David GOMBE
Uganda will host the 2031 African Games after the rejection of Nigeria’s proposal at the Extraordinary Session of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Culture and Sports (STC-YCS5), held virtually on June 2, 2026.
The Extraordinary dismissed Nigeria’s bid due to litany of errors which were described as untidy and poorly prepared.
According to observers, Nigeria’s document appeared to have been copied from the nation’s failed attempt to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with elementary mistakes such as failing to update reference numbers.
The oversight cast serious doubt on Nigeria’s readiness and credibility to organize the continent’s premier multi-sport event.
Following Nigeria’s rejection, Uganda will now host of the 15th Edition of the African Games, scheduled for 2031.
The decision reflects strong confidence in Uganda’s capacity to deliver a successful and impactful tournament, marking a significant milestone for the East African nation.
The session also saw Ministers adopt the Revised African Games Fundamental Regulations, aimed at strengthening governance, transparency, and operational efficiency in the organization of the Games.
Meanwhile, member States have reaffirmed their commitment to international anti-doping standards, emphasizing timely contributions to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the importance of clean sport across Africa.
As the meeting concluded, Ministers renewed their collective pledge to advance youth empowerment, promote cultural exchange, and harness the transformative power of sport as a driver of socio-economic development, in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
In February this year, the African Union Council inspected Mandela National Stadium, Philip Omondi, Kyambogo and Makerere University Grounds, Lugogo Arena and Makerere Arena.
At that time, National Council of Sports General Secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel said the upgrades on Stadiums ahead of the 2027 AFCON has enabled the nation to bid for 2031 African Games.
We commend the government for upgrading the Stadiums and the members from African Union Sports council are very excited with the facilities and we are hopeful we shall host the 2031 African Games. We are working closely with other ministries and government agencies for other infrastructure and we are optimistic.” Said Ogwel.
It should be noted that the first edition of the games was held in 1965 in Brazzaville, Congo and this will be the maiden time that Uganda will stage the event, and the second to be hosted in East Africa since the 1987 edition in Kenya.
