By Ben Musanje
The government has assured Parliament that Uganda remains on course to successfully co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Kenya and Tanzania, with more than UGX 2.25 trillion committed towards infrastructure, logistics and tournament operations.
Presenting a ministerial statement to Parliament, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang said preparations for the continental football showpiece are progressing according to schedule, with major stadiums, training facilities and supporting infrastructure expected to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) deadlines.
The statement followed concerns raised by Hoima West Division MP Ismail Kasule over Uganda’s state of preparedness for the tournament.
“Co-hosting a tournament of the magnitude and complexity of the Africa Cup of Nations is not an undertaking that can be delivered by one ministry, department, agency or sports federation acting alone,” Ogwang said.
“It requires a well-coordinated whole-of-government and whole-of-country approach.”
Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania will jointly host AFCON from June 19 to July 18, 2027, with Uganda staging matches at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, and Hoima City Stadium.
The minister said both competition venues and eight designated training facilities are expected to be completed by December 31, 2026, in line with CAF requirements.
Government commits over UGX 2.25 trillion
Ogwang told Parliament that Cabinet in 2024 approved UGX 1.35 trillion for infrastructure, logistics and operational costs related to both the postponed African Nations Championship (CHAN) and AFCON 2027, including Uganda’s mandatory CAF commitments.
Government has since approved an additional UGX 905 billion to finance critical inter-sectoral interventions needed for the tournament.
The additional funding will support the upgrading of hotels in Hoima and Masindi through a special credit facility, construction of a passenger terminal at Kabalega Airport, road upgrades around competition venues, improvements to health facilities, ICT infrastructure, water supply, electricity networks, railway services, sanitation, meteorological services and tourism promotion.
Government also plans to waive visa fees for visitors during the tournament and is pursuing a joint PAMOJA Visa with Kenya and Tanzania to ease movement of fans and officials across the three host countries.
Stadium works progressing
According to the minister, construction of Hoima City Stadium has been completed and is now in its defects liability period, during which the contractor is addressing issues identified during CAF’s recent inspection.
For Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, Phase II expansion works are progressing following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs in February 2026.
The expansion will increase seating capacity from 38,268 to 45,000, while also upgrading VIP and VVIP lounges, media facilities, press conference rooms, spectator areas and medical facilities.
Ogwang said the contractor had completed the design review and incorporated all observations raised by CAF, while structural integrity tests had confirmed the project’s readiness.
“The contractor remains on schedule to complete the works within the timelines stipulated by CAF,” he said.
Training facilities nearing completion
Government also reported significant progress on training venues that will host participating teams.
Construction at Kyambogo University Training Facility and Makerere University Training Facility is expected to be completed by August 2026.
Works at Hoima Boma Grounds and Masindi Municipal Stadium Training Facility are scheduled for completion in September 2026.
At FUFA Kadiba Stadium, Bills of Quantities and architectural designs are being finalised before the site is handed over to the UPDF Engineering Brigade. The works will include rehabilitation of the playing surface and installation of floodlights, with completion expected by December 2026.
Government has also concluded acquisition of land for the Sir Tito Winyi Training Facility, with construction expected to begin in August and finish before the end of the year.
Roads, airport and hotels
To improve accessibility to competition venues, government is implementing several strategic road projects around Kampala Metropolitan Area and Hoima.
These include upgrades of the Jokas–Uganda Christian University Road, Jokas–Bweyogerere Road, Jokas–Namanve Road, Kireka–Kamuli–Naalya Road, Bweyogerere–Butto–Namugongo Road, Kyaliwajjala–Kira–Kasangati Road, Old Jinja Road and several connecting roads to the Northern Bypass and Hoima City Stadium.
The procurement process for the road projects is currently under evaluation.
Government has earmarked UGX 101.1 billion to support the renovation of selected hotels in Hoima City and Masindi District through the Uganda Development Bank.
The funding will support renovation works and provide interest rate subsidies for approved hotel operators to ensure accommodation facilities meet CAF standards.
Several investors have also expressed interest in constructing a new hotel at Kabalega International Airport, with bid evaluations expected to commence this week.
Construction of the airport’s passenger terminal is awaiting contract award and confirmation of financing for the remaining funding gap.
Health, ICT and transport upgrades
Government is also strengthening healthcare infrastructure to support the tournament.
Construction works are underway at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi Regional Referral Hospital and Buseruka Health Centre III, where facilities are being upgraded to provide intensive care, accident and emergency services.
The minister said passenger railway stations are being developed in Kampala, Namboole, Namanve and Mukono, alongside refurbishment of locomotives to facilitate public transport during AFCON.
Government will also install Wi-Fi and CCTV systems at stadiums, airports, training facilities, hospitals, tourism sites and CAF-accredited hotels.
Government confident
Ogwang assured Parliament that all ministries, departments and agencies are working under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Local Organising Committee to ensure Uganda fulfils its commitments to CAF.
“I wish to assure this House that Government remains fully committed to delivering a successful AFCON 2027,” he said.
“We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the required infrastructure, services and support systems are completed within the agreed timelines.”
He added that Parliament would continue receiving regular updates on implementation progress, key milestones and emerging challenges as preparations intensify ahead of the continental tournament. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
