The stadium complex has a training pitch, an indoor arena, a semi-Olympic swimming pool and a number of other support facilities. This is the case as the Uganda Cranes readied themselves to start their Group H campaign, the group also comprising Tunisia and Botswana. Although Uganda has already earned automatic qualification for the 2027 finals since it is co-hosting the event, the qualifying matches are still important for competitive preparation and for obtaining ranking points.
The people concerned about football have welcomed this development; it is anticipated that playing their home matches at a modern stadium which has been approved by the CAF in the Bunyoro area will lead to higher attendance, stimulate local economic activity and lessen the strain on Mandela National Stadium in Namboole. Moreover, the fact that this is happening shows that Uganda’s sports infrastructure programme for AFCON 2027 is making progress following the long delays that had affected the earlier projects.
The Cranes’ game versus Libya will be the first competitive international fixture at the stadium, and the officials have stated that successfully hosting that match will serve as a solid trial before the full tournament in 2027, when Hoima is expected to host a number of group-stage matches.
The officials from the Ministry and the National Council of Sports are coordinating the completion of the remaining work, this involving the finishing of the pitch, checking the lighting and carrying out safety certifications. An inspection team from CAF is due in the coming weeks and will then give the final approval.
Ugandan football fans can see real advances as a result of the news. Having been asked for years about their readiness to host matches at the continental level, Hoima City Stadium is now going to play a key role in the national team’s campaign and in the country’s wider preparations for AFCON 2027.
The match against Libya next month will serve not only as the opening of the qualification campaign but also as the official launch of a new phase in football infrastructure in Uganda.
Hoima City Stadium nearly ready for Uganda Cranes
