Uganda has formally submitted a bid to host the 2031 edition of the African Games, with a delegation from the African Union currently in the country to assess readiness for the continental multi sport event.
The proposed hosting would mark a significant milestone for the country’s sports ambitions and wider infrastructure strategy.
The inspectors are evaluating facilities, logistics and institutional capacity as Uganda positions itself to host major competitions following recent investments in sports infrastructure.
Officials view the potential hosting of the African Games as a continuation of momentum that includes preparations for AFCON 2027, which Uganda will co host with Kenya and Tanzania.
If successful, the Games would return to East Africa for the first time since the 1987 edition staged in Nairobi. Government officials say hosting continental competitions will help maximise newly built venues while supporting tourism, sports development and economic activity.
The visiting delegation was received by officials from the National Council of Sports led by General Secretary Bernard Patrick Ogwel alongside representatives from the Ministry of Education and Sports and Uganda’s 2031 bidding committee.
The assessment team is headed by Decius Chipande of the African Union Sports Council and includes Sid Ahmed Selmi, Caesar Penalva and Lina Paul Kessy. Government representation features Commissioner Duncans Mugumya and Assistant Commissioner Sammy Odongo.
Uganda’s bidding committee includes chairman Milton Chebet, Peninnah A. Kabenge, Joseph Collins Ssemmanda and Dovic Daisy Nassuna.
Site inspections have covered key venues including Mandela National Stadium where CEO Jamil Ssewanyana guided officials through playing, medical and anti doping facilities. The delegation also visited Kyambogo University, MTN Omondi Stadium Lugogo, Lugogo Sports Complex, Mulago Hospital and Makerere University including student accommodation facilities.
The team continued inspections with a visit to Hoima City Stadium.
A final decision on the 2031 host is expected after the evaluation process concludes.
