Uganda is on course to have all three stadiums earmarked to host matches during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations ready by the end of December 2026, the Local Organising Committee has said.
The assurance comes with less than a year remaining before the kick-off of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027, which will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania from June 19, 2027.
The Local Organising Committee, commonly known as the LOC, said the Confederation of African Football has completed its second physical inspection of Uganda’s competition and training facilities, with significant progress recorded at the three main match venues.
The facilities inspected include Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira, Hoima City Stadium and Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, as well as nine of the country’s 12 planned training facilities.
The training facilities inspected include the annexes at Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, Hoima City Stadium and Mandela National Stadium, together with facilities at Makerere University, Kyambogo University, FUFA Kadiba, Hoima Booma Grounds, Pece Memorial Stadium and Gulu University.
According to the LOC, all three main stadiums are expected to be completed by December 31, 2026. Ten of the 12 planned training facilities are also expected to be ready by the same deadline.
The remaining two facilities, FUFA Kadiba and Sir Tito Winyi Senior Secondary School, are expected to be completed in January 2027 after being handed over to contractors later than the other projects.
Dr Dennis K. Mugimba, the Chairperson of the LOC Communications and Promotion Sub-Committee, said Uganda was making steady progress towards meeting CAF requirements ahead of the continental tournament.
Namboole Remodelling Progresses
At Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, remodelling works are progressing towards the December 31 completion deadline.
Mugimba clarified that the project involves remodelling rather than a complete reconstruction of the stadium, noting that a significant part of the original structure has remained intact.
He said the stadium seats remain in place and that the existing playing pitch has not been altered.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces Civil Engineering Brigade, which is undertaking the works, was commended for the pace and execution of the project.
Mugimba said assigning the UPDF Engineering Brigade to undertake the project was one of the key decisions made in Uganda’s preparations for AFCON 2027, citing the force’s speed, flexibility and cooperation in executing the works.
Akii-Bua Stadium Ahead Of Schedule
At Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira, construction works are now approaching 80 per cent completion and are ahead of schedule.
Mugimba said the stadium had initially been expected to be completed by the end of January 2027 but was now projected to be ready before the end of 2026.
The earlier completion timeline would provide Uganda with additional time to conduct testing and ensure the facility meets all CAF requirements before the tournament.
Hoima Stadium Near Completion
At Hoima City Stadium, about 95 per cent of the improvements identified by CAF during its February 2026 inspection have been completed.
The major outstanding item is the installation of a VVIP pedestrian bridge linking the VVIP parking area to the VVIP lounge.
The LOC said the Government has provided all the required funding for the development of the three competition stadiums and the additional training facilities.
A total of Sh135.7 billion has been allocated for the development and improvement of training facilities.
The allocation includes Sh13.3 billion for Hoima Booma Grounds, Sh20.2 billion for Masindi King George Stadium, Sh18.6 billion for Sir Tito Winyi Senior Secondary School, Sh13.3 billion for Pece Memorial Stadium, Sh13.3 billion for Gulu University, Sh13.3 billion for Lira University, Sh5.2 billion for FUFA Kadiba, Sh21.9 billion for Makerere University and Sh16.5 billion for Kyambogo University.
Local Businesses Eye AFCON Opportunities
Meanwhile, the LOC has reported growing interest from businesses seeking opportunities to provide goods and services during AFCON 2027.
Mugimba said about 850 potential suppliers had so far registered with the LOC, with 650 already pre-qualified. The remaining applicants are still undergoing assessment.
The pre-qualification window remains open, and businesses have been encouraged to register through the LOC procurement platform.
The committee said it intends to rely on the pre-qualified suppliers when the tendering process begins instead of placing fresh advertisements for every procurement opportunity.
CAF has also opened tenders for a range of goods and services connected to the tournament, with Ugandan businesses encouraged to take advantage of the available opportunities.
CAF and the three host countries are also encouraging companies that may lack sufficient capacity to independently compete for major contracts to consider forming consortia or joint ventures.
According to the LOC, such partnerships could strengthen local participation while enabling Ugandan businesses to benefit from skills, knowledge and technology transfer ahead of future major sporting events.
Promotional Campaign Yet To Begin
Despite growing public interest in AFCON 2027 promotions, Uganda is yet to launch its official campaign because CAF is still finalising the tournament’s branding materials.
The LOC said CAF owns the commercial and branding rights for AFCON 2027 and is working with Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania to develop common promotional materials.
These are expected to include the official tournament logo, mascot and theme song.
Mugimba said CAF would provide the three Local Organising Committees with a joint activation roadmap once the branding materials are finalised.
He explained that the three host countries would be expected to follow a common promotional strategy rather than launching separate campaigns.
Roads Remain A Key Concern
However, road infrastructure around some of the tournament venues remains an area requiring further attention.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has been allocated resources to improve roads around Mandela National Stadium in Kira Municipality and access roads leading to Hoima City Stadium.
Funding for roads around Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira has not yet been secured.
The LOC said the Ministry of Works and Transport has already identified the roads requiring improvement and is expected to begin the works once the necessary funding becomes available.
With the tournament drawing closer, Uganda’s preparations are entering a critical phase. While the LOC remains confident that the country’s competition and training facilities will be ready within the required timelines, the timely completion of outstanding works and improvements to supporting infrastructure will be crucial to ensuring Uganda is fully prepared to host AFCON 2027.
