President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially commissioned the Hoima City Stadium, describing it as a landmark achievement in Uganda’s economic planning, sports development, and regional transformation ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The modern 20,000-seater facility, located in the oil-rich Albertine Graben, positions Hoima City as a new hub for international sports and infrastructure development. Constructed by Turkish firm Summa Group, the stadium was completed in just 12 months, well ahead of the originally planned 18-month timeline.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, President Museveni emphasized that the project’s success was rooted in strategic planning, disciplined investment, and national ownership.

“This stadium has been built using our own money in a small period of time. This is because we have money. We have money because we have developed our economy systematically,” Museveni said.

He credited Uganda’s steady growth in agriculture, manufacturing, and services for enabling such large-scale investments, noting that the country is largely food secure and increasingly diversified economically.

The President also acknowledged local contributions to the project, saying, “I thank the home of the late Rujumba for giving us the land where this stadium now stands. I also want to thank the First Lady and Minister of Education for doing an excellent job in implementing this project.”

Oil, Infrastructure, and Sports Converge in Bunyoro

Museveni explained that Hoima’s selection was driven by broader regional developments linked to oil production.

“Because of the oil in Bunyoro, we built more roads and an international airport here. Then the sports officials came and said AFCON was coming to Uganda. We needed stadiums, and we therefore decided to come to Hoima,” he said.

The stadium, funded through Uganda’s Petroleum Fund, is expected to accelerate regional growth by attracting tourism, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses.

World-Class Facilities for AFCON 2027

Hoima City Stadium meets FIFA and CAF standards and boasts extensive modern amenities, including a hybrid turf pitch, VVIP and VIP lounges, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) facilities, media and conference rooms, training grounds, and parking for over 1,000 vehicles.

The complex also includes a semi-Olympic swimming pool, indoor arena, and outdoor courts for basketball, volleyball, and netball, making it a multi-sport facility designed for long-term national use.

Janet Museveni Calls Stadium a Symbol of Unity

First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni described the stadium as a symbol of national unity, peace, and capacity.

“This is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it,” she said, calling the facility a Christmas gift to Hoima City and the country at large.

She praised Summa Group for delivering the project on time and urged Ugandans to protect the stadium as a shared national asset.

Government and Contractor Praise Collaboration

State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang said the stadium demonstrates what focused leadership and collaboration can achieve, especially after Uganda secured the joint AFCON 2027 hosting rights with Kenya and Tanzania.

“This is more than a stadium; it is a home where every Ugandan will look forward to great victories and lasting memories,” Ogwang said.

Summa Group Chairman Selim Bora described the project as a symbol of resilience and trust, noting that it also enabled skills transfer and capacity building for Ugandans.

“This is not just a stadium. It is a national asset and a symbol of resilience,” Bora said.

A Strategic Investment Beyond AFCON

Beyond AFCON 2027, Hoima City Stadium is expected to nurture young talent, boost sports tourism, and anchor long-term urban and economic development in western Uganda.

As Uganda prepares to welcome Africa to AFCON, Hoima City Stadium stands as a powerful statement of ambition, planning, and national pride.