Uganda’s preparations to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have come under sharp scrutiny, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) highlighting significant infrastructure and operational gaps across key facilities.
According to a recent CAF inspection report, none of the proposed competition stadiums in Uganda currently meet the required Category 4 standards. The country’s AFCON infrastructure programme is still in a mixed phase of construction, upgrading, and operational redesign.
Hoima Stadium Faces Operational Shortfalls
The report notes that Hoima City Stadium, though structurally complete, has multiple operational deficiencies that must be urgently addressed.
Key concerns include poor segregation of spectators, cross-movement between VIPs, media and fans, and non-compliant dressing rooms for both referees and players. Additionally, media facilities fall below CAF standards, while the positioning of team benches obstructs spectators’ views.
CAF emphasizes that despite completion of the structure, the stadium requires significant operational reconfiguration to qualify for AFCON hosting.
Mandela National Stadium Requires Major Upgrades
In Kampala, the iconic Mandela National Stadium is also flagged for major compliance gaps.
Proposed upgrades include partial demolition and expansion of the West Stand, as well as roof replacement. However, CAF has warned that the initial 15-month construction timeline is incompatible with AFCON 2027 deadlines.
Instead, CAF recommends a revised strategy that maximizes the existing structure, shortens construction time, and ensures completion by December 2026.
Akii Bua Stadium Status Unclear
The report further indicates that Akii Bua Stadium in Lira, currently under construction, was not visited during the inspection mission. Its readiness status therefore remains uncertain and subject to further verification.
Training Facilities and Support Infrastructure Lag Behind
CAF also raised concerns about uneven readiness of training facilities, particularly across the Hoima and Kampala clusters. Several training grounds remain non-compliant, with gaps in lighting, dressing rooms, and pitch quality.
Beyond stadiums, broader infrastructure remains a concern. These include:
- Delays in operational readiness of Hoima Airport
- Limited availability of high-quality hotels in Hoima
- Weak road connectivity between Kampala and Hoima
- Unverified medical and emergency services capacity
CAF warns that these factors are critical to the overall tournament ecosystem and must be addressed urgently.
August 2026 Set as Critical Milestone
CAF has now outlined priority actions to be verified in August 2026, marking a crucial checkpoint for Uganda’s readiness.
By then:
- Hoima City Stadium is expected to reach 100% completion, including all operational adjustments
- Mandela National Stadium should surpass 50% upgrade completion, with visible construction progress
- Training infrastructure must exceed 80% readiness, including certified lighting and fully operational facilities
The August inspection will assess demonstrable and measurable progress, determining whether Uganda remains on track to co-host AFCON 2027.
Pressure Mounts on Delivery Timeline
With less than two years to the tournament, the report places mounting pressure on authorities to accelerate works and resolve structural and operational shortcomings.
CAF’s findings serve as both a warning and a roadmap—highlighting that while progress is underway, significant effort is still required for Uganda to meet international hosting standards in time.
