Minister Ogwang defends Uganda’s AFCON 2027 readiness

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The State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, has assured Parliament that Uganda is on track to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania, outlining major infrastructure upgrades, funding commitments and coordination structures aimed at meeting Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.

Presenting a report to Parliament on April 15, 2026, Ogwang responded to concerns raised under a matter of national importance by the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, as well as other legislators who questioned Uganda’s preparedness and the status of CAF compliance requirements.

Despite the detailed briefing, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among directed the minister to return with further clarification on outstanding CAF concerns and issues MPs said remained insufficiently addressed.

Whole-of-government approach

Ogwang told Parliament that hosting a continental tournament of AFCON’s magnitude cannot be handled by a single institution, stressing the need for a coordinated national effort.

He said Cabinet, under the guidance of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, constituted an inter-sectoral committee bringing together more than 20 entities from government, the private sector and the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) to support the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

“The inter-sectoral committee has identified key sector requirements critical for successful delivery of AFCON 2027, which have been prioritised in the Financial Year 2026/27 plans,” Ogwang said.

Funding and government commitments

Ogwang disclosed that Cabinet has already approved financial commitments, including sh1.35 trillion for infrastructure, logistics and operational preparations linked to both the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 and AFCON 2027.

An additional sh905 billion has been earmarked specifically for inter-sectoral coordination and administrative requirements for AFCON 2027.

He said the Ministry of Finance has been directed to ring-fence funds for key implementing agencies, especially those required to begin early works between March and June 2026.

Key infrastructure and support projects

According to the minister, several major infrastructure interventions are underway or planned.

Stadia and training facilities: Uganda will host matches at the upgraded Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, and Hoima City Stadium, alongside multiple training facilities expected to be completed by January 2027. Works are ongoing at training sites, including Kyambogo University and Makerere University, both scheduled for completion by August 2026.

Hoima City Stadium: Construction has been completed, with the contractor currently addressing CAF inspection observations during the defects liability period ending December 2026.

Namboole Stadium: Phase II redevelopment is underway following a MoU between the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Defence. Plans include increasing seating capacity to 45,000, expanding VIP and VVIP areas, and upgrading media and medical facilities.

Transport infrastructure: sh213.76 billion has been allocated for upgrading 47.53 kilometres of roads around Hoima and Kampala, including access routes to key venues.

Kabalega International Airport: Sh184.9 billion has been set aside for the development of a passenger terminal and operationalisation of the airport for international use.

Hotels and accommodation: sh101.1 billion will support upgrading hotels in Hoima and Masindi through a Uganda Development Bank credit facility, following CAF standards consultations.

Health services: sh91.05 billion will upgrade Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital and Buseruka Health Centre III to meet emergency and intensive care requirements.

ICT and security systems: sh6.44 billion has been allocated for ICT systems across airports, hotels, stadiums and hospitals to support accreditation, security and operations.

Other services: Additional funding has been committed for sanitation, meteorological services, water systems in Hoima, electricity lines to key facilities, railway improvements and destination marketing.

Visa and regional cooperation

Government plans to waive visa fees for visitors during the tournament period, one month before kick-off and one month after the final match.

Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are exploring a joint “PAMOJA visa” arrangement to facilitate regional movement for fans and officials during AFCON 2027.

Remaining concerns and parliamentary scrutiny

Despite the comprehensive briefing, MPs raised concerns over implementation timelines, CAF compliance risks and whether infrastructure deadlines, especially the January 2027 completion targets, are realistic.

Speaker Anita Among instructed the minister to return with a more detailed report addressing outstanding issues raised by CAF inspections and parliamentary concerns.

Ogwang reaffirmed government’s commitment, saying Uganda remains fully engaged in preparations and will continue reporting progress to Parliament as implementation advances.

“Government remains committed to successfully preparing and co-hosting AFCON 2027 and will ensure continuous updates on milestones and implementation challenges,” he said.