The Government of Uganda will take full responsibility for the Uganda Cranes’ budget as the country steps up preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim has announced.
Speaking to the media this evening at Kadiba FUFA Stadium, Magogo provided an update on Uganda’s preparations for the continental tournament, the busy national team calendar and the enhanced welfare package agreed upon between FUFA and Government.
Uganda will co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania in June next year, with major infrastructure and football development projects already underway.
According to Magogo, the new Government support will significantly improve the Uganda Cranes’ preparations and welfare.
Under the new arrangements, Ugandan players based abroad travelling for more than four hours will fly business class, while the national team will also receive a new team bus.
FUFA will additionally use chartered flights for back-to-back fixtures where necessary, while improved bonuses and allowances have been secured for the senior national team.
Players who featured in Uganda’s qualification campaign for AFCON 2025 will receive a pro-rata qualification bonus of USD 10,000 each, following discussions between FUFA and Government.
The Cranes will also stay in five-star hotels during camps in Uganda and abroad whenever possible.
«“This is to improve on the standards of the national team,” Magogo said.»
Cranes continue AFCON 2027 qualifiers
Despite Uganda already having a place at AFCON 2027 as a host nation, the Uganda Cranes will continue participating in the qualifiers in accordance with CAF regulations.
The team is currently in Tunis, preparing for its qualifier against Tunisia before returning home to face Libya on September 29 at 7pm in Hoima.
The Libya fixture will make history as the first Uganda Cranes AFCON qualifier to be played outside Kampala.
Magogo called upon Ugandans to turn up for the match and be part of the historic moment.
Uganda building towards AFCON 2027
The FUFA President also outlined the federation’s preparations across the various national teams, describing the current period as one of the busiest for Ugandan football.
The Uganda U-15 team is preparing for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan from October 22–31, 2026, with players expected to be drawn largely from the FUFA Academy League and potentially the FUFA Juniors League.
The Sand Cranes will compete in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Burundi from October 18–20, while the Crested Cranes are expected to enter camp ahead of their Olympic qualification fixture against Zambia on October 8.
FUFA is also preparing two U-17 teams for different international assignments, while the U-20 national team is currently in Tanzania and will face Sudan, with victory securing qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations U-20 tournament.
Magogo said the extensive national team programme is part of FUFA’s strategy to create a clear player-development pathway from the junior levels to the senior Uganda Cranes.
More football infrastructure on the way
Government support is also being directed towards football infrastructure.
Magogo said the AFCON 2027 preparations are expected to leave Uganda with three international-standard stadiums at Namboole, Hoima and Akii-Bua.
Training facilities are also being developed across the Northern, Hoima and Namboole clusters, while FUFA is engaging Government over additional facilities in Mbarara, Fort Portal, Jinja, Mbale and West Nile.
The long-term objective, according to Magogo, is to have a Uganda Premier League-standard facility in each of the country’s 18 provinces.
Government funding has also been extended to clubs, while FUFA is working with Government on policies designed to support the sports industry, particularly professional football.
FUFA targeting Ugandan talent abroad
The federation has also intensified its search for Ugandan players born or based abroad who are eligible to represent the country.
Magogo revealed that FUFA officials, Government representatives and the Uganda Cranes head coach have travelled to several countries to engage potential players, their parents and agents.
The process is expected to produce players during the September, October, November and March international windows and beyond.
Magogo appealed to Ugandans and the media to warmly welcome players who choose to represent Uganda, noting that some have grown up outside the country and may require time to adapt to their ancestral home.
AFCON 2027 expected to transform Ugandan football
With the tournament less than a year away, Magogo described AFCON 2027 as an opportunity that goes beyond football.
He said the tournament, which is expected to reach audiences in more than 185 countries, presents opportunities for Ugandan football, businesses and the wider sports industry.
«“AFCON is not going to leave Ugandan football the same.”»
He added that Government has committed up to UGX 32 billion in additional funding towards various initiatives connected to the preparations.
For FUFA, the focus is now on ensuring that the tournament leaves behind a stronger football ecosystem, improved facilities and greater opportunities for Ugandan players and clubs.
With the Government taking on the Uganda Cranes’ full budget and enhanced welfare measures now in place, the federation believes the Cranes are entering a new phase of preparation as Uganda counts down to its historic home AFCON in 2027.
