AFCON 2027 Travel Guide: Renting a Car With a Driver In Uganda
Uganda is set to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Tanzania, with matches taking place from 19 June to 17 July 2027. It’s the first time three nations have shared AFCON hosting duties, and it marks East Africa’s first time hosting the tournament in over fifty years. For Uganda, that means matches in Kampala, with Hoima also proposed as a venue as the country upgrades stadiums and infrastructure ahead of kickoff.
If you’re one of the thousands of fans planning to travel to Uganda for the tournament, getting around is one of the first things worth sorting out. And for most visitors, the easiest way to do that isn’t a rental car you drive yourself — it’s a car with a driver.
Why Hire a Driver Instead of Self-Driving
Kampala’s traffic is famously chaotic, with narrow roads, unpredictable boda boda (motorcycle taxi) traffic, and few reliable street signs. Add in the extra congestion expected around match days and fan zones, and self-driving becomes a headache most tourists don’t need on a short trip. A local driver already knows the shortcuts, the police checkpoints, and which routes to avoid at rush hour.
There are a few other reasons hiring a driver in Uganda makes sense for AFCON 2027 travelers specifically:
– You won’t need an International Driving Permit hassle — a driver’s license and separate driving experience in Uganda aren’t required if someone else is behind the wheel.
– Road rules and left-hand driving can catch out visitors from right-hand-drive countries.
– match-day logistics — road closures near stadiums, fan zone parking restrictions, and shifting drop-off points — are easier to navigate with someone who’s tracking local updates in real time.
– safety — a vetted driver from a reputable company is generally a safer bet than navigating an unfamiliar city alone at night after a match.
What It Costs
Prices vary by vehicle type, trip length, and company, but as a general guide:
– Sedan with driver (Kampala city use): roughly $50–$80 per day
– SUV or 4×4 with driver: roughly $80–$150 per day, useful if you’re also planning side trips outside the city
– Airport transfer (Entebbe to Kampala, one-way): roughly $30–$60 depending on vehicle and time of day
– Multi-day hire with driver for upcountry travel (e.g., toward Hoima or beyond): typically negotiated as a day rate plus fuel, and often cheaper per day the longer you book
Fuel is usually included in day-rate quotes for city driving but may be billed separately for longer upcountry trips — always confirm this before booking. During the tournament, expect prices to rise, especially for match days and around the group-stage window in late June, so booking early is worth it.
Getting From Entebbe Airport to Kampala
Most international flights land at Entebbe International Airport, about 40 km southwest of Kampala. The drive takes roughly 45 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic, and it’s one of the busiest routes in the country during major events. Arranging a driver pickup in advance — rather than negotiating with drivers at the arrivals hall — is the more reliable option, especially if you’re arriving during peak tournament travel dates.
Documents and Booking Basics
You generally won’t need much beyond:
– A valid passport (and any Uganda entry visa or East Africa Tourist Visa requirements met in advance)
– Contact details for your driver or rental company confirmed before arrival
– A copy of your booking confirmation, especially if going through a local operator rather than an international platform
Reputable companies will provide a driver, insured vehicle, and fuel arrangement as part of the package. It’s worth booking through a company with reviews or a known local presence rather than an unverified individual, particularly during a high-demand event like AFCON when prices and availability can be less predictable.
Tips for a Smooth Trip In Uganda During AFCON 2027
– Book early. With three co-host countries and fans crossing borders between Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda for different matches, vehicle demand during the tournament window will be high.
– Agreen on the plan upfront. Confirm hours, mileage limits, and whether waiting time during matches is included in the day rate.
– Keep small cash on hand for tolls, parking near fan zones, or tipping — Ugandan shillings are preferred for smaller transactions even if larger payments are made by card or transfer.
– Build in buffer time around match days. Road closures near Mandela National Stadium in Kampala are likely, and your driver will need extra time to find alternate routes.
– Check the weather. Late June through mid-July falls in Uganda’s drier season in most regions, but short rains can still affect road conditions, especially outside the capital.
Final Thought
AFCON 2027 will bring a wave of visitors to Kampala and beyond, and Uganda’s roads — while improving ahead of the tournament — are still best navigated with local help. A car with a driver takes one major variable off your plate, letting you focus on the football instead of the traffic.
To book a rental car and driver in Uganda for AFCON 2027 travels- simply contact us now by emailing to info@rentadriveruganda.com or calling +256-700135510.
