Hoima, Uganda: Stanbic Uganda Cup champions Kitara FC will host their 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup matches at Hoima City Stadium after receiving government clearance to use the facility for continental football.
The confirmation was made by State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang on Friday during the launch of the emergency and accident ward construction project at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.
The announcement comes days after Kitara secured qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup by defeating SC Villa 2-1 in the Stanbic Uganda Cup final at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
“Kitara misbehaved when they hosted a league game at the stadium and allowed in more than the required numbers. People were jumping over the fences, and I closed the stadium. Now that they are going to play in the CAF Confederation Cup, they are busy pleading,” Ogwang said.
“The asset is here, and it will shame the country for Kitara to play elsewhere, but this time I will be directly in charge of everything.”
The decision ends speculation over where the Royals would host their continental matches and spares the club the logistical and financial burden of playing outside Uganda.
During their maiden continental appearance in 2024, Kitara were forced to host Libyan side Al Hilal Benghazi away from home because Uganda lacked a CAF-approved stadium.
The latest development means Hoima City Stadium will become the club’s home ground for the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
Despite the stadium’s 20,000-seat capacity, Ogwang revealed that only 17,000 spectators will be permitted during CAF matches to comply with safety and competition requirements.
Authorities have continued to make improvements to the facility, which is one of Uganda’s flagship infrastructure projects ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
The minister disclosed that CAF inspectors are expected to return to the three East African host nations to assess progress on stadiums and related infrastructure earmarked for the tournament.
Nabbanja Boosts Kitara
In a further boost for the club, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja donated Shs20 million towards Kitara’s preparations for both the domestic season and continental campaign.
Nabbanja, who serves as the club’s patron, made the contribution during the same event in Hoima. “On behalf of the Office of the Prime Minister, I will give you Shs20 million to support you for the upcoming season locally and internationally,” Nabbanja said.
Kitara officials, led by club president Deo Kasozi and chief executive officer Joshua Atugonza, presented the Stanbic Uganda Cup trophy to the Prime Minister during the ceremony.
The Royals will be making their second appearance in continental football and will be seeking to improve on their previous outing after securing their second Uganda Cup title in three seasons.
While Kitara will represent Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup, StarTimes Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC will fly the country’s flag in the CAF Champions League.
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