State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang has assured Ugandans that the country is firmly on course to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), saying preparations are progressing steadily in line with FIFA and CAF timelines.
Speaking after his vetting by Parliament, Ogwang emphasized that Uganda’s infrastructure development for the tournament is on schedule, noting that key stadiums, training facilities, transport systems, and social services are being upgraded to meet international standards.
“We are on course as far as hosting AFCON 2027 is concerned. I want to assure the country that preparations are progressing well. We are left with just one year, as the tournament has already been fixed on the FIFA calendar and will run from June 16 to July 19, 2027,” Ogwang said.
He highlighted ongoing works at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, which is currently undergoing a second phase of renovation in line with CAF requirements.
“Works at Namboole Stadium are ongoing. As you have seen, the stadium is now taking the second phase in line with CAF guidance. I also want to confirm that road works around Namboole are set to begin, as funds have already been released to the relevant departments,” he added.
Ogwang also noted that training facilities across the Kampala cluster are being upgraded, including Makerere and Kyambogo, while FUFA has pledged to hand over Kadiba Stadium by the end of the month. The UPDF Engineering Brigade is expected to take over the site works thereafter.
“Work on the training facilities is ongoing; Makerere, Kyambogo, while FUFA has also pledged to hand over Kadiba by the end of this month, and the UPDF Engineering Brigade is ready to take up that mantle,” he said.
On the Hoima cluster, the minister said CAF had raised a few technical concerns during inspection, which are now being addressed by contractors on site.
“When you go to the Hoima cluster, there were three to four issues that CAF highlighted, and the contractor is on site to address those issues. They have assured me that by the end of this month, all issues will be resolved,” Ogwang explained.
He further revealed that additional infrastructure works will commence in Hoima, including developments at Kabalega International Airport and surrounding transport networks.
“There are works that are meant to begin at Kabalega International Airport in Hoima, including the construction of the terminal in line with CAF guidance. We are also going to construct attendant roads around Hoima City Stadium to reduce traffic, especially during match days,” he said.
Ogwang added that government is also prioritizing health infrastructure in the Hoima cluster, including upgrades at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi Hospital, and Buseruka Health Centre IV.
“The Ministry of Works is working with the UPDF Engineering Brigade and NEC to ensure those works progress well,” he noted.
He further confirmed progress on training facilities in Hoima, saying he had already handed over key grounds where work has commenced.
“I handed over the Masindi and Hoima Boma grounds, and work has started. It is only the Tito Owiny project whose works have been delayed due to land issues, but this is being addressed,” Ogwang said.
Uganda will co-host the 2027 AFCON tournament with Kenya and Tanzania from June 16 to July 19, marking the first time the championship will be staged in East Africa.
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