As the country continues to prepare to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in 2027, the State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, on behalf of Minister of Education and Sports Janet Katah Museveni has handed over documents and launched the construction of two football support training grounds in Hoima and Masindi districts.
The two training grounds will be constructed at shs33.4 billion.
Of the total budget, Hoima Boma ground will cost shs12.2 billion while Masindi Municipal stadium will cost shs20.2 billion.
The training grounds are part of the four planned, including one at Sir Tito Winyi Primary School. This particular one was not handed.
Ogwang, in his communication during the handover, said that all the construction works are going to be implemented by the Uganda Police Defence Forces (UPDF) engineering brigade and are expected to be completed in only six months.
He warned the contractor against producing shoddy work, emphasising that the facilities to qualify must meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.
“However, all these training grounds are going to be constructed to the standards of Confederation of African Football (CAF),” he said.
He added that the two facilities will have different components including changing rooms for players, toilets, heavy lights to support night games, among others.
Ogwang disclosed that the government has also allocated shs6.4 billion for internet connections within all the training facilities, shs58 billion to upgrade Masindi General Hospital, and shs184.9 billion to put a passenger terminal at Kabale International Airport.
Other budgets include shs213 billion for the establishment of access roads to the Hoima City Stadium and shs101 billion for the upgrade of hotels in the region.
Ambrose Tashobya, the chairperson of the National Council of Sports commended the government for funding the project which he described as crucial for sports development and for AFCON preparation.
He noted that the National Council of Sports has full ownership of the land where the projects are being implemented and warned the community against encroaching on the land.
Florence Asiimwe, the Masindi district woman MP commended the government for elevating the facilities, adding that these facilities are good at fostering development through job creation and boosting local business.
She called on community members to prepare for the opportunities.
Lt Col Peter Peter Kidemuka, the project engineer of the UPDF, expressed gratitude to the government for entrusting them with the projects, committing to fully execute the duties as per the guidelines and time frame.
Meanwhile, the host communities have been urged to use the facilities to tap into both business and job opportunities.
In 2027, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania will co-host AFCON, with each country’s stadium welcoming thousands of spectators.
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