Uganda Premier Launches AFCON Training Facility Project, Commits Funds to Masindi Hospital Upgrade
Masindi Hospital Construction and AFCON Training Facility Project Commissioned by Ugandan Prime Minister
The Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, officially commissioned the construction of Masindi Hospital and launched the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) training facility project in Masindi, as part of preparations for the 2027 tournament co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The initiatives, announced during a ceremony on June 13, 2026, aim to bolster healthcare infrastructure and sports development ahead of the continental event.
The AFCON training facility will be developed by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade under the supervision of Lt Col Peter Seku Kidemuka, while the Masindi Hospital project will be executed by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Construction Works & Engineering Ltd. Nabbanja emphasized the government’s confidence in both entities, citing their successful completion of prior projects such as the Hoima City Stadium and the renovation of Mandela National Stadium.
“We have full faith in NEC and the UPDF Engineering Brigade because they have consistently demonstrated professionalism and the ability to deliver quality work,” Nabbanja said during the event. She also acknowledged the support of Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and NEC Managing Director for their roles in national development.
The Prime Minister’s remarks were echoed by Eng. Brian Buhanda, general manager of NEC Construction Works and Engineering Limited, who pledged to complete the projects on time. “We shall work diligently to ensure that the facility meets the required standards and is completed on schedule,” Buhanda stated.
The ceremony was attended by key officials, including State Minister for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang, Deputy Division Commander of the Artillery Division Col Rogers Dhikusooka Kitwala, engineers from NEC and the UPDF Engineering Brigade, and Maj Onesmus Kakuru.
The projects align with Uganda’s broader goals to enhance sports infrastructure and healthcare access, with the AFCON facility expected to serve as a training hub for participating teams. The Masindi Hospital, meanwhile, aims to address regional healthcare gaps in western Uganda.
AFCON 2027, the first edition to be hosted in East Africa, marks a significant milestone for the continent’s football governance. The tournament’s co-hosting arrangement with Kenya and Tanzania underscores regional collaboration, though specific details about venue allocations and timelines remain under discussion.
Nabbanja’s involvement in the project highlights the government’s focus on infrastructure as a catalyst for economic and social development. The Prime Minister’s emphasis on NEC and the UPDF’s track records reflects a strategic reliance on established institutions to manage large-scale projects.
The National Enterprise Corporation, a state-owned entity, has previously overseen major infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Uganda-Kenya Standard Gauge Railway. The UPDF Engineering Brigade, known for its role in military and civil engineering, has also contributed to national development initiatives.
While the exact budget for the Masindi Hospital and AFCON facility projects was not disclosed, the government has allocated significant resources to AFCON 2027 preparations. A 2025 report by the Ugandan Ministry of Finance estimated that the tournament could generate over $500 million in economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and infrastructure spending.
The timing of the projects coincides with Uganda’s efforts to position itself as a regional leader in sports and healthcare. The country has hosted several international sporting events, including the 2019 Africa U-20 Championship, and has invested in facilities such as the Mandela National Stadium and the Kasana Regional Referral Hospital.
Local stakeholders have welcomed the initiatives, though some have raised concerns about the sustainability of large infrastructure projects. “While these developments are positive, there is a need for transparent monitoring to ensure that funds are used effectively,” said a representative from the Uganda Medical Association.
The completion of the Masindi Hospital and AFCON training facility is expected to create employment opportunities and stimulate local economies. The UPDF Engineering Brigade and NEC have both stated their commitment to adhering to international construction standards, with plans to involve local labor and materials where possible.
As preparations for AFCON 2027 progress, the projects in Masindi underscore Uganda’s dual focus on sports and healthcare. The government has also announced plans to upgrade other regional hospitals and expand sports training centers, signaling a long-term investment in public services and international engagement.
The next phase of the projects will involve detailed planning and resource allocation, with officials expected to provide updates in the coming months. For now, the commissioning of the Masindi Hospital and AFCON facility marks a key step in Uganda’s preparations for the 2027 tournament and its broader development agenda.