Concerns over Uganda’s preparedness to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) dominated proceedings in Parliament, as Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi questioned the country’s readiness following a critical assessment by Confederation of African Football.
Uganda is scheduled to jointly host the continental tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania, a move widely seen as an opportunity to boost regional integration, tourism, and economic growth.
However, Ssenyonyi told Parliament that recent findings by CAF have exposed significant gaps in the country’s preparedness.
He noted that despite Parliament allocating substantial resources toward hosting the tournament, key infrastructure remains below the required standards.
Among the concerns raised are Uganda’s failure to secure Category Four status—the highest certification required by CAF—for its major stadiums.
Ssenyonyi cited the Hoima City Stadium, where government expenditure has reportedly approached Sh500 billion, yet the facility still falls short of CAF operational standards.
He also pointed to the renovation works at Mandela National Stadium, which have consumed approximately Sh340 billion but continue to exhibit compliance gaps.
The situation is further compounded by slow progress at Akii-Bua Stadium, which is only about 30 percent complete despite being earmarked as one of the tournament venues.
Training facilities at institutions such as Makerere and Kyambogo universities were also flagged as being below international standards.
Beyond sports infrastructure, CAF reportedly raised concerns about supporting amenities, including poor road networks and a shortage of five-star hotels in Hoima, a key host city.
Ssenyonyi contrasted Uganda’s approach with that of its co-hosts, noting that Kenya and Tanzania are largely upgrading existing facilities, while Uganda is heavily reliant on new projects—many of which are behind schedule.
“Are we going to be ready for AFCON 2027?” he asked, adding that the government appeared to be implementing projects without adhering to a clear template aligned with CAF standards. He also questioned why Hoima Stadium was commissioned before meeting the required benchmarks.
In response, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja assured Parliament that the government remains on track.
“We are going to be more than ready. The remaining gaps will be bridged from now until next year,” she said, adding that Cabinet had reviewed the CAF report and put in place necessary measures to address the shortcomings.
However, Ssenyonyi dismissed the response as insufficient, describing it as “generic” and lacking concrete assurances.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among directed that a comprehensive report be presented to the House before further debate.
“Let’s discuss it when we have a report, because now we are debating in anticipation,” she said, setting April 15 as the date for a detailed update.