David GOMBE
The African Union Sports Council bidding Committee has inspected Uganda’s sports facilities as the nation embarks on hosting the 2031 African Games.
Mandela National Stadium, Philip Omondi, Kyambogo and Makerere University Grounds, Lugogo Arena and Makerere Arena were all inspected by the African Union Council.
National Council of Sports General Secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel says the upgrades on Stadiums ahead of the 2027 AFCON has enabled the nation to bid for 2031 African Games
“We commend the government for upgrading the Stadiums and the members from African Union Sports council are very excited with the facilities and we are hopeful we shall host the 2031 African Games. We are working closely with other ministries and government agencies for other infrastructure and we are optimistic.” Said Ogwel.
Namboole Managing Director Jamil Ssewanyana asserts that by 2031 more improvements will be done on the facility.
“We have got commendation from the technical team that has come to inspect our facility. We have confidence as Mandela national stadium and Uganda. When this stadium was closed in 2020 the government made a commitment to upgrade it to a level where it can host international competitions.”
“The facility is in good state following the completion of phase one renovation. We need more events to drive the sports infrastructure in our country. We are glad that the government of Uganda is supporting the maintenance and that is critical. But as management we need to ensure we have activities in the stadium to beat the downtime which is costly. We need at least 25% of our budget for maintenance. We are going into another phase where we shall have about three lounges, improved media, sky boxes, dressing rooms among others,” added Ssewanyana.
Namboole is currently closed ahead of its upgrade for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Milton Chebet, Uganda’s bids committee chairperson, who is also an assistant General secretary at NCS says that hosting the games will leave a lasting legacy in Uganda.
“Hosting such games will leave an ever lasting legacy and I am delighted that the team is pleased with what Uganda has in terms of infrastructure. We are happy to be part of the process of hosting a tournament of such a magnitude.”
Dr. Decius Khipande, the chairperson, African Union sports council was impressed with Uganda’s facilities
“We are super impressed with the facilities. Great works and efforts especially with the national stadium,” he noted.
Uganda will aim to overcome Nigeria who are the other country battling to host the 15th edition of the games.
