Uganda has taken a bold step onto the continental stage, officially submitting its bid to host the 15th edition of the 2031 African Games, a move that could become a defining moment in the country’s sporting history.
A high-level African Union technical team is in Uganda to assess the nation’s readiness to stage Africa’s largest multi-sport event. Their visit signals that the bid has moved from ambition to serious evaluation.
The delegation, led by Dr. Decius Chipande, head of the African Union Sports Council, includes Mr. Sid Ahmed Selmi, Chairperson of the Technical Committee for the African Games; Mr. Caesar Penalva, Technical Committee member for Games Services; and Ms. Lina Paul Kessy, Senior Sports Officer overseeing the Games.
They were received by National Council of Sports (NCS) General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, Uganda’s 2031 Bidding Committee, and NCS top management.
Uganda’s bid builds on a surge in sports infrastructure development. With venues either newly built or upgraded, the government is eager to showcase them and maximize the public investment poured into the sector.
The immediate focus remains the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
A successful 2031 African Games bid would follow just four years later, cementing Uganda as a serious host of continental events.
East Africa has hosted the African Games only once in Nairobi in 1987. A Ugandan win would bring the Games back to the region after more than four decades, marking a historic milestone.
The 2031 Bidding Committee is chaired by Milton Chebet, NCS Assistant General Secretary, with members including FISU Vice President Peninnah A.
Kabenge, Kyambogo University Sports Tutor Joseph Collins Ssemmanda, and NCS Records Manager Dovic Daisy Nassuna.
The Ministry of Education and Sports is represented by Commissioner Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya and Assistant Commissioner Sammy Odongo.
As part of their tour, the AU team visited Mandela National Stadium, guided by CEO Hajji Jamil Ssewanyana, inspecting the pitch, dressing rooms, medical and anti-doping facilities, and athletics areas.
They also toured Kyambogo University, Phillip Omondi Stadium Lugogo, Lugogo Sports Complex, Mulago Hospital, and Makerere University, including student halls that could serve as Games Village facilities. Hoima Stadium is next on the itinerary.
