Kampala, Uganda
In a major boost to Uganda’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Makerere University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Council of Sports (NCS) to construct a state-of-the-art training facility at the institution.
The Makerere University (MUK) main sports ground is among four training pitches selected for AFCON 2027, alongside Namboole’s outside pitch, Kyambogo University, and Kadiba. Uganda, in partnership with Kenya and Tanzania, will jointly host the continental tournament and plans to utilize Hoima City Stadium, which is currently under construction.
Government Commits Shs1.5 Trillion for Sports Infrastructure
State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang confirmed that the government has earmarked approximately Shs1.5 trillion for the development of sports infrastructure ahead of the prestigious tournament.
“We are grateful to be here today because, initially, the Ministry of Finance had not released funds on time, and we had started seeking a private investor for an alternative ground,” Ogwang said at the MoU signing ceremony.
MUK Vice Chancellor Celebrates Long-Awaited Dream
Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who signed the agreement alongside University Secretary Yusuf Kiranda, expressed excitement over the long-awaited development.
“I was involved in the designs to upgrade this ground into a stadium 30 years ago. We have been searching for funding—over $25b about Shs100 billion to make this dream a reality,” Nawangwe said. “We are thrilled that NCS agreed to follow our plan, as Makerere values sports and its role in grooming future leaders.”
UPDF Engineering Brigade to Lead Construction
The UPDF Engineering Brigade, which successfully renovated Namboole Stadium, has been tasked with constructing the new facility. The planned infrastructure will include:
- A standard football pitch with dressing rooms
- An eight-lane athletics track
- Seating capacity for over 1,000 spectators
- 800-lux floodlights for night events
- A 250kVA standby generator
- 100,000-liter water tanks
Tashobya and NCS General Secretary Bernard Patrick Ogwel signed the agreement on behalf of the government. The construction is set to commence in July 2024, marking a significant milestone in Uganda’s AFCON 2027 preparations.
Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative project as Uganda gears up for one of Africa’s biggest sporting events.
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