Namboole, Hoima, Akii-Bua, Hamz to host 2031 African Games

Nelson Mandela National Stadium (Namboole), Hoima City Stadium, Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, and Hamz Stadium top a barrage of Uganda's sports infrastructure earmarked to host the 2031 African Games.

The four multi-sports stadia will be complemented by the proposed state-of-the-art Lugogo Sports Complex, a facility that will cost the government USD 210 million (approximately Shs 777 billion) upon completion.

Construction of the Lugogo sports complex is set to commence after the 2027 AFCON, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.

Other facilities earmarked for the Games include Makerere University Arena, Kyambogo University Training Grounds, Kyambogo Cricket Oval, Entebbe Cricket Oval, and KCCA FC's Phillip Omondi Stadium.

Uganda won the hosting rights for the 15th edition of the Africa Games during an extraordinary session of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Culture and Sports (STC-YCS5), held virtually on June 2, 2026, defeating Nigeria in the bidding process.

According to National Council of Sports General Secretary Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel, Uganda's unmatched bid was built around a multi-city hosting model that will see competitions staged across major urban centres, including the Kampala Metropolitan Area, Entebbe, Hoima City, Lira, Gulu, and other strategic locations.

"I am grateful that the 2031 Africa Games are coming home," Ogwel told Vision Sport.

"The Games will create enormous opportunities for Ugandans through employment, increased revenue, sports tourism, entertainment, and the chance to watch Africa's finest athletes compete on home soil."

He further thanked the government for its commitment to financing the Games and applauded the 34 African member states that unanimously voted in Uganda's favour.

"My utmost gratitude goes to the Government of Uganda for its unwavering support. Special appreciation goes to President Museveni, First Lady Maama Janet Museveni, and Sports Minister Peter Ogwang for their invaluable support," he added.

Under the flagship "Discover Uganda" and the hashtag #2031AfricaGamesUganda, the country's bid features 23 sporting disciplines. Athletics, boxing, football, rugby, basketball 3x3, cricket, swimming, cycling, weightlifting, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, chess, field hockey, handball, judo, and taekwondo lead the way.

Proposed Venues

According to Ogwel, Namboole, Hoima City Stadium, Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, Hamz Stadium, and Phillip Omondi Stadium have been earmarked to host football. Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium and Namboole will also stage athletics competitions.

The proposed Lugogo Sports Complex, featuring a modern 15,000-seat indoor arena, is expected to host most indoor disciplines, including boxing, netball, volleyball, basketball 3x3, and badminton. Hamz Stadium has also been designated as one of the venues for netball competitions.

Meanwhile, Kyambogo Cricket Oval and Entebbe Cricket Oval will host cricket events, while Makerere University Arena is expected to accommodate badminton, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, and tennis competitions. Rugby matches will be played at Namboole's auxiliary grounds and the Kyambogo University training grounds.

"I can assure Ugandans that by 2031, the government will have invested more than Shs 2.5 trillion in world-class sports infrastructure. All I can confirm is that Uganda is ready to deliver a successful 2031 Africa Games."