Gulu, Lira Training Grounds Handed Over to UPDF Engineering Brigade for Upgrade Ahead of AFCON 2027

Lira, Uganda | The government has stepped up preparations for the AFCON 2027 with the official handover of key sports training facilities in Northern Uganda to the UPDF Engineering Brigade for redevelopment into international-standard training grounds.

The Pece War Memorial Stadium, together with sports grounds at Gulu University and Lira University, were on Friday officially handed over by the State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, marking another milestone in Uganda’s readiness to co-host AFCON 2027 under the “Pamoja” bid.

The exercise follows earlier handovers of Boma Ground in Hoima and King George Stadium in Masindi, as the government intensifies efforts to upgrade sports infrastructure across the country.

Ogwang said the facilities are part of a nationwide programme targeting seven training grounds to be developed to Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards within six months.

He noted that the Lira University facility alone will cost Shs 13.2 billion and will serve both the tournament and long-term university sports development.

Ogwang said that the investment was not only meant for AFCON but also for sustainable sports development and talent nurturing in Uganda.

The training grounds will complement the ongoing works at the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, which is expected to be one of the main legacy stadiums for the tournament.

The National Council of Sports (NCS), led by Board Chairperson Ambrose Tashobya and General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel called for increased private sector participation, especially in hospitality and transport.

Officials warned that while stadium infrastructure is progressing well, gaps in accommodation could affect Uganda’s ability to fully host international delegations.

Ogwang appealed to investors to establish modern hotels in Lira and surrounding areas, noting that the region would require over 2,000 high-quality rooms during the tournament period.

The UPDF Engineering Brigade confirmed that it has already received full funding for the Lira University project and assured stakeholders that construction will be completed within six months.

Lt. Col. Eng. Peter Sseku Kidemuka said the brigade will also engage local labour and materials to ensure community participation and cost efficiency.

Leaders from Lango and Acholi sub-regions, including MPs, city authorities, and university officials, welcomed the development, describing it as a major boost for youth talent development and regional visibility.

Lira City Mayor, Sam Atul, urged contractors to maintain quality and adhere strictly to timelines, while Lira University management pledged to integrate maintenance planning and sports training programmes into the project.

Acting Vice Chancellor Dr. Andrew Ojulong commended the government for prioritising sports infrastructure, saying it will strengthen both academic and community sports development.

Officials emphasized that the facilities are intended to leave a lasting legacy beyond AFCON 2027, positioning Northern Uganda as a hub for sports excellence in the region.

Construction work is expected to commence immediately, with all sites targeted for completion within six months.