Hoima City Stadium 90% Ready for AFCON 2027, Set to Host CAF Qualifiers in September

By Meddy Walusimbi Omuyiribi/ Thursday, 20th August 2026

HOIMA — Hoima City Stadium in Kyaruyu, Mparo Division, is about 90% ready and is being positioned as a long-term multi-purpose sports complex ahead of AFCON 2027, officials said during a tour of the facility this week.

Constructed by Turkish firm SUMMA on approximately 41 acres, the stadium was completed in about 13 months against an original 18-month contract. Engineers on site said remaining works are focused on meeting CAF recommendations.

“We are in the final adjustments to ensure the venue meets all international standards,” said Godfrey Asaba, one of the engineers who guided the team through the facility.

AFCON Training and Match Readiness
The stadium is one of the venues earmarked for AFCON 2027. CAF requires four training grounds per host stadium. Hoima’s include the training pitch below the main stadium, plus Hoima Boma, King George in Masindi, and Satito.

The venue will also host CAF qualifiers in September, which officials described as an important test of operational readiness before the tournament.

Beyond Football
Officials emphasized that Hoima City Stadium is not just a football ground. The complex includes a running track, provisions for rugby, an indoor arena with 2,200 seats, two basketball courts, two volleyball courts, and a semi-Olympic swimming pool measuring 25m by 12.5m.

The indoor arena and courts are designed to serve Hoima and the wider Bunyoro region for sporting and entertainment events year-round.

Technology and Operations
The stadium is equipped with two large electronic scoreboards, perimeter LED screens, automated building systems, pitch irrigation and lighting controls, and a 24-hour Venue Operations Centre. From the VOC, staff can monitor and control lighting, irrigation, LED screens, mechanical and electrical systems.

An emergency communication system allows announcements to be directed to specific sections, with emergency call points located across the facility. Air Handling Units on each floor filter, cool and circulate air to maintain indoor air quality.

Water, Waste and Pitch Care
A mini water-treatment plant and on-site sewage treatment plant make the stadium largely self-sufficient in utilities. There is no hostel on site, so teams and officials will use hotels in Hoima.

The pitch is maintained by a dedicated team using seeded grass that can be replaced in sections. Visitors were strictly warned not to step on the playing surface to avoid contamination. Littering is also prohibited, with bins provided throughout the complex.

Seating and Access
The stadium has designated areas for general spectators, VIPs, VVIPs and media. There are about 720 VIP seats. The second level houses the VVIP section including the Presidential Suite, while the third level is for media and overflow seating.

Access routes are being redesigned to meet standards. A dedicated VVIP road leads directly to the VVIP entrance. VIPs will be dropped at a designated point and use staircases and a planned bridge to reach their section. A former VIP access area is being converted into a mixed zone to improve separation between different categories of users.

Medical and Safety
Ambulances were provided during the two games already hosted at the stadium and will be stationed at the venue on match days. The gym within the complex is reserved for trained users only, with visitors cautioned against using equipment without instruction.

A Legacy Facility
With AFCON 2027 approaching, focus is shifting from construction to operations. Officials said the facility is intended to serve as a lasting asset for football, athletics, rugby, indoor sports, swimming and major events long after the tournament.

“The stadium represents a significant investment in the sporting infrastructure of Hoima and Bunyoro,”