CHIMP SPORT: Uganda Remains on Track for AFCON 2027, Says Ogwang

State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang has reaffirmed Uganda’s readiness plans for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), insisting that the country remains on schedule to fulfill its hosting obligations ahead of the continental tournament. Speaking after his vetting before Parliament, Ogwang said preparations across the various sectors linked to the championship are progressing steadily, with government focused on delivering facilities that meet CAF 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. Uganda is expected to host matches at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, and Hoima City Stadium, while several training grounds are also being upgraded to support the event. Ogwang revealed that renovation works at Namboole have entered another phase as the facility continues to undergo improvements required by CAF. “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 said. The minister noted that training facilities in the Kampala cluster are also receiving attention, with work ongoing at Makerere and Kyambogo. He added that Kadiba Stadium is expected to be handed over this month for further redevelopment. “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,” Ogwang explained. In the Hoima cluster, CAF inspectors had previously raised several technical concerns during site visits. According to the minister, contractors are already addressing those issues. “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,” he said. The government is also looking beyond stadium infrastructure, with plans to improve transport and health services in the region before the tournament. “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,” Ogwang said. He added that upgrades are planned at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi Hospital and Buseruka Health Centre IV to strengthen medical services ahead of the championship. On training facilities in western Uganda, Ogwang confirmed that work has already started at some venues. “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,” he said. Uganda will jointly host AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania from June 16 to July 19, 2027, in what will be the first time East Africa stages Africa’s biggest football tournament. The three nations are currently racing against time to complete the required infrastructure and operational preparations before the event kicks off.