Government takes full control of uganda cranes budget, players to fly business class and earn afcon bonuses
NATIONAL
Kampala ,Uganda’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have received a major boost after the Government committed to funding the entire Uganda Cranes budget, alongside significant improvements in player welfare, travel, accommodation and bonuses.
Football Association of Uganda (FUFA) President Moses Magogo announced the new arrangements on September 21, 2026, saying the enhanced support follows engagements between FUFA and the Government ahead of Uganda’s co-hosting of AFCON 2027 with Kenya and Tanzania.
Under the new package, Uganda Cranes players based outside the country whose journeys exceed four hours will travel business class when reporting for national duty. The team will also receive a new team bus, while chartered flights will be considered for back-to-back international fixtures where necessary.
The Government has also agreed to improve the team’s accommodation standards. The Cranes are expected to stay in five-star hotels during training camps in Uganda and abroad whenever possible, according to Magogo.
players to receive AFCON qualification bonus
The financial package also includes improved bonuses and allowances for the senior national team.
Magogo confirmed that players who participated in Uganda’s successful qualification campaign for the 2025 AFCON will receive a pro-rata qualification bonus of US$10,000 each. That is roughly in the region of Shs39 million, depending on the applicable exchange rate.
The payment follows discussions between FUFA and Government over the outstanding qualification reward for players who helped Uganda reach the 2025 continental tournament.
shs32 billion committed to football-related initiatives
Magogo also revealed that up to Shs32 billion in additional funding has been committed towards various football and AFCON-related initiatives.
The wider Government support includes investment in stadiums, training facilities and domestic football. Uganda is expected to have international-standard stadiums at Namboole, Hoima and Akii-Bua as part of the infrastructure development linked to AFCON 2027.
Training facilities are also being developed within the northern, Hoima and Namboole clusters, while FUFA is engaging Government on additional facilities in Mbarara, Fort Portal, Jinja, Mbale and West Nile.
cranes continue afcon preparations
Although Uganda is automatically qualified for AFCON 2027 as one of the three hosts, the Cranes are continuing to participate in the qualifiers in line with Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations.
The team is currently in Tunis preparing to face Tunisia, before returning home to play Libya on September 29, 2026, at Hoima City Stadium.
The Libya fixture will be the first Uganda Cranes AFCON qualifier to be played outside Kampala, adding further significance to Uganda’s preparations for the historic home tournament.
Magogo said the improved welfare package is intended to raise the professional standards surrounding the national team as Uganda prepares to host Africa’s premier football tournament.
The FUFA president has also said the federation and Government are continuing efforts to identify Ugandan players born or based abroad who are eligible to represent the Cranes, with officials travelling to different countries to engage potential players, their families and agents.
With AFCON 2027 approaching, the Government’s expanded financial commitment is set to cover not only the Cranes’ operational needs but also broader investments aimed at strengthening Uganda’s football infrastructure and professional game.
