On Wednesday, February 11 2026, Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade has promised to complete the Makerere University Sports Ground by October this year, ensuring it is ready ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The National Council of Sports (NCS) officially handed over the project to the UPDF on Wednesday. The upgraded facility will serve as one of the AFCON training venues, complementing Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lt. Colonel Peter Seku Kidemuka, Project Manager for the Engineering Brigade, reassured officials of the UPDF’s commitment.
“We will deliver quality, timely, and valuable work. We have both the manpower and resources to get the job done,” Kidemuka said.
NCS officials, led by Chairman Ambrose Tashobya and General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, highlighted the project’s importance for Uganda’s sports infrastructure.
Valued at Shs21.8 billion, the eight-month project will transform Makerere’s grounds into a CAF-certified facility.
Features include a football and rugby training pitch, running track, 1,700-seat pavilion, modern dressing rooms, floodlights, and upgraded power and water systems.
“This will not just be a football stadium,” said Tashobya. “It will support football, athletics, rugby, and other outdoor sports.”
For Makerere University, the stadium is a long-awaited milestone. Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe noted:
“We have planned a stadium here for over 30 years but never had the funds. This will be a national stadium, managed by a committee, and open to the public.”
The UPDF was selected following its successful work at Namboole Stadium, its annex, and Kyambogo University ahead of last year’s CHAN tournament.
Construction will be supervised by the Ministry of Works and Transport, with Arch. Dr. Edward Ssimbwa and Arch. Andrew Nsamba ensuring compliance with national standards.
“We have always been contract managers, but now we are also project managers. It’s a big task, but we promise to finish what we started,” Ssimbwa said.
The handover reflects Uganda’s commitment to upgrading sports infrastructure ahead of AFCON 2027.
Other training venues include Kyambogo University, FUFA Kadiba Stadium, and Namboole’s outside pitch, while Namboole and Hoima City Stadium will host the tournament, with Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium as a backup.
Dr. Ogwel praised the handover, saying:
“This demonstrates the government’s commitment to sports development and delivering the best AFCON in 2027.”
Construction begins immediately, giving Lt. Col. Kidemuka and his team eight months to deliver a modern, multi-sport facility that will serve Makerere University and Uganda’s sporting ambitions for decades.
