The Ugandan government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Makerere University to transform the institution’s playground into a standard international training ground ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The facility, which will cost Shs21 billion, is part of the country’s broader effort to establish at least eight standard training pitches and two match-day stadiums in preparation for the tournament.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Wednesday, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang revealed that the project falls under the government’s wider plan to revamp sports infrastructure.
“They gave us a bill of about Shs1.3 trillion to spend over at least three years for sports infrastructure development. For this one, we are going to spend at least Shs21 billion,” Ogwang said.
Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe described the development as a long-awaited milestone.
“We have been planning for over 30 years to transform our sports field to a standard facility but lacked the resources. The decision to construct one of the AFCON training pitches here means we are essentially beginning the construction of a stadium we have envisioned for a very long time,” he stated.
The project, set to commence in the upcoming financial year, will be executed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade under the supervision of the Ministry of Works.
National Council of Sports Chairman Ambrose Tashyobya expressed confidence in the team handling the project.
“We have a great supervisor in the Ministry of Works and a great contractor in the UPDF Engineering Brigade, whose expertise has been proven through past successful projects,” he said.
Makerere University Guild President James Sentamu welcomed the development, calling it a source of prestige for the institution.
“It will be very immature for us to vandalize what belongs to us, and I believe the levels of maturity exhibited by Makerere University students in the recent past can continue even when the stadium has been constructed,” he said.
Uganda is set to co-host the 2027 AFCON tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania, with preparations already underway to ensure the required infrastructure is in place.
The government is also working on upgrading Namboole Stadium and constructing new stadiums in Lira and Hoima, along with training facilities at Wankulukuku, Lugogo, and Kyambogo.
