President Museveni officially commissioned Hoima City Stadium, marking a major milestone in Uganda’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
The ceremony, held in Hoima City in the Bunyoro sub-region, drew thousands of residents, sports fans, government officials and dignitaries from within and outside the country. The president was accompanied by the First Lady and minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, under whose docket the project was implemented.
Built by Turkish firm Summa International Construction Company Inc, the stadium is a multi-sports complex valued at about $129m (Shs463 billion). Construction was completed in 12 months, four months ahead of schedule.
Government signed the contract with Summa in June 2024 as part of preparations for AFCON 2027, which Uganda will co-host under the Pamoja bid.
Addressing the gathering, Museveni praised the contractor for efficiency and workmanship, saying the project demonstrated what could be achieved with proper planning and discipline.
“I want to thank the Turkish company for the good work. I have seen the stadium and some of the roads they have constructed. They are very good workers and we are going to do more with them,” he said, before formally commissioning the facility to loud applause.
To symbolically open the stadium, the president stepped onto the pitch and juggled a football at the centre circle, drawing cheers from fans who had filled the stands.
The complex sits on 34 acres on the outskirts of Hoima City and includes a 20,000-seat outdoor stadium designed for football, rugby and athletics, as well as a 2,000-seat indoor arena for sports such as basketball, netball and volleyball.
Museveni paid tribute to the family of the late Dr Rujumba, who donated 10 acres of land for the project, describing the gesture as an act of patriotism.
He also addressed public concerns about the project’s financing, saying government opted to fund the stadium directly rather than rely on pre-financing arrangements that would have attracted high interest.
“Initially the contractor was to pre-finance the project, but the interest was too high. We decided to fund it ourselves,” he said.
Responding to criticism over public spending on sports infrastructure, Museveni said the stadium was built quickly because Uganda had the resources, but had to prioritise.
“Uganda has the money, but we cannot do everything at once. Development requires prioritisation,” he said.
The stadium meets international and Fifa standards and is expected to host continental and international competitions beyond AFCON 2027. The wider complex includes training grounds, athlete facilities, administrative blocks, media zones, parking and modern security installations.
Janet Museveni described the commissioning as a historic moment and a “marvellous Christmas gift” to the country, particularly to the people of Bunyoro.
She said the project was a testament to what Uganda could achieve under peace and stability and credited the president’s leadership for the timely release of funds and supervision.
She urged residents to protect and properly use the facility, saying although it was a national asset, Bunyoro would be the immediate beneficiary. She also reaffirmed government’s commitment to establishing a public university in the region.
Janet Museveni said Hoima City Stadium was part of a broader plan to construct at least 10 sports facilities by June 2027. These include additional grounds in Hoima, Masindi and Lira, as well as upgrades at Kyambogo University, Makerere University and FUFA Kadiba Stadium to support Namboole.
“All these facilities are fully funded by government. This shows that our economic fundamentals are strong,” she said, adding that such investments were only possible in a stable country.
Summa Construction chairman Selim Bora said more than 2,500 workers, 80% of them Ugandans, were involved in the project, despite challenges including prolonged rainfall.
The commissioning was capped with an opening match in which Kitara FC beat KCCA FC 1–0.
