The Ministry of Education & Sports is seeking Shs2.1trn for the partial payment for Uganda to host AFCON in 2027 & start the construction of the two required stadiums.

However, John Muyingo, State Minister for Higher Education, appearing before the Parliament’s Education Committee said no single penny has been availed for this expenditure in the 2024/25 national budget.

“The provided ceiling also excluded funds for the preliminary activities for AFCON 2027. As you know, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania successfully won a joint bid to host AFCON for 2027,” Muyingo said.

Adding: “It is important, therefore, that the resources are factored into the budget for 2024/25 to ensure that preparations commence early if the tournament is to be successful.”  

Sports committee tables funding requests

The Chairperson of the Education and Sports Committee, John Ntamuhiira, has presented a recommendation for the Finance Ministry to commit additional funding of Shs100 billion to the National Council of Sports for the construction of Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira & Buhinga stadium in Kabarole.

Ntamuhiira also recommended funding worth Shs380 billion to facilitate the construction of the FUFA Stadium in Hoima City, which will host the 2027 AFCON games in Uganda.

This follows a presidential directive to construct FUFA Stadium to boost Kampala’s Namboole and Nakivubo stadiums.

Members of Parliament (MPs) Paul Omara (Otuke County) and Maxwell Akora (Maruzi County) demanded more commitment to the establishment of Akii-Bua stadium as one of the stadiums to support the 2027 AFCON games, noting that it was listed as part of the stadiums to be constructed, in the PAMOJA bid.