The MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo is one of eight grounds that did not meet the Football Association of Uganda (FUFA) club licensing standards for the upcoming 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season.

With the new campaign set to begin on August 28, 2026—just five weeks away—clubs using the venue, such as KCCA FC and NEC FC, may need to search for alternative home grounds.

A report FUFA report indicated that Lugogo failed primarily due to the degraded condition of its artificial playing surface.

The turf, installed a decade ago, has worn out significantly, especially in the goalmouth areas, which pose a high risk of injury to players.

Additionally, the technical benches did not meet required standards, and the floodlights fell short of the minimum illumination level, recording an average of only 503 lux.

The government has already spent Shs16 billion on the first two phases of the stadium’s redevelopment, carried out by Sarjan Construction.

These phases included the main stands, players’ and coaches’ facilities, and other supporting infrastructure.

KCCA FC has previously stated that completing the stadium to national and continental standards would require around Shs55 billion, leaving a funding shortfall of approximately Shs39.4 billion.

The playing surface remains the most pressing issue.

The current artificial turf expired in January 2026, and club officials emphasize that replacement is essential for player safety and compliance.

KCCA is requesting about Shs3.7 billion for a new FIFA-quality pitch.

Other venues that failed the licensing assessment are: Bugonga Fisheries Ground (Entebbe UPPC), Luzira Prisons Ground (Maroons), Royals Park Buteme (Kitara), Kigezi Al-Madina Ground (Kigezi HomeBoyz), Mbale Municipal Stadium (Kataka), Bombo Barracks Ground (UPDF), and Ebenezer University Ground (Blacks Power).

In contrast, the FUFA Licensing Committee has approved seven stadiums for the 2026/27 season.

These include St Mary’s Stadium Kitende (Vipers SC), Ham Stadium Nakivubo (Express FC and URA FC), Muteesa II Stadium Wankulukuku (SC Villa), Kira Police Arena (Police FC and Ntugasaze FC), Lugazi Stadium (Lugazi FC), FUFA Technical Centre Njeru (BUL FC), and Rwamwanja Stadium (Mbarara City).