The newly renovated Kadiba Stadium is only 25% complete, but according to FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo Hasim, it is already fit to serve as a training facility for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking after a floodlit friendly match between the Parliamentary Football Club and the President’s Eleven on Tuesday night, Magogo said he was pleased with the facility’s early performance despite ongoing work.
“So far, so good. This facility is usable,” said Magogo. “Even at 25% completion, it meets the standards to be a training ground for AFCON. We’re testing it at night to see how the pitch responds and how the lighting performs.”
Kadiba currently runs on 30% lighting capacity, but plans are in motion to upgrade it to 100% illumination to reach full broadcast-standard floodlighting. “When the lights are complete, they’ll meet international requirements, including TV coverage,” Magogo added.
The game also served as a test event for the playing surface, infrastructure, and night-time match suitability. The positive turnout and performance of the facility gave FUFA confidence in its interim readiness.
Despite the promising progress, Magogo emphasized that Kadiba remains a work in progress. “Only a quarter of the full development plan has been implemented. But our strategy is clear—every phase should be functional,” he noted.
He stressed that continued support from government and FIFA is critical for full completion, but called on more stakeholders to invest in football infrastructure, especially in upcountry regions.
“The dream is not just for Kadiba,” Magogo said. “Regions like Busoga, Bugisu, Ankole, and West Nile deserve similar facilities. That’s where Uganda’s future football talent lies.”
The stadium joins Uganda’s limited list of venues capable of hosting night football, including Namboole, Kitende, Nakivubo, and Philip Omondi Stadium.
Meanwhile, MP Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, who played in the match, praised FUFA’s phased approach. “I pushed for increased football funding in Parliament. Seeing this progress shows that the money is being put to good use,” he said.
