(MENAFN- ForPressRelease) Uganda upgrades artificial turf to FIFA standard
In November 2025, as the Football Federation of Uganda (FUFA) launched a new round of stadium upgrades, the artificial turf systems of many football stadiums in Uganda were being updated or rebuilt.
The FUFA Technical Centre (Njeru) will begin an artificial turf upgrade project in September 2025. Do you know why the artificial turf of this stadium is being upgraded to new FIFA artificial turf? This is to ensure that FUFA has a training environment that meets the highest standards of FIFA, thereby significantly improving the overall development level and competitiveness of football in Uganda.

Background of the Development of Artificial Turf in Uganda
For the past few years, Uganda has relied on a limited number of natural grass and sand courts for training and matches. Natural grass is difficult to maintain in terms of court quality during the rainy and dry seasons.
With the increase in the number of leagues, the expansion of youth training programs, and the dense schedule of regional competitions, venue resources are already struggling to cope with the high-frequency use.
FUFA began its 'Field Modernization' project in 2023 and subsequently built and upgraded a number of artificial turf pitches in 2024-2025, including Muteesa II Stadium, Teso College Aloet training ground, and several regional 'mini soccer pitches' for five-a-side football turf.

Currently, Uganda has dozens of artificial turf football fields nationwide, some of which meet FIFA artificial turf/FIFA quality standards and are used to host regional competitions and youth training events. Artificial turf is playing an increasingly crucial role in Uganda's sports system.

Uganda's recent artificial turf upgrade project

Nakivubo/Hamz Stadium

The artificial turf has received FIFA Quality (FIFA Football Turf) certification. The football turf type used is Duofilament Mono.
Community and 5-a-side mini soccer pitch
Due to land scarcity, the demand for artificial turf is increasing in urban communities and smaller leagues. Several mini football pitches and 5-a-side turfs have been planned or are already under construction.
Mandela National Stadium (Namboole)
Upgraded to hybrid grass and undergoing major structural upgrades (expanding capacity to 60,000 seats, adding new roofs, etc.) in preparation for hosting AFCON 2027.
Hoima City Stadium
It is under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. It will also be used for AFCON 2027.

Why Is Uganda Increasingly Using Artificial Turf Football Fields?
Climate adaptability: In parts of Uganda, seasonal rainfall is significant. Natural grass is easily damaged during the rainy season and requires extensive artificial irrigation during the dry season. Artificial turf does not require constant watering or mowing, resulting in lower maintenance costs, greater stability, and better suitability for the local climate.
High usage rate: With high training and match frequencies, synthetic grass for soccer fields can withstand more intensive use.
Lower maintenance costs: Reduces watering, mowing, and maintenance expenses, making costs more manageable compared to natural grass.
Long-lasting and durable: Long service life (over 10 years), reducing the cost of frequent turf replacements.
Event hosting capacity: With FIFA-certified turf, some stadiums in Uganda can host higher-level matches.
Community football development: Mini pitches and 5-a-side turf encourage community youth and a wider range of people to participate in football.


The impact of artificial turf soccer fields
Training hours at youth training centers and schools have significantly increased
Regional leagues can schedule matches more flexibly, unaffected by the weather
Night matches are gradually increasing, improving spectator participation
Venue construction and maintenance are creating local employment opportunities
With more stadiums receiving FIFA turf certification, the overall competitive environment and training quality for football in Uganda are continuously improving.

Future directions for football field development in Uganda
FUFA plans to continue expanding the number of artificial turf soccer pitches by 2026, focusing on promoting FIFA artificial turf soccer pitches to cover more schools, youth training centers and community fields, while increasing the construction of regional mini pitches to provide stable development conditions for grassroots football.

More venues are expected to apply for FIFA turf certification to raise the standards for matches and training.
International suppliers (including Mighty Grass, one of the professional suppliers specializing in FIFA artificial grass and synthetic grass for soccer fields) are expected to participate in the construction of future artificial turf projects in Africa.

As more FIFA artificial turf systems are implemented across the country, Uganda's football infrastructure is moving from "meeting needs" to "meeting international standards," which will enhance Uganda's ability to host international events and promote the sustainable development of football culture.

Company:-Mighty Grass

User:- Mighty Grass

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