Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Hoima Stadium in Hoima, Uganda, was opened in December 2025
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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection report has revealed that none of Uganda's four proposed stadiums fully meets the required standards to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This follows a February inspection by a CAF team that assessed facilities in the three host countries—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—and later presented separate evaluation reports for each.
Focusing on Uganda, the report indicates that the country’s AFCON 2027 infrastructure programme remains at a mixed stage of construction, upgrades, and operational redesign, with significant gaps across key venues yet to be addressed.
Uganda, alongside its East African neighbours Kenya and Tanzania, won the bid to host the 2027 AFCON. Preparations are underway; however, while Kenya and Tanzania have made significant progress towards full readiness, the CAF report notes that Uganda’s facilities have yet to meet the required Category 4 standards for hosting the tournament.
Uganda’s main facility, Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, is still undergoing renovation. Meanwhile, the newly constructed Hoima City Stadium was handed over to the government in December by construction company Summa and officially opened. However, the CAF report highlights several gaps that must be addressed before it can be fully certified.
According to the report, although Hoima Stadium’s structure is complete, there are concerns over poor segregation of spectator categories and cross-circulation of media, VIPs, teams, and fans. It also cites non-compliant dressing rooms for players and referees, substandard media facilities, poorly positioned mixed zones, obstructed views, and insufficient operational buffer space.
The government is also constructing Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira, while several training facilities, including FUFA Kadiba Stadium, Nakivubo Stadium, and Kyambogo grounds, have already been completed.
FUFA Stadium Kadiba
CAF is expected to conduct another inspection in August to assess progress on the recommended improvements at Mandela National Stadium and Hoima City Stadium. This inspection will determine whether Uganda will be confirmed as one of the host nations for the continental tournament.
CAF has warned that the August inspection will be decisive, with a focus on stadium compliance, operational redesign, and supporting infrastructure.
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