Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, has assured Parliament that the country will be ready to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite earlier concerns raised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Ogwang made the remarks during a plenary sitting on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, chaired by Speaker Anita Annet Among, while responding to earlier queries from the Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi.
The concerns stemmed from a CAF inspection report released in February that highlighted gaps in Uganda’s preparedness.
The Minister revealed that he personally invited CAF to conduct the inspection, noting that the findings have since guided government action.
He emphasized that the issues raised are already being addressed through a comprehensive financing plan in the 2026/2027 financial year.
Government has committed Shs905 billion towards AFCON preparations, targeting key sectors including infrastructure, transport, health, and hospitality.
A significant portion of the funds—Shs213.76 billion—has been earmarked for the upgrade of at least 47.53 kilometres of roads around Hoima City Stadium and Mandela National Stadium.
These works will include improvements to Kinawataka Road, construction of pedestrian walkways, and installation of street lighting to enhance safety and accessibility.
Additionally, Shs184.9 billion has been allocated for the construction of a passenger terminal at Kabalega Airport to enable its full operationalisation as an international airport ahead of the tournament.
In the hospitality sector, government has set aside Shs101.1 billion under a special credit facility through the Uganda Development Bank to support the upgrade of selected hotels in Hoima and Masindi. Engagements with hotel owners are expected to begin later this month following consultations with CAF on required standards.
To strengthen sports infrastructure, Shs56.2 billion has been allocated for the remodeling and upgrade of Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, while Shs5.2 billion will go towards upgrading FUFA Kadiba Stadium as a training facility. An additional Shs12.55 billion has been committed to preparations of the Uganda Cranes.
The Local Organising Committee will receive Shs109.9 billion to oversee tournament-specific activities across key areas such as security, ICT, medical services, and event operations.
Further investments include Shs91.05 billion for upgrading health facilities in Hoima, Masindi, and Buseruka to meet CAF standards for emergency and intensive care services, and Shs6.44 billion for ICT infrastructure improvements across critical venues.
Government has also allocated funds for sanitation (Shs13.75 billion), water supply in Hoima City (Shs6.25 billion), electricity connections (Shs4.69 billion), and railway upgrades in Kampala and surrounding areas (Shs23.33 billion).
To boost tourism and ease travel, Shs37.85 billion has been set aside for destination marketing, while government plans to waive visa fees for all visitors for a three-month period surrounding the tournament. Uganda is also pursuing a joint “PAMOJA visa” arrangement with Kenya and Tanzania to facilitate seamless movement for fans.
On sports facilities, Ogwang reported that construction of Hoima City Stadium is complete, with the defects liability period running until December 2026 to address issues raised by CAF. Meanwhile, expansion works at Mandela National Stadium are under review, with plans to increase seating capacity to 45,000 and upgrade key amenities including media and VIP facilities.
Construction of training facilities at Kyambogo University and Makerere University is ongoing and expected to be completed by August 2026, while works at Hoima Boma Grounds and Masindi Municipal Stadium are set to commence by the end of April.
Ogwang acknowledged that sports infrastructure had been the biggest challenge but expressed confidence that government interventions have put the country back on track.
“The issues identified in the CAF report are exactly what we are addressing as Government,” he told Parliament.
Uganda will co-host the 2027 AFCON tournament with regional neighbours Kenya and Tanzania under the joint Pamoja bid.
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