Ugandan members of parliament are concerned about reported issues that could jeopardize the country’s plans to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The MPs noted that the Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, failed to provide full accountability on the renovations of Mandela National Stadium in Namboole. According to the MPs, a report from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed that the stadium was not compliant, which could threaten the preparations for hosting CHAN and AFCON 2027.

Led by John Nambeshe, the opposition chief whip, the MPs emphasized the importance of the stadium’s compliance for hosting the tournaments. They called for answers from the Minister regarding the reported shortcomings in the stadium’s renovations. The members of parliament stressed the significance of addressing these issues to ensure that Uganda does not miss the opportunity to co-host both CHAN and AFCON with Kenya and Tanzania.

They highlighted the implications of the stadium’s non-compliance on Uganda’s bids to host these prestigious tournaments. In addition to concerns about the stadium in Namboole, preparations for the tournaments are underway in other co-hosting nations. Tanzania, Kenya, and Zanzibar are set to provide venues for the CHAN competition, with the CECAFA chief Wallace Karia confirming the hosting rights for next year.

Meanwhile, the government in Kenya is building the Talanta Hela Stadium in Nairobi and rehabilitating the Kasarani Sports Center in preparation for AFCON matches. Other stadiums, including Bukhungu, are also being refurbished for the CHAN tournament.