The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has flagged major shortcomings at Hoima City Stadium, raising fresh concerns about Uganda’s readiness to host matches at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In its latest assessment, CAF notes that although Hoima City Stadium is structurally complete and already operational, it falls short of the stringent Category 4 standards required for continental competitions.
The findings highlight a gap between construction progress and operational readiness, with several critical areas needing urgent attention.
Among the key issues identified is the lack of proper segregation within the stadium. There is currently no clear separation between VIPs, media, teams, and general spectators, leading to cross-circulation that could compromise safety and match-day organization.
CAF also pointed to non-compliant dressing rooms for both players and referees, as well as substandard media facilities that do not meet AFCON requirements.
The stadium’s mixed zone — a vital space for post-match media engagement — has been incorrectly positioned within the competition area, further breaching CAF guidelines.
In addition, the current placement of team benches has created significant viewing obstructions for fans in the stands, affecting the overall spectator experience.
Geographical limitations around the stadium have also restricted the availability of essential buffer zones, which are necessary for smooth tournament operations.
Despite the concerns, CAF has outlined a clear set of corrective measures that must be implemented before the next inspection in August 2026.
These include redesigning spectator circulation systems to ensure proper segregation, relocating the mixed zone, upgrading dressing rooms, and improving media infrastructure.
Plans are also in place to construct new dugouts to address the issue of obstructed views, as well as to validate spectator capacity and safety standards.
Authorities will also be required to confirm the availability of operational overlay areas and adequate buffer spaces.
The August 2026 inspection will be critical in determining whether Hoima City Stadium can meet the required standards in time for AFCON 2027.
About Hoima City Stadium
In December 2025, President Yoweri Museveni commissioned the 20,000-seater facility after Turkish construction firm MS Summa handed over the project following its completion.
Set in Mparo Division, Hoima City, in western Uganda, the multi-purpose stadium was delivered in record time.
Construction began in September 2024 and was completed in just 12 months, four months ahead of schedule, a rare achievement for a project of this scale.
The stadium is one of two venues Uganda has earmarked for the 2027 AFCON, alongside Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Built at a cost of 129 million US dollars, roughly 500 billion shillings.
Beyond the main football arena, the complex includes a 2,000-seater mini indoor arena, a semi-Olympic swimming pool measuring 25 by 12.5 metres, stadium and outdoor football pitches, running tracks, and outdoor courts for basketball and volleyball.
The entire facility sits on a 16.8-acre site designed to serve both elite competition and everyday community use.
By August 2026, the following must be achieved:
- Implementation of redesigned spectator circulation and segregation plans
- Relocation of the mixed zone outside the competition area
- Upgrade of referee dressing rooms and officials’ areas
- Upgrade of players’ dressing rooms
- Construction of dugouts to address the issue of benches obstructing pitch view from the stands
- Improvement of media infrastructure, including press conference facilities
- Validation of spectator capacity and circulation safety
- Confirmation of operational overlay areas and buffer spaces
