Excitement as Hoima City Stadium hosts historic Uganda-Libya AFCON Qualifier

What the report says

Hoima City Stadium in western Uganda was set to host its first international football match on Tuesday, when the Uganda Cranes faced Libya in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture. The Independent Uganda reported that the event drew excitement from fans and residents in the Bunyoro sub-region, even as security was tightened around the stadium and surrounding roads.

The match was described as a notable moment for both the region and Uganda’s broader preparations to co-host the 2027 AFCON finals with Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda has already qualified automatically as one of the host countries, but is still playing in the qualifying series to stay competitive before the tournament.

According to the report, both national teams arrived at Kabalega International Airport in Hoima District on Sunday. Local residents interviewed by the publisher said the occasion felt historic because it brought the national team to their doorstep and marked a first for the stadium. The fixture was also presented as an important step in spreading major football events beyond Kampala.

The article said Hoima City Stadium is a 20,000-seat venue built by SUMMA and financed through Uganda’s Petroleum Fund. It is among the venues chosen for AFCON 2027 and includes facilities such as a hybrid pitch, media areas, training grounds and parking for nearly 1,000 vehicles. Police said the deployment was meant to protect players, fans and the public and urged people to follow security instructions.