There is a renewed sense of optimism in Uganda’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following remarkable progress at the Hoima City Stadium, one of the key venues set to host Africa’s premier football showpiece.
Fresh footage released by Turkish contractors, Ms Summa, on Wednesday reveals that the 20,000-seater main stadium at the 34-acre sports complex is nearing completion.
The roof is fully installed, seats are in place, and hybrid grass has already been laid. LED screens now adorn the arena, and other facility components are progressing steadily.
Outside the main stadium, work continues with equal intensity. Hybrid grass is being rolled out on the training pitch, the swimming pool is complete, and landscaping is well underway.
Outdoor courts are shaping up, while the 2,000-capacity indoor arena has reached the roofing stage.
Despite falling slightly short of their July deadline for the full completion of the main stadium, Summa is operating well within schedule and has pledged to hand over the entire facility to the government by December this year; two years ahead of the AFCON tournament.
Construction began in September 2024 and has been accelerated by a workforce of over 1,000 workers operating in shifts around the clock.
The Hoima complex will include facilities for football, athletics, and rugby, a semi-Olympic swimming pool, an indoor arena, and several auxiliary sporting courts, reinforcing Uganda’s commitment to hosting a world-class AFCON tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
Once work at Hoima winds down, the focus will shift to Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, where Summa will commence the second phase of renovations immediately after Uganda’s World Cup qualifier against Somalia on September 8.
This next phase at Namboole promises a massive facelift, including a new canopy roof, increased seating capacity, a revamped VIP lounge, improved mixed and media zones, relocated dressing rooms, and an upgraded presidential pavilion expected to host up to nine heads of state.
Additionally, a multi-purpose indoor arena will be constructed to complement the stadium’s offering. Lugogo Arena is also on Summa’s docket.
Summa’s reputation precedes them. The firm boasts an impressive African portfolio, including Rwanda’s Kigali Arena; a state-of-the-art indoor facility with a capacity of 10,000, as well as the 45,508-seater Amhoro Stadium and the iconic Kigali Convention Centre.
