Uganda wins historic rights to host 15th African Games in 2031

By Emmanuel Sekago

Uganda is celebrating a historic sporting milestone after being awarded the rights to host the 15th African Games in 2031, marking one of the country’s greatest achievements on the continental sports stage.

The successful bid was confirmed during the Extraordinary Session of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Culture and Sports (STC-YCS5), held virtually on June 2, 2026. Uganda’s victory over Nigeria in the highly competitive bidding process signals growing confidence in the country’s capacity to organize and deliver major international sporting events.

The decision comes as Nigeria suffered another setback in its pursuit of hosting a flagship continental competition. Sources familiar with the bidding process revealed that Nigeria’s proposal was rejected due to a number of technical and administrative shortcomings that undermined its credibility.

According to reports, sections of Nigeria’s bid document appeared to have been copied from the country’s unsuccessful bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Several reference numbers and key details were allegedly left unchanged, raising concerns among evaluators about the level of preparation, professionalism, and attention to detail invested in the submission.

The outcome once again highlights the critical importance of meticulous planning, thorough preparation, and professionalism in the increasingly competitive process of securing major international sporting events.

In contrast, Uganda’s bid impressed member states and secured overwhelming confidence, paving the way for the country to host Africa’s premier multi-sport event for the first time in its history.

The successful bid is expected to accelerate investment in sports infrastructure, athlete development, tourism, hospitality, transportation, and related sectors while further positioning Uganda as a growing hub for international sporting events.

A key milestone in Uganda’s successful campaign came earlier this year when the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Technical Committee for the African Games conducted an inspection mission in Uganda from February 16 to 18, 2026.

The delegation was led by Dr. Decius Chipande, Coordinator of the African Union Sports Council, and included Mr. Sid Ahmed Selmi, Chairperson of the Technical Committee for the African Games (TCAG), Mr. Penalva Cerza, Committee Member, and Ms. Lina Kessy, Senior Sports Officer responsible for the African Games.

During their visit, the delegation was received by the State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, alongside the Secretary General of the National Council of Sports, Dr. Patrick Ogwel.

The inspection team assessed several venues proposed for the Games, including Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, which is expected to host football and athletics competitions. They also visited Makerere University, earmarked as the proposed Games Village and host of indoor sporting events, as well as Kyambogo University, which is expected to stage football and rugby competitions.

The delegation further inspected Hoima City Stadium, which was by then under construction and is expected to host football, athletics, and indoor events. Officials were also briefed on plans to develop additional modern sports infrastructure at Lugogo Sports Complex to support the successful delivery of the Games.

The positive assessment of Uganda’s proposed venues and infrastructure plans is believed to have played a significant role in strengthening the country’s bid.

With the hosting rights now secured, Uganda will begin preparations to welcome thousands of athletes, officials, media personnel, and visitors from across Africa for what promises to be a landmark edition of the African Games in 2031.

Beyond awarding the hosting rights, the Extraordinary Session also adopted the Revised African Games Fundamental Regulations, a framework aimed at strengthening governance, transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency in the organization of future editions of the Games.

The meeting further reaffirmed member states’ commitment to global anti-doping standards, emphasizing the importance of timely contributions to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and promoting clean sport throughout the continent.

Delegates concluded the session by renewing their commitment to advancing youth development, promoting cultural exchange, and utilizing sport as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

For Uganda, the successful bid represents far more than the right to host a sporting event. It is a vote of confidence in the country’s growing sporting credentials, improving infrastructure, and ability to stage world-class competitions.

The African Games are the continent’s largest multi-sport event and provide a platform for Africa’s finest athletes to compete while fostering unity, friendship, and development through sport.

As preparations begin, stakeholders across the sports sector will be hoping that the 2031 African Games leave a lasting legacy for athletes, communities, and future generations while further strengthening Uganda’s position as a leading destination for continental and global sport.

For Uganda, the countdown to 2031 has officially begun.