KAMPALA — Makerere University has officially broken ground for the construction of modern training facilities ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), in a project that signals Uganda’s commitment to delivering a successful continental tournament.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the Makerere University Sports Ground, was presided over by State Minister for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang, who represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.
The event marked the commissioning of six construction projects, including the Makerere University Sports Complex, with additional facilities to be developed in Hoima, Masindi, Lira University, Gulu University and Kyambogo University. The projects are part of Uganda’s preparations for Africa Cup of Nations 2027, which the country will co-host alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Ogwang described the groundbreaking as “a historic milestone in Uganda’s sports infrastructure development.”
“These facilities are not just about AFCON 2027; they are about creating a lasting sports legacy for our universities and our young people,” Ogwang said. “We must ensure proper maintenance and continued investment even after the tournament.”
Shs22.8 Billion Investment
The projects are estimated to cost UGX 22.8 billion, with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade contracted by the National Council of Sports (NCS) to execute the works under the supervision of the Ministry of Works and Transport. Construction is expected to be completed within six months.
The Chancellor of Makerere University, Dr Chrispus Kiyonga, and Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe witnessed the unveiling of the foundation stone for the new sports complex.
In a statement, Prof. Nawangwe said: “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening university sports infrastructure and positioning Uganda as a credible host for AFCON 2027.”
Vice Chancellors from Kyambogo, Gulu and Lira universities attended the ceremony, alongside senior government officials and members of the NCS board.
Call for Sports Scholarships
NCS Board Chairperson Ambrose Tashobya urged universities to complement the infrastructure investment with structured talent development programs.
“We must now move beyond infrastructure and introduce sports scholarships to nurture talent,” Tashobya said. “Partnering with universities will ensure that AFCON leaves behind a sustainable legacy.”
Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel, the NCS General Secretary, reaffirmed the government’s financial commitment to the projects, noting that funds had already been released to kick-start works at Makerere.
The Under Secretary for Logistics at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs confirmed that the UPDF Engineering Brigade had received initial funding to begin construction.
Project supervisors from the Ministry of Works and Transport assured stakeholders that all facilities would be completed within the stipulated timeline and to the standards required by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has previously reaffirmed that the 2027 tournament will proceed as scheduled in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, putting to rest speculation about possible postponements.
As bulldozers moved onto the Makerere grounds, the mood among university leaders and government officials was one of optimism — that the new facilities would not only prepare Uganda for AFCON 2027 but also transform university sports for generations to come.