Uganda fast-tracks construction of roads to AFCON 2027 venues
One of the projects expected to ease access to competition and training grounds is Jokas-Uganda Christian University Road (13.2 km), Jokas-Bweyogerere Road (6.2 km), Jokas-Namanve Road (3.2 km), Kireka-Kamuli-Naalya Road, Bweyogerere-Buto-Namugongo Road, Kyaliwajjala Kira-Kasangati Road and old Jinja Road.
State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang. (File photo)
By: Mary Karugaba and Dedan Kimathi,Journalists
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Government is constructing a number ofroads in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted with Kenya and Tanzania.
“The works will also involve improvements to Kireka and Kyaliwajjala junctions, as well as road links to the Northern Bypass through Agenda and Kiwatule, alongside access roads to the Hoima City Stadium,” State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang disclosed on Thursday, July 16.
He was contributing to aParliament debate on Government’s readiness to host the continental soccer masterpiece.
One of the projects expected to ease access to competition and training grounds is Jokas-Uganda Christian University Road (13.2 km), Jokas-Bweyogerere Road (6.2 km), Jokas-Namanve Road (3.2 km), Kireka-Kamuli-Naalya Road, Bweyogerere-Buto-Namugongo Road, Kyaliwajjala Kira-Kasangati Road and old Jinja Road.
Apparently, he said the procurement process is progressing well, with the evaluation of prospective contractors currently underway.
However, for better results, Ismail Kasule (Hoima West, ANT) called for broader cooperation between the implementing ministries and local leadership. Arguing that while the Minister had clearly elucidated roads to be worked on in Wakiso and Kampala, his district remains in the dark regarding which ones shall be constructed.
“Last week in Hoima, we had a roads committee meeting, and even the engineer is not very certain about which roads are going to be worked on. The population has very different information. There is a very big gap between the Local Organising Committee and the Local Leaders from Hoima city,” Kasule said.
Nansana MP Zambali Bulasio Mukasa (NUP) urged Government toprioritizethe timely completion of these projects and related facilities before Confederation of African Football (CAF) returns for its final inspection.
“Uganda should not wait until the last minute to address critical gaps. This risks unnecessary embarrassment and could undermine our credibility as a co-host nation. Completing the works ahead of the final inspection will provide sufficient time for testing, certification, rectification of any defects identified and proper operational readiness. Thereby demonstrating that Uganda is fully preparedto successfully host the tournament,” Mukasa advised.
Commenting on the matter, Speaker of Parliament Jacob M.Oboth saidthe relevant committees do not require permission to conduct oversight.
“Please take it from me, this is a very valid point he has raised. You don’t need permission of the House; the Committee on Education and Sports, that should be a matter you should follow up immediately.”
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2027 Africa Cup of NationsAFCONRoads
