Makerere University to Get CAF-Certified Training Facility Ahead of AFCON 2027
A standard training ground complete with a running athletics track, a 1,700-seater pavilion, floodlights, and a parking yard will be constructed at Makerere University by the UPDF Engineering Brigade on behalf of the Government of Uganda.
The site is expected to be officially commissioned in the coming weeks by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni.
Once completed, the Makerere University training facility will form part of the venues designated for use during AFCON 2027, alongside Namboole (Annex), Kyambogo University, FUFA Kadiba Stadium, Mutesa II Wankulukuku Stadium, and Hoima (Annex).
Official Handover to UPDF Engineering Brigade
On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the National Council of Sports (NCS) and Makerere University officially handed over the Makerere University Sports Grounds to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade for redevelopment.
The handover ceremony was presided over by NCS Chairman Ambrose Tashobya and Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who formally presented the site to the Engineering Brigade’s Project Manager, Lt. Col. Eng. Peter Sseku Kidemuka.
Also present at the event were Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, NCS General Secretary, and other senior officials from both NCS and Makerere University.
“This is a milestone for Makerere University to have a standard sports facility constructed by the Government of Uganda. It will serve both the student community and the general public,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
Eight-Month Timeline to Achieve CAF Certification
The UPDF Engineering Brigade has been tasked with transforming the grounds into a CAF-certified training facility within eight months, in line with AFCON infrastructure requirements.
As with other AFCON-related projects, the works will be supervised by the Ministry of Works and Transport. Present at the handover were Commissioner for Public Structures, Arch. Dr. Edward Ssimbwa, and Project Manager Arch. Andrew Nsamba.
In accordance with statutory requirements, the National Council of Sports remains the client for the project.
“We are honoured to hand over the Makerere University land to the UPDF. We have confidence and trust that they will deliver quality work within the stipulated timeframe. We are grateful for the continued support from the Government of Uganda,” said NCS Chairman Ambrose Tashobya.
Scope of Works and Project Cost
The redevelopment will include:
- A football and rugby training pitch
- A standard running athletics track
- A 1,700-seater pavilion
- Modern dressing rooms
- Floodlighting systems
- Upgraded power and water support facilities
- A borehole to ensure steady irrigation of the pitch
The project is valued at UGX 21,862,855,273.
Lt. Col. Kidemuka assured stakeholders of timely delivery:
“UPDF is a fully professional body ready to execute this project to the highest standards. With funds available, we shall work day and night to ensure completion within the expected timeframe. We have proven results from previous projects, including the Namboole renovation, Kyambogo University training ground, and several government school facilities under the Ministry of Education and Sports.”
Part of a Wider AFCON Infrastructure Strategy
Makerere University joins Kyambogo University, FUFA Kadiba Stadium, and the Namboole Annex pitch in forming the training cluster supporting Mandela National Stadium during AFCON 2027.
Similarly, Hoima City Stadium and Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium will each have four-pitch clusters to support tournament activities.
Beyond AFCON preparations, the Government of Uganda plans to upgrade several other stadiums across the country, including:
- Hoima Boma Stadium
- Masindi Municipal Stadium
- Sir Tito Owinyi Stadium
- Gulu University Grounds
- Lira University Grounds
- Gulu Pece Stadium
These developments are part of a broader national effort to elevate Uganda’s sports infrastructure to international standards.