Uganda steps up preparations for inaugural IBSA Blind Football Championship

Uganda’s preparations to host the first-ever IBSA Blind Football African Division 2 Championship later this year entered a crucial stage last week with a high-level inspection of facilities by international technical delegate Driss El Mountaqi of Morocco.

El Mountaqi, representing the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA), toured proposed venues in Kampala alongside Uganda Paralympic Committee officials led by Director of Administration Patrick Synole and Blind Football Uganda President Jagwe Muzafaru.

The inspection began at the Golden Tulip Hotel, designated as the Games Hotel, which comfortably met all IBSA accommodation standards. The delegation then proceeded to the KCCA Phillip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, where KCCA FC PRO Moses Magero guided them through checks on the playing surface, dressing rooms, referee areas, and noise levels.

Concerns were raised, however, about limited parking, ongoing construction, and the condition of changing rooms.

Attention later shifted to Hamz Nakivubo Stadium, where the visitors were impressed by the pitch quality and overall suitability of the environment for blind football.

“We have done similar checks, but I think for the purposes of the sport, the environment here is more friendly,” noted El Mountaqi.

Still, he flagged heavy traffic and large crowds around the stadium as potential challenges. In response, Stadium PRO Rogers Mulindwa assured that secure and accessible routes would be created for both players and fans during the championship.

Uganda will host South Africa, Senegal, Kenya, and South Sudan from October 25–30 for the historic tournament. Zimbabwe, the DRC, and Libya were initially expected to participate but later withdrew.

The competition promises to be a landmark moment, with Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan making their blind football debuts, while Senegal will be seeking redemption after relegation from Division 1 three years ago. The eventual winner will earn promotion to Division 1, opening the pathway to the Paralympic Games and the IBSA World Games in 2027.