EALA MPs INSPECT ARUSHA AFCON STADIUM AS CONSTRUCTION HITS 95 PER CENT

EALA MPs INSPECT ARUSHA AFCON STADIUM AS CONSTRUCTION HITS 95 PER CENT

By Joseph Ngilisho | ARUSHA

Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) have expressed confidence in the region’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), after construction of the Pamoja AFCON Stadium in Arusha reached 95 per cent completion.

The progress was highlighted during an inspection tour of the stadium on October 11, 2026, led by EALA Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana, who was briefed by engineers overseeing the project.

The modern facility is among the key sports infrastructure projects expected to support preparations for the continental football tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

During the visit, the engineering team updated the delegation on the progress made, noting that construction was in its final stages.

Speaking to journalists, the Chairperson of the East African Community (EAC) Council of Ministers, Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, expressed confidence that the three partner states would work together to ensure successful preparations for the tournament.

Ms Kadaga commended the engineering team and the Government of Tanzania for investing in sports infrastructure, saying the developments would contribute to the successful hosting of AFCON and strengthen regional cooperation.

She also said the three countries were working on a joint special visa arrangement to enable football fans to move more easily across Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda during the tournament.

The proposed arrangement is intended to simplify cross-border travel for supporters expected to follow matches in the three host countries, while creating opportunities for citizens to participate in the major continental sporting event.

As AFCON preparations continue, Arusha is also preparing to host the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games from December 4 to 16, 2026.

The annual event is expected to bring together legislators from all eight EAC member-state parliaments to compete in various sporting disciplines, with the aim of promoting unity, cooperation and regional integration.

The inspection tour was organised and coordinated by EALA as part of its mandate to monitor EAC projects and engage stakeholders in advancing regional development.

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