Uganda’s hopes of hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hit a major challenge after a CAF inspection found none of the country’s proposed stadiums meet Category 4 standards.
Even the newly opened Hoima City Stadium, hailed as “world-class” in December 2025, was flagged for problems, including obstructed views for fans, limited media facilities, poorly segregated VIP areas, and incorrectly placed player interview zones.
Mandela National Stadium (Namboole), still under renovation, also faces serious issues, including inadequate VIP air conditioning, poor drainage, and incomplete structural upgrades.
Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira remains far from ready, with construction and utilities still incomplete.
State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang dismissed leaked reports and insisted Uganda is on track.
“Hoima Stadium meets European and five-star African standards,” he said, adding that Namboole will be remodeled by UPGF Engineers Brigade with $60 million in government funding.
Ogwang outlined key upgrades: expanding VIP seating to 45,000, creating dedicated areas for persons with disabilities, improving dressing rooms, and ensuring all facilities meet CAF standards.
“Namboole was designed in the 1970s. Today’s standards are 2026 standards, we must align,” he said, praising the Uganda People’s Defence Forces Engineers for their work.
CAF requires Uganda to fix stadium flaws, meet lighting and pitch standards, and provide adequate accommodation for teams and officials by August 2026.
