By OkayGoal 
Uganda’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) has officially confirmed the dates for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, as preparations intensify across the three host nations – Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
The tournament is scheduled to kick off on June 19, 2027, and will run until July 18, 2027, marking a historic edition of the continental showpiece to be co-hosted in the CECAFA region for the first time.
While the specific venues for the opening match and final are yet to be confirmed, the three nations are working collaboratively to ensure a successful tournament.
Tanzania previously hosted the opening match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), while Kenya staged the final at the Kasarani Stadium, offering a potential blueprint for the distribution of key fixtures.
In a major boost to fan engagement and tourism, the Ugandan government has announced visa waivers for all international supporters traveling for the tournament.
The waiver will be effective from one month before the competition begins until one month after its conclusion.
According to LOC communications director Dr Dennis Mugimba, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote Uganda as a top tourist destination.
The government has committed significant resources toward showcasing the country’s attractions, including its renowned wildlife safaris and adventure tourism along the Nile River.
Uganda is expected to host matches at the Mandela National Stadium and the under-construction Hoima Stadium.
However, both venues have come under scrutiny following a recent inspection by the Confederation of African Football.
CAF’s assessment revealed that neither stadium currently meets the standards required to host AFCON matches, raising concerns about readiness with less than two years to the tournament.
Uganda’s Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, acknowledged the shortcomings but assured that corrective measures are already underway.
He indicated that contractors have been engaged and are working to address the identified gaps ahead of CAF’s next inspection.
The 2027 AFCON, which follows the 2025 edition in Morocco, is expected to attract global attention as East Africa seeks to deliver a memorable tournament despite the infrastructural challenges currently facing the host nations.