Uganda Pushes Stadium Redevelopment Ahead of AFCON 2027

Ahead of the African Cup of Nations 2027, Uganda aims to strengthen its sports infrastructure with projects like Hoima City Stadium and Mandela National Stadium.

Yet another inspiring project taken by Uganda is the redevelopment of its Kyabazinga Stadium in the city of Jinja. The government has announced its proposal to transform the stadium, also referred to as the Bugembe Stadium, into a state-of-the-art facility with a 20,000-seat capacity in its bid to establish Uganda as a potential host to national and international events.

"As you are aware, the government is currently redeveloping several sports facilities across the country," Chebet stated. "In Eastern Uganda, we have earmarked Bugembe Stadium and Mbale Stadium, and the works will kick off in the next phase. " Said by Milton Chebet, the Assistant General Secretary for Technical Affairs at the NCS.

The proposed design includes a main stadium with an impressive spectator capacity, dedicated training grounds, an athletics running track, and an indoor arena for sports like boxing and basketball.

A hurdle in this visionary project is being faced by the authorities in terms of illegal encroachment of the stadium area. “We received reports that part of this land was encroached on," he explained. There is ambiguity as of now regarding the government’s approach to realizing the encroached land.

Uganda, along with Tanzania and Kenya, shall co-host the African Cup of Nations 2027, which has provided the needed push for projects like the renovation of Akii Bua Stadium in Lira. After decades of facility inadequacy, the success of this project shall empower eastern Uganda to provide the needed exposure to its athletes.