In a landmark move for Ugandan sports, Makerere University has been officially designated as one of the training facilities for the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027. This development follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Makerere University and the National Council of Sports (NCS) for the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium at the university’s main sports grounds. The agreement, signed on March 26, 2025, was witnessed by Hon. Peter Ogwang, Minister of State for Sports, with Mr. Ambrose Tashobya, Chairman of NCS, representing the council. This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to elevating Uganda’s sporting infrastructure to international standards.
The new stadium, set to break ground in the 2025/2026 financial year, will be financed by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education and Sports. Designed to meet CAF and FIFA specifications, the facility will feature a full-size football pitch, an eight-lane athletics track, and a modern pavilion capable of hosting high-profile sporting events. With a substantial allocation of UGX 21 billion for the Makerere project, the stadium will be part of a broader UGX 1.5 trillion investment aimed at upgrading sports facilities across Uganda, including the redevelopment of Namboole, Akibua, and Hoima stadiums.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hailed the project as a “dream come true” for Makerere University. “We have long aspired to establish a world-class sports facility, and this partnership is a testament to the university’s commitment to excellence,” he stated. Prof. Nawangwe emphasized the stadium’s potential to nurture student talent, enhance community engagement, and position Makerere as a hub for elite sports development. Hon. Ogwang echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the stadium’s strategic significance in Uganda’s preparations for hosting AFCON 2027 and its role in strengthening the country’s sports ecosystem.
To ensure top-tier execution, the project will be jointly supervised by the Ministry of Works and Transport, the NCS, and Makerere University. The UPDF Engineering Brigade has been appointed as the lead contractor, guaranteeing structural integrity and timely completion. Mr. Tashobya reaffirmed the government’s dedication to meeting CAF standards, stating that the stadium will be equipped to host matches both day and night. He further urged Makerere University to integrate student training programs in stadium management and operations, underscoring the project’s role in capacity building.
The inclusion of Makerere University in AFCON 2027’s training facilities list cements its status as a key player in Uganda’s sporting renaissance. With a world-class facility on the horizon, the university is poised to become a breeding ground for future sports stars while significantly contributing to Uganda’s reputation as a regional powerhouse in sports. As construction gears up, anticipation is high for what promises to be a transformative chapter in the nation’s athletic and infrastructural development.
