As the clock ticks towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Uganda stands at a critical juncture, ready to demonstrate its readiness for the prestigious tournament amidst rising scrutiny. Officials from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have arrived in East Africa to evaluate the region’s preparedness, including vital infrastructure and facilities essential for the event.
The inspection comes at a pivotal time for Uganda, as concerns loom over its ability to host the tournament effectively. Alongside regional neighbors Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda faces questions regarding its capability to fulfill the requirements set forth for AFCON 2027. Reports suggest that the CAF may consider postponing the tournament to 2028, amid doubts surrounding the overall readiness of the East African nations.
In response, CAF officials have embarked on an inspection mission across Uganda, focusing on critical facilities, including stadiums and training venues.
“The inspection visits by the technical experts kicked off this week and will run until Tuesday, 17 February, as CAF applies its strict, world-class delivery standards,” CAF stated in a release on its website.
What is CAF Looking For?
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Mandela National Stadium. Hon Peter Ogwang Image
“These include technical assessments covering pitch requirements, as well as safety, security, and infrastructure readiness at key match and training venues earmarked for use during the tournament,” the statement continued.
“CAF’s inspections form part of a broader strategy to raise standards on and off the pitch across African football. By driving consistent, world-class benchmarks in infrastructure, operations, and venue management, CAF aims to enhance the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON’s reputation as among the leading football tournaments in the world,” the organization added.
“These efforts also support CAF’s wider objective of helping to build a stronger and more self-sustaining football ecosystem on the continent through partnerships with governments to improve facilities, delivery capability, and long-term football development,” CAF noted.
Uganda Ahead of the Rest
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Hoima Stadium in Uganda opened in December 2025.
In Uganda, CAF will assess key venues including Mandela National Stadium and Hoima City Stadium, both selected to host matches during the tournament. The inspection will also extend to various training facilities, alongside accommodations that are intended to support participating teams.
Among the three East African nations, Uganda is currently the only one with both primary stadiums completed, as Hoima City Stadium was inaugurated in December 2025. Meanwhile, Mandela Stadium is set for renovations to ensure optimal conditions.
In contrast, Kenya continues to construct the new 60,000-seat Talanta Stadium, which will complement Kasarani Stadium during the tournament, while Tanzania is developing the 30,000-seat Samia Suluhu Stadium in Arusha, and will also utilize the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam for matches.
