Once saddled with the crumbling Lugogo Indoor Arena, Uganda is on the cusp of a sports revolution. By 2027, the country is set to unveil five international-standard indoor arenas, a dramatic upgrade that could finally unlock the nation’s basketball potential and cement its status as a regional sporting powerhouse.
The government is already hard at work, constructing arenas in Hoima, alongside the Hoima International Stadium, and in Lira, tied to the Aki Bua Stadium—both key pieces of Uganda’s infrastructure push to co-host the 2027 AFCON tournament with Kenya and Tanzania. Meanwhile, Turkish construction titan SUMMA has taken the reins on the second phase of renovations at Mandela National Stadium (Namboole), which includes a sleek new 3,000-seat indoor arena. SUMMA’s expanded role—initially focused on Hoima—comes after their impressive track record, earning them the nod to overhaul Namboole’s seating capacity, media zones, player facilities, and VIP sections to meet global benchmarks. What many Ugandans dismissed as a costly facelift at Namboole is now shaping up to be a genuine transformation, raising hopes among fans and sports insiders alike.
Lugogo’s Last Stand
For decades, the Lugogo Indoor Arena—Uganda’s only major indoor venue since its 1979 debut—has been a symbol of neglect. Deemed unfit for international competition, it’s now slated for demolition. In its place, two cutting-edge arenas will rise: a flagship 15,000-seat powerhouse and a 3,000-seat secondary venue on the current hockey grounds. Construction kicks off once SUMMA completes Namboole, a project shift sparked by their standout performance in Hoima.
The Fab Five Indoor Arenas
Here’s the full roster of Uganda’s game-changing indoor facilities:
- Kampala Arena (Lugogo) – 15,000 seats
- Mini Kampala Arena (Lugogo) – 3,000 seats
- Namboole Indoor Arena – 3,000 seats
- Hoima Indoor Arena – 2,500 seats (due December 2025)
- Aki Bua Indoor Arena (Lira) – 2,500 seats (due August 2026)
The Hoima and Aki Bua arenas will anchor their respective stadium complexes, complete with outdoor courts for basketball, tennis, volleyball, and netball, plus training pitches. These multi-sport hubs, alongside Namboole’s upgrades and Lugogo’s rebirth, signal a bold new era.
Basketball’s Stunted Growth: The Indoor Arena Facility Factor
Uganda’s basketball scene has long been a tale of untapped potential, shackled by subpar infrastructure. The Lugogo Indoor Arena, with its cracked floors, leaky roof, and outdated amenities, has been more a relic than a resource. National teams and local leagues, like the FUBA National Basketball League, have struggled to host high-caliber games or attract international scouts, often relegated to outdoor courts vulnerable to weather disruptions. Players like Isaac Lugudde-Katwe, a rising star, have spoken out about the lack of proper training spaces, forcing talent to grind on concrete slabs instead of polished hardwood.
The absence of modern facilities has also deterred investment. Sponsors and federations hesitate to back a sport without venues that can host televised events or FIBA-sanctioned tournaments. Uganda’s men’s team, the Silverbacks, made waves by qualifying for the 2021 AfroBasket, but their preparation was hamstrung by limited access to indoor courts meeting international standards. Youth development has suffered too—grassroots programs lack the spaces to nurture talent consistently, leaving many prospects to fade before they can shine.
A Slam Dunk for the Future
These five arenas could rewrite that story. With a capacity to host everything from FIBA qualifiers to regional leagues, they’ll give Ugandan hoopers a real shot at global exposure. Imagine the Silverbacks training in a 15,000-seat Kampala Arena, or young ballers honing their skills in Hoima’s state-of-the-art facility—suddenly, the dream feels tangible. Beyond basketball, the multi-sport setups will boost volleyball, netball, and more, while fueling Uganda’s bid to host international tournaments. Pair this with the country’s deep sports passion, affordable hosting costs, and a growing talent pool; you’ve got a recipe for a breakout decade.
The clock’s ticking to 2027, but the wait might be worth it for Ugandan basketball. These arenas aren’t just buildings—they’re the foundation for a legacy.
Also read: FUBA Hands Basketball League 2025 to Managers
