President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday, March 19, presided over the commissioning of Hoima City Stadium, marking a major milestone in Uganda’s push to upgrade its sports infrastructure ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The $129 million multi-sports complex, spearheaded by Turkish construction firm SUMMA, is set to transform the sporting landscape in the Bunyoro region and beyond.
Construction of the stadium began in July 2024 and is expected to be completed within 18 months.
The facility will feature a 20,000-seat main stadium, a 2,000-seat indoor multi-sports arena, a semi-Olympic-sized swimming pool, and outdoor courts for basketball, netball, and volleyball.
Following the commissioning, President Museveni shared his thoughts on social media, highlighting the strategic decision to prioritize Hoima over Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira.
“For historical reasons, we initially planned to develop Akii-Bua Stadium before others. However, after our bid for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was successful, we made a case for the Hoima location. This decision was influenced by the presence of an airport in the area, which we had already begun working on,” the President tweeted.
Museveni, who inspected the ongoing work at the stadium alongside First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni, emphasized the economic impact of the project on the local community.
“I would like to congratulate the people of Hoima on these significant infrastructure improvements that will boost the local economy. I also encourage the private sector to contribute by providing additional services, such as hotels and other amenities,” he added.
With the stadium set to host key national and international sports events, including Uganda Cranes matches during the renovation of Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, the government is positioning Hoima as a major sports and tourism hub.
The presence of an airport and ongoing infrastructure developments in the region further solidify its status as a key venue for AFCON 2027 and beyond.
