Hoima, Uganda — The newly built Hoima City Stadium hosted its first official match as Uganda faced Algeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, marking a historic milestone for both the city and the nation’s sporting future.

Located on the eastern outskirts of Hoima, the state-of-the-art facility is still under development and forms part of Uganda’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Kenya and Tanzania. Once completed, the stadium will feature a 20,000-seat capacity, a modern athletics track, and covered stands, making it one of the most advanced sporting arenas in the country.

The choice of Hoima for the new stadium is part of a broader national development strategy. In the early 2000s, significant oil deposits were discovered in the region, sparking rapid urban and infrastructural growth. The government expects Hoima to emerge as a major economic and logistical hub, further supported by the construction of Uganda’s second international airport, scheduled to open nearby in 2025.

Beyond football, the Hoima City Stadium complex will include a sports hall and an auxiliary training ground, designed to promote sports development and community engagement.

As fans filled the stands for Uganda’s clash against Algeria, the match symbolised more than just a World Cup qualifier, it marked the dawn of a new sporting era for western Uganda, showcasing the region’s growing role in the nation’s transformation.

_{Photo Credit: Hoima City Stadium}