The Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, has revealed that Uganda will be required to fulfil six conditions ahead of hosting AFCON 2027, where some of the requirements are to be met before 2025.
According to the Minister, AFCON 2027 will benefit greatly in the short, medium, and long terms from major investments made in infrastructure for the games, lodging, and accessibility to air, water, and land transportation.
“To begin with, the government will execute guarantees to host AFCON 2027 and have them submitted to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It will also sign off and submit USD 30 million (Shs 112 billion) in hosting fees to CAF before February 2025, which is a requirement for Kenya and Tanzania as well,” Ogwang said.
“Uganda will have to construct two additional stadiums to host the AFCON, namely Akii Bua Stadium (Lira) and Buhinga Stadium (Fort Portal) or Hoima City Stadium in Hoima, complete renovation and upgrading of Mandela National Stadium, and making sure we secure all required funding for smooth logistical operations and delivery of the games,” he added.
Ogwang emphasised that AFCON 2027 is not just about football; it is also an opportunity to showcase the beauty of East Africa to the rest of the world, which is why Uganda has to be at its best before hosting AFCON.
He revealed that the Ministry of Education and Sports is committed to the realisation and delivery of AFCON 2027 to showcase the potential of Uganda while at the same time developing the infrastructure required to leave behind an exciting legacy for the country.
“Many tourists are expected to flock to the region known for its diversity, culture, landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant cities, so the Ministry will be developing the infrastructure,” Ogwang said.
Ogwang noted that in March 2017, Uganda was able to host the one-day World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Kampala, and the report from the Sports Consultancy, a firm that undertakes research, showed that the direct economic impact of the championships stood at USD 2.62 million overall.
Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania were officially confirmed as the hosts of the 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations on September 27, 2023.
This will be the very first time the tournament is hosted by three countries.
