By Spy Uganda
Uganda has unveiled plans to bid for the FIFA World Cup as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its sports infrastructure and elevate its global profile.
The announcement follows the country’s successful joint bid with Kenya and Tanzania to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, a landmark achievement that has accelerated stadium construction and upgrades nationwide.
The disclosure was made by Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Sports, during her appearance before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC). While the session focused on reviewing the Auditor General’s December 2025 report, discussions extended to Uganda’s long-term sporting ambitions.
Dr. Turyagyenda said ongoing projects are being designed to meet international standards, with several venues planned to exceed 45,000 seating capacity — a key requirement for hosting major global tournaments.
“So that eventually, we should bid for it. If we are given a World Cup, then we have stadia to run. The next bid is in 2031 for the World Cup, and I think we are already thinking about it because we are now going to have at least three stadia that we think can be looked at,” she told lawmakers.
Under the “Pamoja 2027” initiative awarded by the Confederation of African Football, Uganda has intensified work on major facilities, including the renovation of Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, as well as the construction of Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira and Hoima City Stadium.
Officials say these investments are aimed at creating modern, high-capacity venues capable of hosting top-tier continental and global competitions.
Hosting the World Cup would require significant logistical, financial, and infrastructural commitments. With the tournament expanded to 48 teams, the demands on host nations have increased considerably, often necessitating joint bids.
FIFA has already allocated upcoming editions, with 2030 set for Morocco, Portugal and Spain, and 2034 awarded to Saudi Arabia. The framework for subsequent bidding cycles has yet to be formally announced.
Beyond football, Uganda has also submitted a bid to host the 2031 African Games, reflecting a broader ambition to position the country as a regional sports hub.
For now, officials emphasize that delivering a successful AFCON 2027 remains the immediate priority. Government leaders view the tournament as a critical test of Uganda’s readiness to stage large-scale international events and a potential springboard for future global aspirations.
While the World Cup ambition remains a long-term goal, it underscores growing confidence in the country’s infrastructure development and capacity to compete on the world sporting stage.
