The parliament of Uganda has pressed questions Hon. Peter Ogwang, state minister of Sports, to explain and deliver a report on the country’s preparedness to host the continent’s biggest football tournament, Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which is to take place in 2027.
Legislators lost patience and called the education and sports minister and his committee to respond to questions mostly were about the promotion and infrastructure development for the upcoming biggest continental football competition.
Through the speaker of parliament of Uganda, legislators had a heated debate in parliament with the members of parliament pointing out poor and ineffective mobilization by the stakeholders responsible for mobilization and advertisement compared to other East African co-hosts, that’s; Kenya and Tanzania.
Medard Lubega Ssegona a Member of Parliament for Busiro East and Bugiri Municipality Member of Parliament Asuman Basalirwa bitterly questioned the strategic position and visibility of the games ahead of the tournament which is to be attended by multitudes from all over the continent and the world.
Minister Ogwang, responded by detailing that the un seen publicity has a background agreed upon between the three East African hosting countries, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania and the confederation of African football (CAF) as the key stakeholders cosigned.
A courtesy photo of Hon. Peter Ogwang, State Minister for Sports, at the floor of Parliament.
“The absence of advertising was an agreement which was signed by the host countries in the region and CAF as a regulatory measure of creating a well-balanced and credible expectations from the supporters and players,’’ said the ministered.
The government of Uganda also committed Shs113b towards the rendition and construction of the stadiums and other football facilities to meet CAF standards before the kickoff of the tournaments which includes renovation of Mandela national stadium in Nambole, and two more stadia; Hoima stadium in Hoima and John Akibua Olympics stadium in Lira.
Minister assured parliament and Ugandans at large, that the national council for sports is confident that all necessary preparations are under way and will be able to beat the expected timing by CAF.
Uganda is short by 10,000 hotel rooms to accommodate the anticipated number of fans, athletes and officials which has also made the legislators concerned and worried whether the country will be fully ready to handle influx of football visitors.
If this is planned well, Uganda has a chance to attract and boost tourism, stimulate local and micro economies with night economy inclusive, which will eventual elevate the country’s potential for international games and sports putting Uganda on front pages for international recommendation.
By; Johnson Rio Ochuma,
Digitalk Tv Stringer.