Uganda Cranes AFCON 2027 preparations have received a major boost after the Government agreed to fund the national team’s entire budget ahead of the tournament.The country prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
FUFA President Moses Magogo announced the new support package on Monday, September 21, saying the agreement with Government will improve the national team’s welfare, travel, accommodation and financial support ahead of AFCON 2027.
Under the new arrangements, Uganda Cranes players based outside the country will travel in business class when their journey lasts more than four hours.
The Government will also provide a new team bus for the national side. Chartered flights will be used for back-to-back fixtures where applicable.
Improved Bonuses and Accommodation
The new package will also provide improved bonuses and allowances for the Uganda Cranes.
Players who participated in Uganda’s AFCON 2025 qualification campaign will receive a pro-rata qualification bonus of $10,000 each, following discussions between FUFA and the Government.
The national team will also stay in five-star hotels while camping in Uganda or abroad whenever possible.
Magogo said the changes are intended to raise the standards and improve the welfare of the national team.
The announcement comes as Uganda prepares for a busy international schedule and the country’s first AFCON tournament as a co-host.
Uganda Cranes AFCON 2027 Preparations Continue
Uganda is guaranteed a place at the AFCON 2027 finals because it is one of the three host nations. However, the Uganda Cranes will still participate in the qualification matches in accordance with CAF regulations.
The team is currently in Tunis preparing to face Tunisia in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
After that match, Uganda will return home to face Libya at Hoima City Stadium on September 29 at 7 p.m. It will be the first time an Uganda Cranes AFCON qualifier is played outside Kampala, according to FUFA.
The match is part of Uganda’s wider preparations for the tournament, which will be hosted across East Africa in June and July 2027.
Government Support Extends Beyond the Cranes
The latest announcement is part of broader Government support for AFCON 2027 preparations.
Uganda has committed significant funding toward infrastructure and tournament preparations. Parliament reported earlier this year that Shs905 billion had been committed for critical AFCON-related requirements, including stadium upgrades, roads and other infrastructure.
The Government has also pledged financial and technical support to ensure Uganda meets its responsibilities as a co-host.
FUFA says infrastructure work will leave Uganda with international stadiums at Namboole, Hoima and Akii-Bua, while additional training facilities are being developed.
FUFA Searches for Eligible Players Abroad
Magogo also revealed that FUFA is continuing efforts to identify Ugandan players born or based abroad who could represent the national team.
FUFA officials, Government representatives and the Uganda Cranes head coach have traveled to different countries to meet potential players, their families and agents.
The process is expected to continue during upcoming international windows as the federation looks to expand the pool of players available to Uganda.
The new funding package gives the Uganda Cranes AFCON 2027 preparations additional financial and logistical support.
Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania will co-host the continental competition in what will be a historic AFCON edition for East Africa.