AFCON 2027: Uganda Plans 20,000-Seat Stadium Redevelopment Amid Land Encroachment Concerns

The Ugandan government has announced ambitious plans to redevelop Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe, Jinja City, transforming it into a modern, 20,000-seat sports complex.

The project is part of a nationwide initiative to enhance sports infrastructure, but concerns have been raised about land encroachment that could hinder the development.

Officials from the National Council of Sports (NCS) confirmed that the stadium, also known as Bugembe Stadium, is a priority for redevelopment in Eastern Uganda, alongside Mbale Stadium. The upgrade aims to create a multi-disciplinary facility capable of hosting a wide range of sporting activities.

Milton Chebet, the Assistant General Secretary for Technical Affairs at the NCS, detailed the scope of the project during a recent visit to the site.

"As you are aware, the government is currently redeveloping several sports facilities across the country," Chebet stated. "In Eastern Uganda, we have earmarked Bugembe Stadium and Mbale Stadium, and the works will kick off in the next phase."

The proposed design includes a main stadium with a 20,000-spectator capacity, dedicated training grounds, an athletics running track, and an indoor arena for sports like boxing and basketball.

This expansion is intended to provide better opportunities for athletes in the Busoga sub-region and ease the strain on the limited number of national-level venues.

However, the project faces a significant hurdle due to land encroachment. Chebet expressed concern that parts of the stadium's land have been illegally occupied, with permanent structures built on the property.

"We received reports that part of this land was encroached on," he explained. "I’m not sure whether it can accommodate all the amenities as planned because we intend to have a 20,000-seater stadium, training grounds, a running track for athletes, and an indoor arena."

It is not yet clear if the government will offer compensation to reclaim the occupied land, which is crucial for the full scope of the project. The stadium, owned by the Busoga Kingdom, has seen its surrounding land gradually taken over by private individuals over the years, limiting potential expansion.

This redevelopment initiative is part of a broader government push to invest in sports infrastructure, spurred by Uganda's successful bid to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Kenya and Tanzania. Other major projects include the construction of Hoima City Stadium and the renovation of Akii Bua Stadium in Lira.

For decades, sports leaders in Busoga have highlighted the lack of modern facilities in the region, which has hampered athlete development. If the upgrade proceeds as planned, Kyabazinga Stadium could become a central hub for sports in Eastern Uganda, nurturing local talent and attracting regional tournaments.

Originally known as Bugembe Stadium, the facility was constructed in the early 1950s during the colonial era to promote sports in the Busoga region. Over time, it became closely linked with the Busoga Kingdom and its cultural leader, the Kyabazinga, leading to its current name.

The stadium has long been a key venue for regional football, school competitions, and public events. It gained international prominence when it hosted matches for the 1996 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, one of East Africa's premier football tournaments.

Bugembe Stadium has long served as a major hub for sports and community events in the Busoga region, hosting everything from high-profile football matches to cultural celebrations.

In recent years, the venue has been the stage for the Busoga Masaza Cup finals, an event that consistently draws thousands of fans from across the area. It also previously served as the home ground for Uganda Premier League side Bul Football Club until two seasons ago.

Although the stadium has faced periods of neglect and disrepair, it remains a vital landmark. It continues to host a diverse range of activities, including football, boxing, and various community and cultural gatherings, cementing its importance to the local population.

Alongside Kakindu Stadium, which is centrally located in Jinja City near the National Library and Narambhai Primary School, Bugembe stands as one of the two primary sporting grounds in the Jinja area.