The site for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 training grounds at Makerere University has been officially handed over to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineers Brigade, marking the start of construction ahead of the continental tournament.
Makerere University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe announced the milestone on social media, saying the handover by the National Council of Sports (NCS) to the UPDF unit signals the launch of phase one of the development of Makerere University Stadium. He thanked the Government and the NCS for investing in youth through sports infrastructure.
The development aims to transform the university’s main grounds into a CAF-certified training facility that will support Uganda’s role as co-host of AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
Modern Training Facility for Youth and AFCON Teams
Officials at the handover event described the project as historic and part of a broader effort to upgrade sports facilities across the country in preparation for the tournament. The UPDF Engineering Brigade, which has experience in similar projects such as at Kyambogo University and Mandela National Stadium’s upgrades, has been contracted to build the facility.
The training ground will feature: a football pitch built to Confederation of African Football standards, also suitable for rugby, running track, a 1,700-seat pavilion, modern dressing rooms, floodlights, and upgraded utilities, including water and power support.
UPDF Engineers Brigade project manager Lt. Col. Peter Sseku Kidemuka said the unit is committed to delivering quality work on schedule, noting that the ground is already levelled and ready for development.
Government, NCS and University Collaboration
The ceremony brought together representatives from the NCS, Makerere University, and the Ministry of Works and Transport, which will supervise the project. NCS chair Ambrose Tashobya called the handover symbolic and emphasised the need to use university sports facilities to nurture talent and support youth development.
Makerere University’s Vice-Chancellor said the development lifts a “heavy stone from [his] heart,” noting that enhancing sports infrastructure has long been part of his vision for the institution.
He recalled how the ground was previously little more than a playground, sometimes used for grazing, and said the new facility will help elevate the university into a sports powerhouse.
The project is expected to cost the Government around Shs21.86 billion and is targeted for completion within eight months, aligning with preparations for AFCON 2027.
Once complete, Makerere’s training grounds will join other facilities such as FUFA Kadiba Stadium, Kyambogo University and the Namboole annexe pitch in supporting teams during the tournament.