Beyond AFCON: Uganda’s bold push to host the 2031 African Games

Uganda is steadily positioning itself as a formidable player on the African sports scene, with an ambitious vision anchored in extensive sports infrastructure development and strategic event hosting.

As the country prepares to host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) jointly with Kenya and Tanzania, these events serve not merely as isolated achievements but as stepping stones toward the hosting of the 2031 African Games.

Speaking to Vision Sports, National Council of Sports (NCS) General Secretary and chairperson of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC), Bernard Ogwel, expressed optimism and a sense of purpose behind Uganda’s current trajectory.

“There is already excitement all over the continent, with many eager to experience the beauty of Uganda through sports, and we are eyeing the prestigious African Games,” Ogwel confirmed. His statement reflects not only growing continental interest but also a firm belief that Uganda is ready to shine on the African stage.

Central to this vision is the transformation and expansion of key sports facilities. Namboole Stadium, a national landmark, is set to undergo its second phase of redevelopment, which includes expanding the western wing seating capacity, constructing an indoor sports arena, and adding a semi-Olympic-sized swimming pool. Alongside this, the construction of Hoima City Stadium and Akibua Olympic Stadium in Hoima City and Lira City, respectively, signals a deliberate decentralization of sports infrastructure, spreading investment beyond the capital and into regional hubs, thereby encouraging nationwide engagement in sports.

The strategy to construct multi-sport facilities on the outskirts of congested urban centers such as Kampala is also proving beneficial. It addresses the persistent challenge of land scarcity in inner cities, where finding space for single-sport facilities is increasingly difficult. These new complexes not only provide ample training space without disruption but also serve as catalysts for urban development in less densely populated areas. As Ogwel explained, “Once complete, the facilities will give the nation a firm ground on which the bidding process for continental and global sports events hosting rights can be sought.”

However, as Uganda looks ahead to the 2031 African Games, more work remains. According to Ogwel, the completion of an Olympic-size swimming pool is a priority to ensure aquatic disciplines can be hosted in their entirety. “To make this dream a reality,” he emphasized, “an Olympic-size swimming pool needs to be set up to enable aquatics to take precedence in full swing, as well as a cricket oval and hockey field.” These additions are crucial if Uganda is to host the full range of the 31 sports disciplines that make up the African Games, including football, rugby, boxing, basketball, badminton, table tennis, swimming, and handball.

If Uganda secures the bid, it would mark a historic milestone, making it only the second East African country to host the African Games after Kenya, which did so in 1987.