Hoima Stadium wows inspectors as Uganda steps up 2031 Africa Games bid

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The African Union Sports Council (AUSC) has expressed strong satisfaction with Uganda’s bid to host the 15th edition of the Africa Games set for 2031.

The assessment follows a two-day inspection tour of Uganda’s major sports facilities by an AUSC technical delegation. Their remarks suggested that Uganda has made notable progress in its preparations, although further evaluation will determine the final outcome of the hosting decision.

Hoima Stadium has wowed African Union Sports Council (AUSC) technical delegation, expressing strong satisfaction with Uganda’s bid to host the 15th edition of the Africa Games set for 2031. (Courtesy photo)

Uganda is competing with Nigeria for the hosting rights. If successful, the country is expected to commit operational costs estimated at $94 million, approximately sh347.8 billion.

Hoima City Stadium is central to Uganda’s push to outshine Nigeria, alongside ongoing works at Nelson Mandela National Stadium and training grounds at Kyambogo University and Makerere University.

During their inspection of Hoima City Stadium on February 18, 2026, the AUSC delegation, led by head of technical affairs Dr Sid Ahmed Selmi and accompanied by Mozambique’s Penalva Ceaser and Lina Paul Kessy, noted that the 20,000-seater facility has the capacity not only to host the Africa Games but also global sporting events.

“I have visited many stadiums in Africa and worldwide, but I never imagined Uganda had absolutely such a world-class stadium. Hoima stadium has everything it takes to host any world event,” Selmi noted.

Hoima Stadium has wowed African Union Sports Council (AUSC) technical delegation, expressing strong satisfaction with Uganda’s bid to host the 15th edition of the Africa Games set for 2031. (Courtesy photo)

His deputy, Penalva, also praised Uganda’s recent infrastructure investment.

“Currently, Uganda is becoming more serious than any other African country in terms of sports infrastructure development. My only request is to ensure the area around this magnificent stadium is supported by four- and five-star hotels so visiting teams can feel at home.”

National Council of Sports general secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel, who toured the facilities alongside assistants Peter Oluga and Milton Chebet, as well as officials including Peninah Kabenge and Ivan Mugowa, said the delegation’s feedback strengthens Uganda’s confidence in winning the bid.

“The praise we have received from the AUSC delegation signals that we are strongly leading the race. I’m convinced government will continue supporting us to complete ongoing works and to further renovate Namboole to the standards required,” Ogwel noted.

Hoima Stadium has wowed African Union Sports Council (AUSC) technical delegation, expressing strong satisfaction with Uganda’s bid to host the 15th edition of the Africa Games set for 2031. (Courtesy photo)

The AUSC will carry out further inspections to examine the progress of works at different stadiums across the country, in addition to holding a meeting with the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.

With Uganda set to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Tanzania and Kenya, winning the bid to host the 2031 Africa Games would reinforce the country’s capacity to stage major international events and strengthen its position within the region.