By Ahabu Bwesigye
HOIMA, Uganda - The Uganda Cranes are set to make history later this month when they move away from their traditional home at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, to play their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya at the newly built Hoima City Stadium.
The Cranes will face Libya on September 29, 2026, in what will be the first international match for Uganda’s senior men’s national team at the new facility. The match is expected to mark a major moment for Hoima and the wider Bunyoro region as the city takes its place among Uganda’s major football destinations.
The decision to take the Cranes to Hoima comes as Uganda continues preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Kenya and Tanzania.
Hoima City Stadium is one of the facilities being developed and prepared for the tournament and has already been classified by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) in the highest International category for the 2026/27 football season.
The stadium, constructed by Turkish company Summa, has a stated capacity of 20,000 spectators, alongside modern facilities including VIP suites, dressing rooms, media facilities, parking and other supporting infrastructure. The National Council of Sports says the project cost about US$129 million.
The Cranes' arrival will also provide the biggest test yet for the stadium. Hoima has already hosted continental club football, with Kitara FC using the venue for its CAF Confederation Cup matches.
However, the Cranes' fixture against Libya will be the first time Uganda's senior national team plays an international match at the stadium.
The move to Hoima follows efforts by sports authorities to ensure the facility meets international football standards. Sports Minister Peter Ogwang previously said that 99 percent of the concerns raised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had been addressed, clearing the way for the Cranes to host Libya at the venue.
For the Cranes, the Hoima assignment comes five days after an away qualifier against Tunisia on September 24. Coach Paul Put has named a 28-man squad for the September international window, with Uganda then returning home to face Libya before travelling to Côte d’Ivoire for two friendly matches against DR Congo.
Off the pitch, excitement is already building in the Oil City. Reports indicate that 18,000 tickets have been made available for the Cranes-Libya encounter, with tickets expected to be sold online. The development is likely to attract football fans from Hoima, Bunyoro and neighbouring districts who will get an opportunity to watch the national team in a new setting.
The fixture therefore carries significance beyond the result. It will be a major examination of Hoima City Stadium's readiness to handle a Uganda Cranes international match, while giving fans outside Kampala a chance to experience the national team on home soil.
For Hoima, it is the beginning of a new chapter in its sporting history. For the Cranes, it is a historic first appearance at a stadium that is expected to play a central role in Uganda's AFCON 2027 journey.
Uganda Cranes vs Libya - September 29, 2026. Hoima City Stadium. A new home, a historic night.
Uganda Cranes Set for Historic Hoima City Stadium Debut
