Government has officially launched construction of training facilities for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a high-profile groundbreaking ceremony at Makerere University Sports Ground. This marks a pivotal step in the nation’s broader infrastructure drive to co-host the tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania, led by the experienced UPDF Engineering Brigade. The projects represent a massive investment running into billions of shillings, with Makerere’s state-of-the-art facility alone valued at UGX 21.8-22.8 billion.
State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, presided over the event on behalf of the Education and Sports Minister, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, signaling the formal kickoff of work on eight training venues nationwide. These upgrades are designed to deliver CAF-standard grounds, including a UGX 19 billion training pitch at Kyambogo University, enhancements linked to Hoima City Stadium with supporting pitches in Hoima and Masindi district and new facilities tied to Akii Bua Olympic Stadium. Additional sites at universities in Lira and Gulu, as well as Pece Stadium, are budgeted at around Shs13.2 billion each, while Masindi Municipal Stadium’s addition of an athletics track pushes its total cost to Shs20.2 billion.
At Makerere, the transformation of a former basic playground into a world-class venue will feature a FIFA-standard football and rugby pitch, a full athletics track, a 1,700-seater pavilion, floodlights, modern dressing rooms, parking areas, and upgraded water and power utilities. The site was handed over to the UPDF on February 11, 2026, with groundbreaking following on Thursday February 19. Lt. Col. Peter Sseku Kidemuka, the UPDF project manager, confirmed the ground is leveled and ready, targeting completion within 6-8 months under the supervision of the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Ogwang emphasized long-term talent development and urged host universities to enhance surrounding infrastructure while budgeting early for maintenance to ensure these assets thrive beyond the tournament.
NCS Chairman Ambrose Tashobya highlighted partnerships with universities as key to forging a lasting AFCON legacy, calling for scholarships to nurture emerging athletes.
NCS General Secretary, Mr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment to fully funding these initiatives, while Ministry of Works representative, architect Edward Ssimbwa, stressed that construction must wrap up within six months to stay on track.
Complementing these are upgrades at Kyambogo, Gulu, and Lira Universities with similar high-spec features, alongside existing venues like FUFA Kadiba and the Namboole annex. These facilities are strategically positioned to meet CAF’s requirement of four training sites per host stadium, while elevating university sports programs and youth development across the country. As Uganda ramps up preparations, officials see this as more than event readiness, it’s a foundation for sustainable sporting excellence.
