By Caroline Nakire
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has directed the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade to accelerate construction work at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, to ensure Uganda is ready to host matches during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The directive was issued during a multi-sectoral preparatory meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Kampala, where ministers and senior government officials reviewed the country’s progress in preparing for Africa’s premier football tournament.
Uganda will jointly host AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania, marking the first time the prestigious continental championship will be staged in East Africa.
The three host nations are expected to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards by delivering world-class sporting facilities and the supporting infrastructure required for the tournament.
Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Nabbanja emphasised that completing all priority projects within the stipulated timelines is essential if Uganda is to successfully fulfil its hosting obligations. She called on all implementing agencies to work collaboratively and ensure that construction activities are completed without further delays.
A major focus of the meeting was the progress of renovation works at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, one of Uganda’s flagship venues for AFCON 2027.
State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang expressed concern over the pace of construction, warning that any further delays could affect the country’s preparations for the tournament.
Minister Ogwang noted that the stadium must be completed in time to enable Uganda to host AFCON qualifying matches scheduled for October this year. He urged the UPDF Engineering Brigade and all stakeholders involved in the project to expedite the remaining works to ensure the facility is ready within the required timeframe.
The meeting also reviewed progress on other strategic infrastructure projects that are critical to the successful hosting of AFCON 2027. These include the upgrading of road networks, health facilities, aviation services, hotels and other amenities that will be required to accommodate participating teams, match officials, media personnel and the thousands of football fans expected to travel to Uganda during the tournament.
Prime Minister Nabbanja further directed Abubaker Construction Company to speed up work on the Kiboga–Hoima Road, describing it as a strategic transport corridor that will improve access to Hoima City, where another stadium is being developed to host AFCON 2027 matches.
Officials observed that improved road connectivity will facilitate the movement of teams, officials and spectators between host venues while also creating long-term economic benefits through increased trade, investment and tourism.
The meeting reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to delivering all the required infrastructure within the agreed timelines.
Stakeholders pledged to strengthen coordination among ministries, departments and implementing agencies to address existing challenges and ensure that preparations remain on schedule.
Hosting AFCON 2027 is expected to significantly enhance Uganda’s international profile, attract investment, promote tourism and leave a lasting legacy of modern sports and public infrastructure.
As preparations gather momentum, the timely completion of these projects will be critical to Uganda’s successful hosting of one of Africa’s biggest sporting events.