Sports 25 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
CAF Flags Shortcomings at Hoima Stadium for 2027 AFCON Despite Recent Upgrades
The CAF inspection team has identified multiple operational deficiencies at Hoima City Stadium, despite its recent commissioning and early completion, deeming it short of Category Four standards for the 2027 AFCON. Key issues include view obstructions, poor spectator segregation, inadequate media facilities, and the need for dressing room upgrades ahead of the next inspection in August. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/caf-hoima-stadium-2027-afcon-facilities-still-wanting-5403204
Hoima City Stadium, recently commissioned by President Museveni in December and completed ahead of schedule by contractors Summa, hosted its first competitive match this month. Kitara FC secured a 4-0 win over Buhimba, sparking optimism about its readiness for the 2027 AFCON, co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
However, a CAF inspection team visited last month and reviewed the facilities in a report obtained by Daily Monitor. None of Uganda’s proposed stadiums, including Hoima, fully meet the stringent Category Four requirements for elite tournaments like AFCON.
The team noted the stadium is structurally complete and operational but highlighted major issues. Benches obstruct views from stands, as seen during the recent game when broadcasters struggled. There’s no clear separation between spectator categories, allowing general fans into VIP areas, and cross-circulation mixes media, VIP, teams, and spectators.
Media facilities fall below AFCON standards, with the tribune accommodating fewer than 20 journalists. The mixed zone is wrongly placed inside the competition area and must be relocated. Players’ and referees’ dressing rooms, plus officials’ areas, need upgrades.
CAF plans another inspection in August and urges priority fixes. State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang dismissed leaked report snippets online, insisting the stadium meets European and five-star African standards, with official confirmation pending.
Meanwhile, the AFCON 2027 Local Organizing Committee is inspecting hotels in Bunyoro, needing at least five 5-star options with 50 rooms each by August. Mandela National Stadium faces graver challenges, requiring 50% upgrade progress, contractor confirmation, and visible works.
Key fixes needed at Hoima: Redesigned spectator circulation, mixed zone relocation, dressing room upgrades, new dugouts, better media infrastructure, and capacity validation.
Mandela National Stadium priorities: Upgrade strategy alignment, structural works start, hospitality planning, and circulation improvements.
Additional requirements include training site confirmations, pitch maintenance, and road upgrades between Kampala and Hoima.
Source: Daily Monitor