Hoima Stadium launch boosts Uganda’s AFCON 2027 plans
President Yoweri Museveni, accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni, emphasised that Uganda is only beginning its journey in sports development.
President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni laying the foundation stone at Hoima City Stadium. PHOTOS: Charles Lwanga
Charles Lwanga
Journalist @New Vision
The commissioning of the Hoima City Stadium, a key project for Uganda’s co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Kenya and Tanzania, marks a significant milestone in the country’s sports infrastructure development.
President Yoweri Museveni, accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni, emphasised that Uganda is only beginning its journey in sports development.
The stadium, constructed by Turkish firm Summa Construction Company, is progressing rapidly, with the contractor committed to completing the facility within 18 months. The project includes a 20,000-seater stadium, an athletics track, training pitches, an indoor arena, a semi-Olympic swimming pool, and outdoor courts for basketball, volleyball, netball, and tennis. Valued at sh470b, the project is expected to significantly boost sports and talent development in the region.
In her speech, Janet Museveni outlined plans to transform Hoima into a sports hub focused on talent identification and development, similar to the success achieved in Kampala. This commissioning follows the earlier inauguration of Akibua Stadium in Lira City in January, another venue for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
President Museveni also tasked Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja with overseeing the upgrade of Hoima Referral Hospital to meet CAF standards and enhancing the city’s hospitality infrastructure. He stressed the importance of collaboration with the private sector to ensure facilities meet international standards.
The Rujumba family was praised for their generous donation of 10 acres of land for the stadium’s construction, a crucial contribution to the project’s realization. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and other government officials.
Turkish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Mehmet Fatih Ask, commended the Ugandan government for its support of Turkish companies and pledged the timely and proper delivery of the project.