Uganda Sports Minister Dismisses Claims Hoima Stadium Is Not Ready for AFCON 2027: 'I'm the Authority'

Despite a grand commissioning by President Museveni in December and praise for its early completion, Hoima City Stadium does not yet meet the required standards to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), according to a recent CAF inspection report.

The stadium, constructed by Summa, was completed five months ahead of schedule and has been widely described as a world-class facility.

However, an inspection team from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) presented a different assessment after visiting the three co-host nations, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, last month.

A copy of their report, seen by the Daily Monitor, indicates that none of Uganda's proposed stadiums currently satisfy the stringent CAF Category Four requirements needed for elite tournaments like AFCON.

While the report acknowledged that the stadium's structure is "completed and operational," it highlighted several significant operational and structural deficiencies that need urgent attention.

One of the primary issues noted by the inspection team was the positioning of the team benches, which causes a "major view obstruction" for spectators in the stands.

This problem was evident during the recent Kitara-Buhimba match, where broadcasters struggled to film around the benches. The report also criticised the lack of clear segregation between different spectator categories, including general admission, VIP, and media.

This led to a "cross-circulation" of attendees, with some fans who purchased standard tickets moving freely into the VIP section during the league game.

Media facilities were also deemed "below AFCON standards." The media tribune appears too small, with an estimated capacity of only 20 journalists, a number that was already tested during the local derby, which attracted mainly regional press.

Furthermore, the mixed zone, where players and media interact, is incorrectly located within the competition area, a departure from the layout of modern stadiums.

CAF has mandated that the mixed zone be relocated before its next inspection in August. The report also called for upgrades to the dressing rooms for players and referees, as well as the officials' area.

In response to details from the report leaking on social media, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang downplayed the concerns, expressing his confidence in the stadium's quality.

"I have seen something online which I am not happy with, but because it is your opinion, I respect it. But for once, learn to appreciate when good work is done," Ogwang stated.

"That stadium met European standards. That stadium was given a five-star rating, which is the best on the African continent."

The minister questioned the motives behind the criticism, asserting that the official report had not yet been released to him.

"Now you who come in to say it has not met CAF’s standards, have you got the report? I am the authority; if the report is to come out, it is coming to me," he added. "Part of the agreement which was signed is that the stadium will be handed over having satisfied CAF standards."

The concerns extend beyond Hoima Stadium. The AFCON 2027 Local Organizing Committee has begun inspecting hotel facilities in the Bunyoro Sub-region to ensure they meet CAF's accommodation requirements.

The report specifies that Uganda must validate a minimum of five 5-star hotels, each with at least 50 rooms, by August. While the issues at Hoima are considered fixable, the report paints a more troubling picture for Mandela National Stadium (Namboole), which requires "major upgrading works."

CAF has demanded that at least 50% of the work at Namboole be completed before the August inspection, along with confirmation of a contractor and a clear project timeline.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has detailed a comprehensive list of required upgrades for Uganda's stadiums and supporting infrastructure as the nation prepares to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The directives focus on bringing facilities at Hoima and Namboole stadiums up to international standards, with specific attention to spectator safety, media facilities, and team accommodations.