Seven Ugandan Venues Set for Major Overhaul Ahead of AFCON 2027

Preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have entered a new phase as the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade begins construction and renovation work on designated training facilities across the country.

The project officially kicked off with a handover ceremony at Makerere University. State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, representing the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, marked the formal start of the upgrades at the university, which is one of several venues selected as an AFCON training ground.

According to Chimp Reports, Ogwang explained that the Makerere project will create a modern multi-sport complex. In addition to a football pitch, the facility will feature an athletics track and courts for volleyball, netball, and basketball.

Groundbreaking ceremonies also took place at other key sites, including Lira University, Pece Stadium, Kyambogo University (Phase Two), Hoima Booma Grounds, and Masindi Municipal Council Stadium.

A total of seven venues are slated for upgrades under the supervision of Lt. Col. Peter Sseku Kidemuka. The full list includes Makerere University, Pece Stadium, Lira University, Gulu University, Hoima Booma Grounds, Masindi Municipal Council Stadium, and the Phase Two facility at Kyambogo University. The entire project is expected to be completed within eight months.

The government has committed substantial funds to these developments. Kyambogo University's Phase Two project has a budget of Shs 19 billion and will include tennis and basketball courts, as well as a pavilion.

The upgrades at Hoima, Gulu, Lira, Sir Tito Winy, and Pece will each cost Shs 13.2 billion. Masindi Municipal Council Stadium, which will also feature an athletics track, has a projected cost of Shs 20.2 billion.

In line with Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards, all designated training grounds will be fitted with hybrid turf, the same type used at Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) and Kyambogo University.

Uganda is set to co-host the 2027 AFCON with Kenya and Tanzania in June and July. CAF has confirmed its intention to hold the tournament mid-year, a return to the traditional schedule after recent editions were moved due to various adjustments.

Following this tournament, AFCON will shift to a four-year cycle starting in 2028, ending its long-standing biennial format.