Uganda will host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) together with Kenya and Tanzania, after winning the bid in 2023.
This is a great opportunity for the country to showcase its sports facilities and infrastructure, as well as its rich culture and heritage.
The Uganda Cranes played two of their 2023 AFCON qualifying games away from home due to the lack of a suitable stadium in the country.
Growth opportunity
However, with the construction of new stadiums in Lira, Hoima, and a revamped Mandela National Stadium, Uganda will be able to host international matches at the highest level.
The construction of these stadiums will also benefit other sports disciplines in the country.
The Mandela National Stadium, for example, will be able to host athletics, rugby, and cricket matches. The stadiums in Lira and Hoima will also be able to host regional and national sporting events.
In addition to the construction of new stadiums, Uganda is also upgrading its existing sports facilities, such as Kampala International School Uganda (KISU), Muteesa II Stadium Wankulukuku, Denver Godwin Stadium, St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende, and Nakivubo Stadium.
These stadiums will be used as training grounds during the AFCON finals, but they will also be available for top international games after the tournament.
The hosting of the AFCON will also have a positive impact on other sectors of the economy, such as health, hotel services, and road transport.
Hotels such as Sheraton and Serena will be considered as accommodation facilities for the tournament, and many others will be added to the list.
Entebbe International Airport, Kabalega, and Hoima airports will also be inspected to ensure that they are up to standard.
What government and FUFA said
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni said that the hosting of the AFCON will contribute to the growth of East Africa.
“This is a great milestone in fostering the spirit of cooperation among our countries as the EAC.” she said.
Today, as a country and the larger body of East Africa, we have been blessed with the good news of jointly hosting the AFCON 2027 competitions.
— Janet K Museveni (@JanetMuseveni) September 27, 2023
This is a great milestone in fostering the spirit of cooperation among our countries as the EAC. I thank the various individuals and…
FUFA Boss Moses Magogo said that the hosting of the AFCON will be a great boost for the country.
“I’m glad that we have played at AFCON before and now we shall host the rest of Africa in our region,” he said.
It is one thing to take Uganda to the #AFCON and another thing to bring the #AFCON to Uganda.
— Moses Hassim Magogo (@MosesMagogo) September 27, 2023
Thank you ????, H.E @KagutaMuseveni , Maama @JanetMuseveni minister of @Educ_SportsUg, State Minister @OgwangOgwang , the leadership of @Parliament_Ug the Speaker Rt Hon @AnitahAmong , the… pic.twitter.com/MCqjrfPTLF
Courtesy Photos
