Uganda has formally submitted a bid to host the 2031 African Games, positioning the country to stage the largest multi-sport event in its history. The National Council of Sports (NCS) confirmed that the bid was officially submitted to the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) late last year, with the public announcement made on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This comes as Uganda continues preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
NCS General Secretary Patrick Ogwel said a technical inspection team from the AUSC is currently in Uganda to assess whether the country meets the required hosting standards. The team is evaluating venues, accommodation capacity, transport networks, security arrangements, and overall infrastructure. He said the bid was submitted late last year and that experts are now in the country to inspect the facilities, adding that the initial feedback from inspectors has been very promising.
Uganda’s bid builds on infrastructure investments linked to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Proposed venues include the John Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City, which is currently under construction, Hoima City Stadium, and the recently upgraded Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, in Kampala. Kampala is expected to serve as the main host city under a multi-city model, with Lira and Hoima playing supporting roles. Officials say this approach is intended to spread infrastructure development and economic benefits across different regions of the country.
According to sports authorities, the estimated operational budget for hosting the Games is about 94 million US dollars (approximately UGX 347 billion), covering organization, logistics, and Games-time operations. Uganda is competing with Nigeria, which has also submitted a bid, setting up a competitive selection process overseen by the AUSC.
If successful, Uganda would host the African Games for the first time since the event began in 1965, when it was first held in Brazzaville. The Games are organized every four years under the African Union Sports Council, in collaboration with continental sports bodies, including the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA). The most recent edition was held in Accra, Ghana, and the final decision on the host country for the 2031 African Games is expected after the AUSC completes its technical evaluation and review process. Hosting the Games would further strengthen Uganda’s ambition to become a major sports destination in Africa.
