By Ben Musanje
The Government of Uganda has confirmed the arrival of a high-level Confederation of African Football (CAF) delegation in Kampala, marking a significant milestone in the country’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The announcement was made during a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre, where Dr Dennis Mugimba, Chairperson of the Communications and Signage Sub-Committee for CHAN/AFCON, described the visit as a strong indication of confidence in Uganda’s progress and commitment to hosting the continental showpiece.
According to Dr Mugimba, the delegation, led by Samson Adamu, is expected to engage with government officials and key stakeholders over a two-day period to assess ongoing preparations and strengthen coordination mechanisms ahead of the next critical inspection scheduled for August.
He explained that the visit presents Uganda with an opportunity to demonstrate the progress already made while aligning more closely with CAF requirements as the country moves into the next phase of preparations.
Dr Mugimba was joined at the briefing by Mark Namanya, a communications manager on the committee, and Ahmed Hussein, the Public Relations Officer of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), alongside other FUFA officials and dignitaries.
Officials highlighted that Uganda is making steady progress on key infrastructure projects. Renovation works at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, have entered an advanced phase, with efforts focused on modernizing facilities, improving safety standards, and expanding capacity to meet CAF’s Category 4 requirements. Development at Hoima Stadium is also ongoing, further strengthening Uganda’s readiness to host matches across multiple venues.
They further noted that beyond infrastructure, the government remains committed to ensuring operational readiness in areas such as security, logistics, broadcasting, and overall fan experience. The CAF delegation is expected to provide technical guidance in these areas, helping to refine strategies and ensure efficient delivery.
Uganda is co-hosting the 2027 tournament under the “PAMOJA” framework alongside Kenya and Tanzania from June 19, to July 18, 2027, a partnership that officials said reflects growing regional cooperation and a shared ambition to deliver a successful competition.
With the August inspection milestone approaching, officials expressed optimism that Uganda remains on track to meet CAF standards. The arrival of the CAF delegation is therefore being viewed as both an assessment and a collaborative effort aimed at ensuring the country is fully prepared to host one of Africa’s premier sporting events.
The government reiterated its commitment to delivering a world-class tournament, positioning Uganda as a key contributor to the success of AFCON 2027. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
