Bunyoro erupts in celebration as Government grants Kitara FC Hoima City Stadium for CAF Confederation cup matches

By Emmanuel Sekago

The Bunyoro region is in a jubilant mood following the government’s decision to allow Stanbic Uganda Cup champions Kitara Football Club to host their 2026-2027 CAF Confederation Cup home matches at the magnificent Hoima City Stadium.

The exciting announcement was made by the State Minister for Sports and Ngariam County Member of Parliament, Hon. Peter Ogwang, during the launch of the construction of the Hoima Booma Training Facility in Hoima City, one of the venues earmarked for preparations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Minister Ogwang reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting clubs that represent Uganda on the continental stage.

“I have committed on your behalf and on behalf of the government that we are going to give you the facility come September where you are going to play your international games. That shall be Hoima City Stadium,” Ogwang declared to loud applause from football stakeholders and supporters.

The development marks a historic milestone for Kitara FC and the entire Bunyoro sub-region. After securing a continental slot by winning the 2025-2026 Stanbic Uganda Cup, the Royals can now look forward to playing their CAF Confederation Cup matches in front of their home supporters.

The announcement comes as a major relief for the club, which endured a difficult experience during its maiden continental appearance in 2024. At the time, the absence of a CAF-certified stadium in Uganda forced Kitara FC to host Libyan side Al Hilal Benghazi in Libya, denying the club and its supporters the opportunity to enjoy home advantage.

The ceremony was graced by the Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, who also pledged financial support to assist the club’s preparations for the continental campaign.

“On behalf of the Office of the Prime Minister, I will give you UGX 20 million to support you,” Nabbanja announced.

The contribution was warmly welcomed by the club leadership as they begin planning for the demanding CAF Confederation Cup journey.

Hoima City Stadium is already familiar territory for Kitara FC and their passionate supporters. The facility hosted the highest attendance recorded in the 2025-2026 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season during the highly anticipated Bunyoro Derby between Kitara FC and Buhimba United Saints in March.

Now, the stadium is set to write another chapter in the club’s history by staging Kitara FC’s first-ever official continental home fixture on Ugandan soil.

Kitara FC President Deo Kasozi expressed gratitude to the government and President Yoweri Museveni for supporting the club’s continental ambitions.

“It is a great milestone for us as Kitara Football Club and it is going to work as a rehearsal for the Africa Cup of Nations. I want to call upon all the locals in the region to prepare very well because we are going to have several teams coming here to play against Kitara,” Kasozi said.

He further revealed the club’s ambitious target of reaching the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup.

“We want to thank the Prime Minister for the offer of UGX 20 million. It can help us buy visas for the players as we travel and also support some of the fans who will be able to travel with us,” he added.

For the upcoming CAF matches, Hoima City Stadium will operate with a controlled capacity of approximately 17,000 spectators, ensuring compliance with international safety standards while providing a world-class match-day experience.

Fans who spoke to wallnetnews digital expressed excitement and pride at the opportunity to watch continental football in Hoima for the first time.

Many described the government’s decision as a significant boost not only for Kitara FC but also for tourism, business, and sports development in the Bunyoro region.

As preparations gather momentum, anticipation continues to build across Hoima and the wider Bunyoro sub-region. For Kitara FC supporters, the dream of watching their beloved club compete on the continental stage at home is finally becoming a reality.

The CAF Confederation Cup campaign will not only offer Kitara FC an opportunity to showcase Ugandan football but will also provide Hoima City Stadium with an important test event ahead of Uganda’s co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

For Bunyoro, the countdown to continental football has officially begun.