Sports
Africa Games coming to Uganda after successful 2031 bid
Uganda emerged victorious following an Extraordinary Session of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Youth, Culture and Sports (STC-YCS5), held virtually on June 2, 2026.
For nearly a year, Uganda and Nigeria had been engaged in a competitive race to host Africa's premier multi-sport event.(Courtesy photo)
By: Fred Kisekka, Journalist @New Vision
________________
Uganda has secured the hosting rights for the 15th edition of the Africa Games in 2031 after defeating Nigeria in a closely contested bidding process, marking a major milestone in the country's sporting history and reinforcing its growing reputation as a destination for major continental events.
The successful bid is a significant achievement for Uganda's sports sector and aligns with the country's broader ambition of positioning itself as a regional and continental hub for international sporting competitions.
For nearly a year, Uganda and Nigeria had been engaged in a competitive race to host Africa's premier multi-sport event.
Uganda emerged victorious following an Extraordinary Session of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Youth, Culture and Sports (STC-YCS5), held virtually on June 2, 2026.
Nigeria's bid was reportedly rejected after concerns were raised about the quality of its submission.
Reports indicated that sections of the bidding documents had been copied from the country's unsuccessful bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with several administrative and technical errors allegedly left uncorrected.
In contrast, Uganda's presentation received strong backing from delegates and sports ministers across the continent, who commended the country's preparedness, infrastructure development and commitment to delivering a successful event.
Uganda's bid was spearheaded by sports minister-designate Peter Ogwang and Dr Patrick Bernard Ogwel, the general secretary of the National Council of Sports (NCS) and chairperson of the Africa Games Committee.
The bid included an operational budget of approximately US$94 million (about sh347.8 billion).
Nigeria's bid was reportedly rejected after concerns were raised about the quality of its submission.
Reports indicated that sections of the bidding documents had been copied from the country's unsuccessful bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with several administrative and technical errors allegedly left uncorrected.
In contrast, Uganda's presentation received strong backing from delegates and sports ministers across the continent, who commended the country's preparedness, infrastructure development and commitment to delivering a successful event.
Uganda's bid was spearheaded by sports minister-designate Peter Ogwang and Dr Patrick Bernard Ogwel, the general secretary of the National Council of Sports (NCS) and chairperson of the Africa Games Committee.
The bid included an operational budget of approximately US$94 million (about sh347.8 billion).
A major factor behind Uganda's successful bid was the progress made on key sports infrastructure projects across the country.
Hoima City Stadium was central to Uganda's case, alongside ongoing developments at Nelson Mandela National Stadium, the Makerere University Arena and the Kyambogo University training grounds.
The infrastructure developments played a significant role in convincing an inspection team from the African Union Sports Council (AUSC), which visited Uganda earlier this year to assess the country's readiness.
The delegation, led by Dr Sid Ahmed Selmi and comprising Mozambique's Penalva Ceaser and Tanzania's Lina Paul Kessy, expressed satisfaction with Uganda's sports infrastructure projects and organisational capacity.
According to Dr Ogwel, Uganda's success in securing the 2031 Africa Games reflects years of deliberate investment in sports development and infrastructure.
“First of all, I would like to commend President Yoweri Museveni and the Government of Uganda for the continued investment in sports infrastructure and development," Ogwel said.
“We couldn’t beat Nigeria to hosting rights if it wasn’t the world-class multi-purpose infrastructures that are being developed across the country. This victory is a testament to the progress Uganda has made in transforming its sports sector.”
The awarding of the 2031 Africa Games comes as Uganda prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Kenya and Tanzania, further underlining the country's growing standing as a host of major international sporting events.
With the hosting rights secured, Uganda will begin preparations to welcome thousands of athletes, officials and spectators from across Africa for what is expected to be one of the biggest sporting events ever staged in the country.
The 2031 Africa Games are expected to leave a lasting legacy through improved sports infrastructure, increased tourism, job creation and expanded opportunities for athletes, while further elevating Uganda's profile on the continental sporting stage.
Hoima City Stadium was central to Uganda's case, alongside ongoing developments at Nelson Mandela National Stadium, the Makerere University Arena and the Kyambogo University training grounds.
The infrastructure developments played a significant role in convincing an inspection team from the African Union Sports Council (AUSC), which visited Uganda earlier this year to assess the country's readiness.
The delegation, led by Dr Sid Ahmed Selmi and comprising Mozambique's Penalva Ceaser and Tanzania's Lina Paul Kessy, expressed satisfaction with Uganda's sports infrastructure projects and organisational capacity.
According to Dr Ogwel, Uganda's success in securing the 2031 Africa Games reflects years of deliberate investment in sports development and infrastructure.
“First of all, I would like to commend President Yoweri Museveni and the Government of Uganda for the continued investment in sports infrastructure and development," Ogwel said.
“We couldn’t beat Nigeria to hosting rights if it wasn’t the world-class multi-purpose infrastructures that are being developed across the country. This victory is a testament to the progress Uganda has made in transforming its sports sector.”
The awarding of the 2031 Africa Games comes as Uganda prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Kenya and Tanzania, further underlining the country's growing standing as a host of major international sporting events.
With the hosting rights secured, Uganda will begin preparations to welcome thousands of athletes, officials and spectators from across Africa for what is expected to be one of the biggest sporting events ever staged in the country.
The 2031 Africa Games are expected to leave a lasting legacy through improved sports infrastructure, increased tourism, job creation and expanded opportunities for athletes, while further elevating Uganda's profile on the continental sporting stage.