. Visitors, he said, will be interested in experiencing Uganda’s cultural heritage through indigenous entertainment, local cuisines, traditional markets, and community-based activities that foster interaction with local populations.The souvenir and merchandise sector was also highlighted as a major opportunity. Dr. Mugimba noted that visitors typically seek memorabilia not only related to football teams but also items that reflect the host country’s identity. He urged entrepreneurs to prepare quality products early to avoid rushed and substandard outputs closer to the tournament.He also drew attention to the expected demand for leisure and convenience services, including restaurants and recreational spaces. According to him, not all visitors will travel to match venues or tourist sites outside urban centers, with some preferring to remain in cities such as Kampala and nearby areas to relax and enjoy local experiences.Dr. Mugimba announced that fan zones will be established to cater for supporters who may not access match tickets, adding that while the organizing committee will set up official fan zones, the private sector is free to establish additional spaces. He said such ventures would require investment in equipment and talent to provide entertainment and live match viewing experiences.The need for advanced ICT infrastructure was also emphasized, with Dr. Mugimba noting that high-speed digital connectivity will be essential during the tournament. He said this would support cashless transactions, live streaming, social media engagement, and access to tournament applications, as well as emerging technologies such as augmented and virtual reality experiences. Telecommunications companies and other service providers were encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities.He further highlighted the role of financial services, including mobile payments, currency exchange, and ticketing solutions, as critical components in facilitating smooth transactions for visitors throughout the tournament period.Dr. Mugimba indicated that additional opportunities linked to the organizing committee’s budget will be shared once internal work plans are finalized. He noted that the committee is managing a resource envelope of 109 billion shillings for its operations, separate from broader opportunities available to the private sector.On infrastructure, he confirmed that the government has released 130.4 billion shillings for the construction and completion of eight AFCON 2027 training facilities across the country. These facilities are located in Hoima, Boma, Masindi Municipal, St. Peter’s College Tororo (Saatito Wing SS), Pece Stadium, Lira University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University, and Makerere University.Dr. Mugimba said there is no justification for delays, given that all required funds have been disbursed. He added that several facilities, including those in Hoima, Boma, Masindi, Lira, and Gulu, are expected to be handed over by the end of the month.He also confirmed plans to upgrade FUFA Kadiba Stadium as part of the Mandela National Stadium training cluster. However, he noted that the Federation of Uganda Football Associations has requested to hand over the facility at the end of June, with upgrade works expected to commence in July once the handover is completed.Dr. Mugimba concluded by reiterating that time remains on Uganda’s side to deliver the required infrastructure and services, while urging stakeholders to act early in preparing for the economic opportunities tied to AFCON 2027.Confederation of African Football (CAF) will conduct meetings on 22nd and 23rd April in Kampala city, Uganda as part of the roadmap for the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in East Africa.The tournament will kick off on June 19th, 2027 to July 18th 2027 in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).