Why Uganda is Upbeat About Winning Bid to Host 2031 African Games

Uganda is leveraging its preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to strengthen its bid to host the 15th edition of the African Games in 2031.

The nation is in a two-horse race with Nigeria for the hosting rights, proposing an operational budget of $94 million (approximately Shs347.8 billion).

The bid is built around a three-city model, with Kampala as the primary host city, supported by Hoima and Lira. Key to the proposal are the renovated Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, the new Hoima Stadium, and the historic Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira, named after Uganda's first Olympic gold medallist, John Akii-Bua.

A technical team from the African Union (AU) recently began its evaluation of Uganda's facilities, starting with a tour of the Namboole stadium in Kampala. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, General Secretary of the National Council of Sports (NCS), expressed optimism about Uganda's chances.

"Given that the Games have already been held in Nigeria twice, we have a strong claim to bring them to Uganda for the first time," Ogwel stated on Tuesday as quoted by the Daily Monitor. "It gives us pleasure that the team evaluating our bid is happy with the standard of maintenance. They are impressed that a stadium built in 1998 is of such high quality."

The inspection team examined Namboole's main pitch, athlete facilities, dressing rooms, and the anti-doping centre. Jamil Ssewanyana, the stadium's managing director, echoed this confidence. "I am confident we will win the bid because our stadium is ready as it is, but it will also undergo major renovations ahead of AFCON 2027," he said. "We need more big events to drive the sports infrastructure agenda in this country."

The AU delegation was led by Decius Chipande, head of the African Union Sports Council. He was joined by Sid Ahmed Selmi, Caesar Penalva, and Lina Paul Kessy from the technical committee for the African Games.

"I have to commend this place. Stadiums are not easy to maintain. We go to so many places and see money buried," Penalva remarked. Chipande added that the AU was "happy with the government of Uganda's commitment towards hosting the African Games," noting that the planned renovations would contribute to both sports and socio-economic development.

The evaluation tour also included Kyambogo University, where a current AFCON training pitch could serve as a football and rugby venue. The team visited the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo and Mulago Hospital and received assurances that the redevelopment of the Lugogo Sports Complex would be completed by 2031.

Makerere University was another key site of interest, with its main grounds, rugby pitch, and netball arena all slated for refurbishment. The university's halls of residence are being considered as a potential Games Village.

"After Peninah Kabenge flew to Ethiopia to physically submit our bid, the technical team immediately came down to check on our infrastructure," said Milton Chebet, NCS Assistant General Secretary and chairman of the bid committee.

"We see that they are excited about our sports programmes. We hope the Games will leave a lasting legacy that will empower the youth and boost infrastructure development in this country."