Gulu, Uganda – The National Council of Sports, under the Ministry of Education and Sports, has unveiled plans to construct a state-of-the-art sports facility at Gulu University, worth 13.5 billion Ugandan shillings. The development is part of Uganda’s wider preparations to co-host the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
According to James Onono, the Communications Officer at Gulu University, the upcoming facility is expected to benefit AFCON players who may choose to train in Gulu City upon arrival at the nearby Gulu Airfield. The teams will then proceed to Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira City, one of the venues designated to host the continental tournament.
Just two weeks ago, a delegation comprising surveyors, engineers, and environmental officers from the Ministry of Works and Transport conducted a site visit at the university. The team assessed the availability and suitability of an 11-acre piece of land, situated near the Faculty of Medicine, for the proposed stadium.
Onono noted that the Environmental Impact Assessment and mapping process are already underway, signaling progress in the project’s implementation. He also revealed that the new sports facility aligns with the university’s broader development plans, as the current playground is earmarked for the construction of a Senate Building.
The 2027 AFCON has spurred a wave of infrastructure developments across Uganda. In addition to Gulu’s facility, the newly built Hoima Sports Stadium and Akii-Bua Stadium—each with a 2,000-seat capacity—will be among the venues for the tournament. The Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, which seats over 45,000 spectators, is also set to host several matches.
The move is part of Uganda's commitment to meeting international standards and ensuring readiness to host Africa's premier football competition.
