AFCON 2027: CAF standards leave Philip Omondi Stadium out

The State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, has revealed KCCA Football Club’s management turned down proposals to upgrade Philip Omondi Stadium, which would have allowed it to serve as a training venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Ogwang told the Parliamentary Budget Committee that the stadium was initially shortlisted as one of the potential training grounds for the continental tournament.

However, he explained that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) mandated that only venues with natural grass surfaces could qualify.

Funds have already been released for these sites

“At the first phase of identifying training pitches for AFCON, Philip Omondi Stadium was among those we had selected,” Ogwang said.
“However, CAF guidance made it clear that training facilities must have natural grass to meet tournament standards.”

Despite government efforts, KCCA’s management reportedly declined to allow the necessary upgrades. “We had engagements with KCCA FC management, but they were not ready to allow Philip Omondi Stadium to be upgraded to natural grass,” Ogwang confirmed.

As a result, the government had to redirect resources and approve alternative venues that meet CAF’s requirements.

Funds have already been released for these sites, which include Gulu University, Lira University, Pece Stadium, Kyambogo University, Muteesa II Stadium, Makerere University, and FUFA Kadiba.

Ogwang’s comments underscore the challenges of preparing local infrastructure for major continental tournaments and the need for collaboration between clubs and government to meet international standards.