The African Union Sports Council bidding committee is in the country to inspect the facilities earmarked in Uganda’s bid to host the 2031 African Games.
The team inspected among others Namboole and Philip Omondi stadiums, Kyambogo and Makerere University grounds, Lugogo and Makerere indoor arena.
According to Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel, the National council of sports (NCS) General Secretary, Uganda bid to host the 2031 games because the country’s sports infrastructure would have been upgraded to the desired international standards that the African Union would want.
“It is an opportunity for Uganda to showcase what it has especially after hosting the AFCON 2027,” noted Ogwel, who is also the chairperson of the African Union sports council advisory board.
“We are working closely with other ministries and government agencies for other infrastructure and we are optimistic,” he added.
Jamil Ssewanyana, the Namboole stadium managing director says that Namboole can host the games in its current state, but there will be so much improvement by 2031.
“We have got commendation from the technical team that has come to inspect our facility. We have confidence as Mandela national stadium and as 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,” he noted.
“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, who confirmed that the stadium is currently closed.
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.
They will tour Hoima and Akii Bua stadiums this Wednesday.
Dr. Decius Khipande, the chairperson, African Union sports council commended Uganda’s facilities, saying that there is visible political will.
“We are super impressed with the facilities. Great works and efforts especially with the national stadium,” he noted.
Uganda and Nigeria are the two countries battling to host the 15th edition of the games.
