For AFCON 2027, Uganda Fast-Tracks Stadium Upgrades Amid CAF Concerns

The African Cup of Nations 2027 is not only an event but also an opportunity to establish one's significance in global sports as well as give a significant push to one's economy. The Confederation of African Football had carried out an extensive review on Ugandan infrastructure upgrades ahead of the game and released a report that portrayed Uganda as an underprepared country with upgrades still under process.

In this regard, when the leader of the opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, raised the matter as a national crisis, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang's assurances to Parliament addressed the parliament to give updates on the situation.

He strongly emphasized that the country is ready to host the much-awaited event with its co-hosts Kenya and Tanzania. He outlined significant infrastructure improvements, financial commitments, and coordination structures meant to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.

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

He signaled towards the governmental efforts in regard to the crisis by supporting the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). The cabinet, led by the First Lady and the minister of education and sports, established an inter-sectoral committee with 20-plus organizations from the public and private sectors as well as the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).

The facilities that are being targeted to host the matches include the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole; and Hoima City Stadium, adjacent to many other training facilities scheduled to be completed by January 2027. Works are ongoing at training sites, including Kyambogo University and Makerere University, both of which shall be completed by August 2026.