State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, has provided significant updates on Uganda’s preparations to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027 and the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in January 2025.
Speaking after his first meeting with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Minister Ogwang expressed confidence in the progress being made and outlined the steps being taken to ensure the successful hosting of both events.
This, was after the Minister commissioned the 2027 AFCON Secretariat offices in Lugogo.
“We have just held our first meeting with the local organizing committee,” Ogwang stated.
“We all recall that the Minister of Education and Sports, who is the Chairperson of the AFCON 2027 organizing committee, appointed the committee for AFCON 2027.”
One of the immediate tasks, according to the Minister, was to officially open the AFCON secretariat offices, which will serve as the hub for the sub-committees to begin their work.
Additionally, the Minister also commissioned the vehicles that were part of the budget prepared to support the committee’s operations.
Hon. Ogwang also confirmed that the same LOC responsible for AFCON 2027 will oversee the organization of CHAN 2025, which Uganda is set to co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
He emphasized the importance of infrastructure readiness, noting that CAF (Confederation of African Football) President Patrice Motsepe has already communicated key considerations to the heads of state of the three host nations.
“Above all, they (CAF) want four training pitches; we have so far secured three,” Ogwang revealed.
The three are Namboole outside pitch, Kyambogo and Kadiba!
“We are beginning to embark on the development of Makerere University ground, which is one of the training venues identified for AFCON. We are going to fast-track those pitches.”
The Minister highlighted that Uganda will host two groups for CHAN, while Kenya and Tanzania will host one and two groups, respectively.
The readiness of CHAN training pitches will also mean that 50% of the training facilities for AFCON 2027 will be in place.
In his remarks, Minister Ogwang expressed satisfaction with the support from President Yoweri Museveni in ensuring that Uganda meets its commitments.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering a successful AFCON 2027 and mentioned his upcoming visit to Hoima on Wednesday to inspect the construction of a stadium site and meet with local leaders.
“We are committed to delivering AFCON 2027,” Ogwang concluded, expressing confidence that Uganda will be ready to host both CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027.
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