By Brian Kawalya
KAMPALA: The Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has re-assured Ugandans that the country will be ready to host the Africa Cup of Nations next year, despite concerns raised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
A recent CAF inspection report indicated that none of Uganda’s proposed venues currently meet the required standards.
CAF also raised concerns about Hoima city’s road network, the lack of five-star hotels in Hoima city, and called for the Kabalega International Airport to be operational by the next inspection scheduled for August.
Nabbanja’s remarks followed concerns from the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, who questioned the country’s readiness and asked the government to explain the design and standards being used in the construction of Hoima City Stadium.
Ssenyonyi tasked the government to explain Uganda’s position on the CAF report, noting that the state of the Sh500 billion Hoima Stadium was queried by CAF inspection teams despite the government declaring it complete and ready to host the tournament on top of Namboole Stadium, for which the government has injected Shs.346 billion so far for renovations and the Shs470 billion incomplete Akii-Bua stadium in Lira district
Ssenyonyi has asked the government to pronounce itself on the CAF concerns before the country loses the opportunity to host the much-anticipated games.
Hon. Speaker, when you compare Uganda to Kenya and Tanzania the difference with us is heavily relying of new construction projects and for them, they are focusing on upgrading existing facilities, thought they are also behind schedule in couple of things, so I ask are we going to be ready for Afcon 2027?,” Ssenyonyi said.
In response, the Prime Minister revealed that the CAF report was currently under cabinet scrutiny
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday evening, Nabbanja said the government will use the remaining time to address the gaps, adding that preparations are progressing quickly and Uganda will be ready in time.
“Cabinet discussed the report and we have put in place all the necessary requirements to have Uganda host Afcon Next year,” Nabbanja said.
The speaker of Parliament, Anita Among gave the Prime Minister until April 15th, 2026 to report back to Parliament on the cabinet’s position on the matter.
Uganda is set to co-host the tournament next year alongside Kenya and Tanzania between June 19th and July 18th, 2027.
This 36th edition of AFCON will mark the first time the tournament is hosted by three countries and the first in CECAFA region since it was held in Ethiopia in 1976. It is also a historic edition in the sense that it will be the last to be held in odd numbered years, since CAF plans to switch to the quadrennial schedule from 2028.
