National Council for Sports and Kyambogo University to Establish State-of-the-Art Training Center.
Kyambogo University and the National Council for Sports- NCS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to transform one of the University’s football pitch into a modern training facility in preparation for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
This project is part of a larger initiative to develop ten training venues for the tournament across the country. Situated near the University’s main building, this facility will adhere to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards, ensuring the quality of the pitch matches that of the main stadium.
Ambrose Tashobya, Chairperson of the National Council of Sports, praised Kyambogo University for its prompt response to the government’s request for land to develop this essential infrastructure.
“The pitch, that is the main part of the facility, should be at the same standard to the one in the stadium where they were playing. So you don’t play on the turf, then go and play in the evening on natural grass. It should be the same grass of the same quality,” said Tashobya.
The development at Kyambogo University will unfold in two phases, with the first phase focusing on meeting CAF/AFCON standards. The facility will feature natural grass, a standard irrigation system, and floodlights, enabling teams to train at night. Additional amenities will include at least one changing room and a perimeter fence to ensure player security.
The 14.3-billion-shilling project, overseen by the UPDF Engineering Brigade, is slated to commence on 28th May, 2024, with a completion target of three months. Col. Engineer Godfrey Tukamwakira, Commander of the Civil Engineers Brigade, acknowledged the tight schedule and emphasized the need for meticulous planning, especially considering the five-month establishment period required for the new grass.
State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, urged contractors to expedite the development to ensure the facility is ready for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which will serve as a precursor to AFCON 2027. CHAN, unlike AFCON, features players who are active in their national championships and eligible for the ongoing season.
“The Confederation of African Football has called on us to go and brief them how far we are moving with the organization of AFKON 2027,” said the minister adding that; “so today when I’m here, on behalf of my chairperson of the local organizing committee, signing a project, this MOU, for the purpose of handing this facility to the contractor. For me as government, I’m ticking my boxes because tomorrow I have to go and report to the nation, to the continent, to the region.”
Once completed, the Kyambogo training facility will with Namboole Stadium be one of the first two stadium ready for the event. Plans are also underway to develop additional facilities at Makerere University and redevelop the Mutesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku.
Tashobya revealed that the government intends to launch a second phase of the Kyambogo project, expanding the stadium to accommodate multiple sports discipline, thereby enhancing sports infrastructure at various universities.
Kyambogo University Vice Chancellor, Professor Elia Katunguka, expressed his satisfaction with the project, highlighting its potential to promote sports among young people, improve their physical fitness, and enhancing their overall health. He commended government’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure and was pleased that Kyambogo University is part of this significant initiative.