Uganda MPs express fear after hitches set to AFCON, CHAN bids are revealed

Ugandan members of parliament have raised concerns over reported hitches set to jeopardize the country's plan to host both the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking in parliament, the MPs noted Uganda's Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang failed to provide full accountability on the renovations of Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.

Led by John Nambeshe, the opposition chief whip, the MPs indicated that a CAF report revealed that the stadium was not compliant hence threatening to jeopardize the preparations for hosting CHAN and AFCON 2027.

"The inspection report has found the stadium works to be non-compliant and not approved. The Minister had promised that the works would be ready by the time of inspection, but he has let us down," said Nambeshe.

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Jonathan Odur, Member of Parliament for Erute South on his side pointed out that Uganda will miss the chance of hosting the tournament if the issues raised by CAF will not be addressed on time.

"Namboole is the precondition for us to host CHAN, and if you satisfy, then you can host AFCON. We need answers from the Minister in light of our bids to host these tournaments," stated Odur.

However, other MPs called for the resignation of the officers assigned the responsibility of overseeing the renovation works.

"If the Minister cannot provide a proper explanation for the shortcomings, then they should vacate their position. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity," Silas Aogon, Member of Parliament for Kumi Municipality insisted.

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While responding to their concerns, Speaker Anita Among directed Uganda's Sports Minister to issue a comprehensive report explaining how the money was spent to rehabilitate the stadium.

Uganda is set to co-host both CHAN and AFCON with Kenya and Tanzania.  CHAN is a 16-team tournament, reserved for players who are playing in their domestic leagues.

Whereas AFCON is a continental showpiece that features 32 teams battling out for the highly coveted silverware.

"Next year in September, we've been given the CHAN hosting rights in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda and each nation, along with Zanzibar will provide one venue for the competition," the CECAFA chief Wallace Karia, who is also the Tanzanian Football Federation president, said.

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Similar concerns were raised in Kenya but Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba shut down the critics insisting that the preparations are on top gear.

Currently, the government is building the Talanta Hela Stadium in Jamhuri Nairobi which will be the main venue for AFCON matches.

Kasarani Sports Center is also under rehabilitation in readiness for the tournament.

Other stadiums including Bukhungu are being refurbished to host the CHAN tournament.

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