“ We have the means and we will be able to put in place the requirement for hosting AFCON 2027.’’
The look of Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium that about to be completed
The minister for ICT and National Guidance Dr. Chris Baryomunsi has assured Ugandans who were doubting about government’s commitment especially on development and completing the necessary infrastructures on time saying that government has the capacity to put up the football stadium
Baryomunsi implored Ugandans especially politicians and media to stop the negative conversations and comments about the countries readiness to host the African prestigious football even for the first time in history.
The minister was reacting on Lord Mayor Erais Lukwago’s comments about the country’s readiness to host such a big football event. Lukwago recently said the ruling NRM government wants to use the 2027 AFCON finals to get political mileage ahead of the 2026 general election.
Similarly, controversial lawyer, Male Mabirizi wrote to CAF asking the continental football governing body to reconsider its decision of allowing Uganda to jointly host the most prestigious football tournament on the continent and omit it from the joint hosting.
Mabirizis letter to CAF reads in parts, “I therefore request that you reverse the decision so Uganda is excluded from organizing the 2027 African Cup of Nations. As a federation, you are required to stand with Ugandans during this dictatorship and despotic turmoil.” Mabirizi said in his petition.
“ Mabirizi is an idler who always wants to be recognized. He normally carries out infamous things such that he can be discussed about and also to draw media attention, while Lord Mayor Lukwago also want media coverage.’’ Dr. Baryomunsi said.
He further said, “ Some people just critique everything for the sake of being covered by the media but I but we jointly worn the bid basing on what we presented and on the plan high lighting on what we were planning to do to enable host the event.’’
The minister further said that despite AFCON preparation is coinciding with the country’s general elections of 2026; government will be able to plan accordingly and will have the necessary funds to have the two programs done almost in the same period.
He also that there must be something that units Ugandans irrespective of one’s political inclination and wining of the bid to host AFCON should make us proud instead of dividing us.
The continental football governing body (CAF) will come back in 2025 to ascertain the readiness of the host nations and the minister said that by that time, some infrastructures will be about to be completed were as others will be complete.
Meanwhile Nakivubo Stadium which is about to be completed was passed by (CAF) to host matches for AFCON 2027 and this is a huge milestone Uganda who is co-hosting with Kenya and Tanzania to start with in addition to Mandela National Stadium which is also under renovation.
By George Bukenya
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