Uganda’s sports authorities have dismissed viral claims suggesting that the newly built Hoima City Stadium is not meeting requirements for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with government officials maintaining confidence ahead of key inspection milestones set by the Confederation of African Football CAF.
The Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, directly rejected the online reports in a strong response posted on X, responding to allegations that the stadium had “failed again” by writing, “According to who? Ignore this crap.” His remarks came amid growing online debate over the readiness of Uganda’s infrastructure for AFCON 2027.
The 20,000 seat Hoima City Stadium, one of Uganda’s flagship venues for its co hosting duties alongside Kenya and Tanzania, was structurally completed ahead of schedule and officially commissioned in late 2025. Government assessments and independent evaluations have previously praised its playing surface, including reports that gave the pitch top marks for quality.
However, earlier inspection findings in early 2026 highlighted a number of operational and design gaps that needed attention. These included concerns over spectator flow and segregation, circulation routes between key stakeholder areas, dressing room compliance for players and officials, and upgrades required in media facilities. Authorities later acknowledged the issues and committed to corrective works in coordination with CAF inspectors.
Officials now say those improvements are ongoing, with contractors back on site to address the identified shortcomings. Government sources remain confident that Hoima will meet the required standards when CAF returns for inspections at the end of August 2026, a crucial checkpoint before final certification visits scheduled for December.
Uganda is also upgrading other key venues, including Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, while construction continues on Akii Bua Stadium in Lira, which is expected to be completed by late 2026. The stadium programme forms part of preparations for a historic edition of AFCON 2027 Africa Cup of Nations 2027, which will be jointly hosted across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
While social media discussions have amplified earlier inspection concerns, officials argue that some of the claims are outdated and do not reflect ongoing improvements. Government messaging has instead focused on steady progress and assurance that Uganda’s venues will be ready in time for the continental tournament.
As the August inspection window approaches, attention is firmly on whether Hoima City Stadium will clear CAF’s next evaluation stage, with final confirmation expected after the December assessments. Ugandan authorities continue to express optimism that the venue will ultimately meet all required standards for AFCON 2027.
