The minister was responding to a matter of national importance raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, who had asked for an update on progress addressing concerns raised by the Confederation of African Football.
“Shs56.2 billion has been allocated for the remodeling and upgrade of Mandela National Stadium, and Shs5.2 billion has been provided for upgrading Kadiba Stadium as a training facility, while Shs12.55 billion has been committed for interventions aimed at preparing the Uganda Cranes for AFCON 2027,” Ogwang said.
To ease traffic around Mandela Stadium, Ogwang said Shs23.33 billion is being allocated for upgrading and maintaining the railway at the Central Terminal, the Kampala-Mukono line, Namanve Station and the Namboole halt.
“The local organizing committee will get Shs109.9 billion to support tournament-specific preparations across its 13 subcommittees, including safety and security, information technology and accreditation, workforce and volunteers, and medical and anti-doping, among others,” Ogwang said.
The health sector will receive Shs91.05 billion to upgrade Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital and Buseruka Health Centre III to required standards for intensive care, accident and emergency response as stipulated by CAF.
“Hoima City, Masindi Municipality and Kira Municipality have been allocated Shs13.75 billion to strengthen sanitation and environmental hygiene services during the tournament period,” Ogwang said.
To enhance the hospitality industry in Hoima and Masindi, Ogwang said Shs101.1 billion has been set aside to support upgrading selected hotels in Masindi through a special credit facility under the Uganda Development Bank.
“Consultations with CAF on the standards of hotels in Hoima and Masindi have been concluded, and engagements between hotel owners and the Uganda Development Bank are anticipated to commence by April 23, 2026,” the minister said.
He also clarified that CAF reserves the rights to broadcast AFCON and urged the public broadcaster, Uganda Broadcasting Corp., to work with CAF.
“Government paid CAF Shs37 billion to promote Uganda, and now UBC will have to work with CAF to ensure they get the broadcasting rights — it is not ours, it is for CAF,” Ogwang said.
He allayed fears that Uganda is not prepared to host the tournament, saying the government remains committed to the successful preparation and co-hosting of AFCON 2027.
“We shall continue to provide regular updates on progress, key milestones and emerging implementation issues as preparations advance,” he said.
The speaker encouraged the minister to consult widely and engage with relevant technical individuals for successful preparations and co-hosting.
“It would be good if we worked together to co-host AFCON. Hon. minister, where you need support from technical people, please ask,” she said.
Hon. Joseph Ssewungu of Kalungu West County said Uganda ought to work toward ensuring the country co-hosts AFCON, saying it is an opportunity to generate revenue and market the country.
