Ten stadiums have been approved to host 2026/27 Uganda Premier League first-round matches, with several venues shared by multiple clubs.
The 2026/27 Uganda Premier League will begin with only ten stadiums approved to accommodate the competition’s 18 clubs during the first round.
The final venue allocation requires 14 clubs to share six approved grounds, while Hamz Stadium at Nakivubo will carry the heaviest responsibility by serving four teams.
According to Kawowo Sports’ report on the approved UPL stadiums, the fixture delay resulted partly from clubs failing to present facilities that satisfied licensing requirements.
Approved UPL Stadiums and Their Home Clubs
| Approved stadium | Home club or clubs |
| MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo | KCCA, NEC |
| Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo | URA, Express, UPDF, Entebbe UPPC |
| Hoima City Stadium | Kitara, Blacks Power |
| Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku | SC Villa, Maroons |
| St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende | Vipers SC |
| Kira Police Arena, Kamwokya | Police, Ntugasaze |
| Bukedea Comprehensive Sports Complex | Kataka |
| Rwamwanja Stadium, Kamwenge | Mbarara City, Kigezi HomeBoyz |
| Lugazi FC Stadium, Najjembe | Lugazi FC |
| FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru | BUL FC |
Hamz Stadium Becomes the Busiest Venue
Hamz Stadium will host URA and Express, who used the Nakivubo facility last season, alongside UPDF and Entebbe UPPC.
UPDF moved after Bombo Barracks Playground failed the licensing assessment, while promoted Entebbe UPPC could not secure approval for Bugonga Fisheries Ground. The arrangement means four clubs must coordinate training, match operations and pitch use at one venue.
MTN Omondi Stadium was approved for KCCA and NEC but is currently restricted to daytime matches because its lighting did not meet the required standard for night football.
KCCA FC and Kitara FC players compete during their Uganda Premier League encounter. Courtesy picture
Five Other Stadiums Will Be Shared
SC Villa and Maroons will take Premier League football back to Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku. Police and league newcomers Ntugasaze will share Kira Police Arena in Kamwokya.
Rwamwanja Stadium retains top-flight football for a second consecutive season and will accommodate Mbarara City and promoted Kigezi HomeBoyz.
Hoima City Stadium is the major addition to the domestic venue list. The new facility will host Kitara and Blacks Power during the opening half of the season, giving supporters in the Bunyoro region regular Premier League football.
Four Clubs Retain Individual Home Grounds
Champions Vipers will continue playing at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, while BUL remain at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
Lugazi will use Lugazi FC Stadium in Najjembe, and Kataka will host their home fixtures at Bukedea Comprehensive Sports Complex.
The allocation followed FUFA’s assessment of clubs and proposed match facilities. FUFA’s club licensing decision explained that the process considers sporting, infrastructure, personnel, administrative, legal and financial requirements.
Why Stadium Approval Matters
Licensing promotes safer playing surfaces, adequate dressing rooms and more suitable matchday operations.
Ground sharing presents practical challenges. Heavy usage can damage pitches, create scheduling pressure and weaken the connection between clubs and their traditional communities. Clubs must work with stadium operators to maintain facilities throughout the first round.
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Verdict
The approval of ten venues allows the 2026/27 UPL first round to proceed, but the number also highlights Uganda’s continuing shortage of top-flight-standard football facilities.
Hamz Stadium’s four-club allocation demonstrates the immediate pressure created by failed inspections. The long-term priority must be improving more regional grounds so clubs can play closer to their supporters without compromising safety, pitch quality or competition standards.
