Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni commissioned the Hoima City Stadium amid fanfare in December.
The stadium contractors Summa were also hailed after completing works five months ahead of schedule.
The stadium, which has often been described as world class, also hosted its first competitive game this month with Kitara claiming bragging rights in Bunyoro after a 4-0 thrashing of local rivals Buhimba.
It led many to the conclusion that the stadium in its current state was ready to host next year’s 2027 Afcon.
The Caf Inspection team however took a different view after visiting Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, the three co-hosts of Afcon 2027 last month according to a copy of the report the Daily Monitor has seen.
The report indicated that none of the proposed competition stadiums in Uganda fully meets Caf Category Four requirements.
Caf Category Four is set as the highest standard with strict mandates designed for elite matches like Afcon qualifiers and final tournaments.
While it described the stadium structure as “completed and operational” it highlighted several major operational deficiencies at the facility.
Obstruction
The inspection team found fault with the current position of the benches causing a major view obstruction from the stands.
This was evidenced during the Kitara-Buhimba game as broadcasters struggled to find their way past the benches.
The inspection team also pointed at the absence of a clear segregation between spectator categories as well as a cross-circulation between media, VIP, teams and general spectators.
This was also a common feature during the league game as a section of fans that paid for ordinary tickets ended up crossing to the VIP area.
The Caf team is expected to conduct another round of inspection in August and advised that priority action be taken about the Mixed Zone to have it relocated outside of the competition area.
The Caf team also described the media facilities as “below Afcon standards” with the media tribune seemingly unable to hold more than 20 journalists.
This was also experienced during the Kitara-Buhimba game despite attracting mainly journalists from areas around Hoima.
Unlike modern stadiums across the world, the mixed zone in Hoima is also incorrectly located within the competition area.
Caf also called for upgrading of players and referee dressing rooms as well as the officials’ area before Caf’s next visit in August.
The state minister for sports, Peter Ogwang however recently played down concerns around the stadium after bits from the Caf report leaked on social media.
“I have seen something online which I am not happy with but because it is your opinion I respect it. But for once learn to appreciate when good work is done and always learn to consult. What I saw this morning was that the Hoima City Stadium failed to meet Caf’s standards.
“What is your purpose and what is your intention? That stadium met European standards. That stadium was given a five-star rating which is the best on the African continent,” Ogwang retorted.
“Now you who come in to say it has not met Caf’s standards have you got the report? I am the authority, if the report is to come out, it is coming to me. So please help us to help our country.”
“If the inspector comes and says this parking needs a special place for buses, does it tell you that it doesn’t fit. I also want to remind you that part of the agreement which was signed by the stadium will be handed over having satisfied Caf standards. So you who are speculating I am answering you in the affirmative now,” Ogwang stated.
Inspection
The Afcon 2027 Local Organizing Committee this week launched inspection of hotel facilities in the Bunyoro Sub-region after concerns about the availability of five-star hotels as required by Caf.
According to the report, the country must show validated hotel accommodation capacity for teams and officials including a minimum of five 5-star hotels with each offering at least 50 rooms by August.
While the works on Hoima Stadium are considered achievable, the report on Mandela National Stadium paints a grim picture which requires major upgrading works.
Caf wants at least 50% works completed before August when the inspection team will verify the adoption of a revised stadium upgrade strategy aligned with Afcon delivery deadlines.
They are also seeking confirmation of the construction contractor and project implementation schedule as well as a visible start of structural upgrading works.
Caf is also seeking implementation planning for hospitality areas and skyboxes and an upgrade plan for spectator circulation and media facilities.
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