Presidential Directive on Evaluation of Training Facilities for AFCON 2027
President Museveni’s directive to assess training fields for the 2027 AFCON tournament, along with funding requirements for stadium construction and commitment fees.
President Yoweri Museveni has instructed the state sports minister, Peter Ogwang, to assess various training fields for their suitability in accommodating the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The selection process considered factors such as existing amenities and proximity to key playing venues, including Namboole Training Grounds, Kyambogo University football field, Muteesa 2 Stadium-Wankulukuku, and Makerere University football field serving Mandela National Stadium-Namboole. Proposed training sites near Nakivubo Stadium include Lugogo Stadium, Makindye Military Officers MESS Grounds, Old Kampala Secondary School Grounds, and Kadiba Stadium.
To facilitate the construction of 11 training fields, the National Council of Sports (NCS) requires an additional sh110b, as outlined in the report of the Budget Committee of Parliament on the National Budget Framework Paper for the financial years 2024/25 to 2028/29, approved with amendments on January 31, 2024, under the leadership of Kachumbala County MP Patrick Isiagi Opolot.
Opolot highlighted Uganda’s commitment, alongside Kenya and Tanzania, to jointly host AFCON 2027 matches, necessitating a payment of $90m to the Confederation of African Football Federation (CAF). Additional funding of $30m (about sh114b) is required for commitment fees for Uganda’s co-hosting bid.
Furthermore, to meet CAF’s requirement of three stadiums with capacities for 40,000, 20,000, and 15,000 fans respectively, President Museveni directed the construction of a stadium in Hoima city. These stadiums and training fields are expected to be operational by December 31, 2025, in compliance with CAF regulations.
To fulfill CAF’s prerequisites and avoid bid revocation, Parliament recommended sh20b allocation from the finance ministry to NCS for the construction of 11 training grounds, alongside sh380b for the development of Hoima (shl80b), Akiibua (sh100b), and Buhinga (sh100b) stadia.
The East Africa Pamoja consortium, comprising Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, secured the privilege of hosting AFCON 2027 after surpassing competing bids from South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, and Senegal. CAF mandates the provision of six stadiums, with specific seating capacities of 40,000, 20,000, and 15,000 for two each.
