Uganda is set to host its first international football match at the newly built Hoima City Stadium on Tuesday, September 29, against Libya in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The match marks the stadium's inaugural international outing and is a significant milestone in Uganda's preparations to co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania. Hoima City Stadium is one of the key venues earmarked for the continental showpiece.
The Hoima City Stadium was constructed by Turkish firm Summa at a reported cost of $129 million, approximately KSh 16.7 billion, and was funded entirely by the Ugandan government. Work on the project began in September 2024, and the National Council of Sports officially commissioned the facility in December 2025. The stadium features a main bowl that seats 20,000 spectators and includes a hybrid grass playing surface.
The Hoima City Stadium complex is a multi-sport hub that houses various facilities beyond football. These include a 2,000-seat indoor arena, a semi-Olympic swimming pool, two basketball courts, and two volleyball courts. The facility also features a fitness centre and spaces for badminton, table tennis, martial arts, and boxing. For spectators, there are 839 parking spaces, 59 sanitary units, and 13 facilities for people with disabilities.
The stadium has been equipped with advanced technology and security features, including a 279-camera surveillance system with facial recognition technology. The facility also has emergency call points, a fire alarm system, and access control measures throughout. A central building management system allows operators to oversee various systems, including air conditioning, lighting, and pitch irrigation.
Following inspections by the Confederation of African Football, Uganda's AFCON Local Organising Committee confirmed that around 95% of the issues flagged have been resolved. The main outstanding item is a VVIP pedestrian bridge linking the VVIP parking area directly to the VVIP lounge, which is yet to be completed. The match against Libya will serve as a crucial dress rehearsal for matchday operations.
The Hoima City Stadium's readiness for international football has been a priority for Uganda as it prepares to co-host AFCON 2027. The stadium's facilities and technology have been designed to meet international standards, and the upcoming match against Libya will test its capacity to handle a full international fixture. The stadium's hybrid grass playing surface and advanced security features are expected to enhance the matchday experience.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is set to be a major event for African football, with Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania co-hosting the tournament. The Hoima City Stadium is one of the key venues for the event, and its readiness will be crucial to the tournament's success. With the stadium's advanced facilities and technology, Uganda is well-prepared to host a successful tournament.
Key points
- The Hoima City Stadium cost $129 million to construct and features a 20,000-seat main bowl.
- The stadium has been equipped with advanced technology and security features, including a 279-camera surveillance system.
- Around 95% of issues flagged by CAF during a February 2026 inspection have been resolved.
