Government has earmarked an additional Shs12.5 billion to support the Uganda Cranes and domestic football clubs as Uganda intensifies preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which it will co-host.
According to the plan, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Federation of Uganda Football Associations) will receive Shs12.5 billion to support the national team, while Uganda Premier League clubs will share Shs5.5 billion aimed at improving player development and performance.
The disclosure was made by Bernard Ogwel, the General Secretary of the National Council of Sports (National Council of Sports), while presenting the 2026/27 Ministerial Policy Statement before Parliament’s Committee on Education and Sports.
Ogwel said the funding is intended to strengthen both infrastructure and technical performance of national teams.
“In terms of our readiness to participate in the Games, this additional Shs12.5 billion is directed to the national team because we do not want to only provide infrastructure while the national team is not supported,” he said.
He added that the allocations were guided by priority areas identified by the Ministry of Education and Sports.
The AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee has also been allocated Shs122.8 billion to facilitate preparations for Uganda Cranes’ participation and hosting duties.
Part of the budget will support key technical interventions, including Shs1.5 billion for the naturalisation of players abroad, Shs3.6 billion for specialised training of diaspora-based players, and Shs1.7 billion for technology to monitor player training progress.
The National Council of Sports also defended the decision to channel funds directly to Uganda Premier League clubs, saying they play a critical role in developing talent for the national team.
“Unlike in the past where government had not directly supported clubs in the Uganda Premier League, this approach ensures that clubs, which produce national team players, are strengthened,” Ogwel said.
The funding marks a shift in government strategy, with increased emphasis on player development alongside infrastructure as Uganda prepares to co-host AFCON 2027.
