Kadiba Stadium has officially been handed over to the Government of Uganda for redevelopment into a CAF-certified training ground ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

The handover took place in the presence of the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, with FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo handing over the facility to the National Council of Sports (NCS). The NCS subsequently handed it over to the UPDF Engineering Brigade to commence the works.

The Engineering Brigade, led by Col. James Lwegaba, has committed to immediately starting the Shs5.189 billion project, which will include installation of a new standardised playing surface, improvements to the floodlights, electrical works and ICT installations.

NCS General Secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel confirmed that all legal requirements for the handover had been completed and that funds for the project had been secured in the current financial year.

NCS Chairman Ambrose Tashobya urged the Engineering Brigade to complete the works ahead of the contractual six-month period, given the relatively limited scope of the project.

The Kadiba Stadium works are part of a wider government programme to develop training grounds across the country ahead of AFCON 2027.

Under the supervision of the Ministry of Works and Transport, the UPDF Engineering Brigade is also working on facilities at Kyambogo, Makerere University, Hoima Boma Grounds, Masindi Grounds, Lira University, Gulu University and Pece Stadium.

Magogo commended the government for its investment in major sports infrastructure, including Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, Hoima City Stadium and Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira, saying the developments will help meet international football requirements.

He, however, called on the government to extend the infrastructure programme to regional facilities to support domestic competitions, particularly in Mbarara, Jinja, Mbale and the West Nile region.

Minister Ogwang said the government had already planned for developments in those regions, although land ownership challenges remain a factor in some areas.

He reaffirmed that funding would be provided for the facilities, saying the broader strategy is to use sports infrastructure to promote sports tourism and contribute to Uganda’s economic growth.

The redevelopment of Kadiba Stadium is expected to provide Uganda with another CAF-standard training facility as the country prepares to host the continental showpiece in 2027.