By Alan Mwesigwa
The State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, has called on local leadership and police in Hoima to ensure the security of Summa, the contractor handling the construction of the Hoima stadium.
The minister stressed the importance of safeguarding the project against potential sabotage as it moves towards its targeted completion date of December 31, 2025.
Ogwang, accompanied by delegations from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and the National Council of Sports, spent Thursday morning touring the site in Hoima City, where clearing operations are currently underway.
After a three-hour closed-door meeting with contractors and local leaders, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the stadium on schedule.
“Security is crucial for this project. We cannot afford delays due to sabotage or other disruptions,” Ogwang said.
He further reassured the contractors that the government was making necessary provisions, including extending water to the site and connecting electricity within four days. This will allow the contractor to work continuously, day and night, to meet the deadline.
The construction of the Hoima stadium is part of a broader government initiative to build more sports facilities across the country.
Minister Ogwang highlighted this plan, explaining that the expansion of sports infrastructure would position Uganda to bid for major international events, including the Olympics.
He also noted that this development would boost sports tourism, contributing to the country’s economic growth.
In response to environmental concerns raised by some groups, Ogwang dismissed claims that the stadium construction would damage a protected wetland. He assured the public that all necessary precautions were being taken to preserve the environment.
Moses Muyambi, the Hoima City East Resident City Commissioner (RCC), pledged support and security for the project.
“We will provide the necessary security to ensure the success of this government initiative,” Muyambi said.
According to the agreed terms, 80% of the workforce on the stadium project will be drawn from the local community, with the remaining 20% consisting of expatriates.
Minister Ogwang revealed that a foundation stone would be laid in the coming weeks, signaling the start of full-scale construction.
