Kampala, Uganda | The National Council of Sports (NCS) and Makerere University have officially handed over the Makerere University Sports Grounds to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade for the construction of a training facility ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The handover ceremony took place on Wednesday afternoon at Makerere University, marking the start of works on a CAF-certified training ground that will support Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, during the Pamoja AFCON tournament.
NCS Chairman Ambrose Tashobya and Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe formally handed over the site to Lt. Col. Eng. Peter Sseku Kidemuka, the project manager from the UPDF Engineering Brigade. The facility is expected to be completed within eight months.
The project follows the successful construction of the Kyambogo University training grounds, which were used during last year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.
Speaking at the event, officials emphasized the importance of quality infrastructure in ensuring Uganda is fully prepared to host the continental competition.
The Ministry of Works and Transport will supervise the project, with Commissioner for Public Structures Arch. Dr. Edward Ssimbwa and Project Manager Arch. Andrew Nsamba in attendance.
As the client, NCS was represented by Chairman Tashobya, General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel and members of the top management team.
The facility will include a football and rugby training pitch, a modern running track, a 1,700-seater pavilion, floodlights, dressing rooms, and upgraded water and power systems.
The project is estimated to cost the Government of Uganda Shs. 21.8 billion.
The Makerere facility will be part of a cluster of training grounds that also includes Kyambogo University, FUFA Kadiba Stadium, and the outside pitch at Namboole. These will support Mandela National Stadium during AFCON 2027.
Similarly, Hoima City Stadium and Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium will each be supported by four-pitch training clusters.
Officials said the development reflects government commitment to improving sports infrastructure and positioning Uganda as a capable host of major international tournaments.
