AFCON 2027: KCCA Requests Shs 39 Billion to Complete Major Stadium Renovations

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has formally requested Shs39 billion from Parliament to complete the second phase of renovations at Philip Omondi Stadium.

The authority insists the funding is crucial for the Lugogo-based facility to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.

The appeal was made on Thursday during an inspection tour of the stadium by the Parliamentary Committee on Presidential Affairs.

Led by Chairperson Alex Byarugaba Bakunda, the committee assessed the project's progress and funding shortfalls alongside KCCA officials, including Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki.

Buzeki informed the committee that the total cost to upgrade the stadium to CAF specifications is Shs55 billion.

While Shs16 billion has already been disbursed and utilised for Phase One, the remaining Shs39 billion needed for Phase Two has not yet been allocated.

“We require more than Shs39 billion to complete the remaining works and ensure the stadium meets CAF requirements to host AFCON matches,” Buzeki stated as quoted by Nile Post.

She highlighted several critical pending tasks, including the installation of proper spectator seating, a new playing surface, and essential infrastructure.

According to the Executive Director, the stadium's current artificial turf expired in January and must be replaced to comply with international standards.

Other outstanding works include modern dressing rooms, floodlights, a reliable power system with a backup generator, and upgraded water systems.

During the visit, committee members questioned KCCA's overall sports budget. Buzeki disclosed that the authority receives Shs4.1 billion annually for its six sports clubs and confirmed the Shs16 billion received for the stadium project.

However, she pointed out that the stadium's multi-year upgrade was listed as an unfunded priority in the current financial year.

Committee member Abubaker Kawalya raised concerns about the limited parking at the stadium, noting that spectators often use the nearby Forest Mall lot, which is privately operated.

He questioned the sustainability of this arrangement for a major tournament like AFCON and also inquired about alleged land encroachment on the stadium's property.

Buzeki acknowledged the issues and assured the lawmakers that both the parking and land matters would be reviewed and addressed to protect the facility.

Committee Chairperson Alex Byarugaba Bakunda expressed his support for the funding request. “We shall engage Parliament to ensure that the necessary resources are provided so that this facility is ready within the required timelines,” he affirmed.

The push for funding comes amid contradictory statements from State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, who recently told the Parliamentary Budget Committee that Philip Omondi Stadium had been dropped from the list of AFCON training venues.

Ogwang explained that while the stadium was initially considered, CAF later specified that all training facilities must have natural grass pitches.

“At the first phase of identifying training pitches for AFCON, Philip Omondi Stadium was among those we had selected,” Ogwang said.

“However, after further guidance from CAF, it was made clear that training facilities must have natural grass to qualify.”

The minister added that the government had approached KCCA about converting the pitch, but the club was unwilling to replace its artificial turf with natural grass.

“As government, we had to look for alternative venues that fit within the guidance given by the Confederation of African Football,” he stated, confirming the stadium is no longer slated for AFCON-related works.

A call has been made for Parliament to approve the budget for the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to ensure the completion of renovation works at the Philip Omondi Stadium.

State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, emphasised the need for financial support, stating, "It is important that we support the budget of KCCA as a sports organisation so that money is appropriated for the specific purpose of completing works at Philip Omondi Stadium as part of KCCA FC."

Established in 1963, the Philip Omondi Stadium is a key sports facility for KCCA, having historically hosted numerous football matches and community events.

The stadium's completion is considered a crucial step in bolstering Uganda's readiness to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as the country works to upgrade its infrastructure ahead of the tournament deadline.