Excitement is building as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations gears up, with Uganda’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) officially confirming the tournament dates.

Set to run from June 19 to July 18, 2027, this edition will be historic as the first AFCON co-hosted in the CECAFA region by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

While the exact venues for the opening match and final are yet to be announced, the three nations are working closely to deliver a smooth tournament.

Tanzania has experience hosting AFCON-related events, having held the opening match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), while Kenya staged the final at Kasarani Stadium, a potential blueprint for key fixtures.

In a fan-friendly move, the Ugandan government will grant visa waivers to all international supporters traveling for the tournament, effective from one month before the kickoff until one month after the finale.

LOC Communications Director Dr Dennis Mugimba described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to showcase Uganda’s tourism, including its famous wildlife safaris and adventure tourism along the Nile River.

Uganda is expected to host matches at Mandela National Stadium and the under-construction Hoima Stadium.

However, a recent inspection by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed that both venues currently fall short of AFCON standards.

Uganda’s Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, confirmed that corrective measures are underway, with contractors already addressing the identified gaps ahead of CAF’s next inspection.

Following the 2025 edition in Morocco, the 2027 AFCON promises to capture global attention as East Africa prepares to deliver an unforgettable tournament, despite current infrastructural challenges.