President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned the newly constructed Hoima City Stadium, marking a major milestone in Uganda’s preparations to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the country will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
The USD 130 million, 20,000-seater stadium, located in the Bunyoro sub-region, was officially opened on Wednesday, signaling Uganda’s readiness to host major regional, continental, and international sporting events.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Museveni said government investment in sports infrastructure is deliberate and rooted in long-term national planning.
“We are building capacity for the future. These facilities are not for today alone, but for generations to come,” Museveni said.
The President, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataha Museveni, highlighted ongoing and completed sports infrastructure projects as proof of Uganda’s preparedness. These include Hoima City Stadium, Akibua Stadium in Lira City, the refurbished Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, and several regional mini stadiums under construction ahead of AFCON 2027.
“Uganda is now ready to host big tournaments because the infrastructure is being put in place systematically,” he added.
Thousands of people from across the Bunyoro sub-region and beyond gathered at the stadium for the event. By 9:00 a.m., large crowds had assembled at various entrances, with free access granted through tickets issued at Hoima City offices.
A highlight of the ceremony was a friendly football match between Kitara FC and KCCA FC, which the President watched as chief guest.
Earlier in the week, Turkish construction firm M/S SUMMA officially handed over the facility to the National Council of Sports (NCS). The firm was contracted in June last year as part of Uganda’s AFCON preparations.
Located in Kyarwiru Cell, Hoima East Division, the stadium is among the venues selected to host AFCON matches. Construction was fully financed through Uganda’s Petroleum Fund, supported by revenues from the country’s oil and gas resources.
President Museveni emphasized that income from natural resources must translate into tangible development.
“That is why we insist that money from oil must support strategic sectors like infrastructure and sports,” he said.
The stadium sits on 34 acres and meets FIFA and CAF standards. Facilities include a 20,000-seater main stadium, a 2,000-seater mini arena, a semi-Olympic swimming pool, a standard competition pitch, an outdoor training pitch, running tracks, two basketball courts, two volleyball courts, and parking for 839 vehicles.
Additional amenities include VVIP and VIP suites, a presidential suite, eight elevators, 59 sanitary units—13 of which are accessible to persons with disabilities—four dressing rooms, a 50-seater press conference hall, and 10 concession and retail units.
Construction began on September 1, 2024, under the supervision of the Ministry of Works and Transport and employed 1,067 workers, including 732 Ugandans.
The President noted that selecting Hoima as the stadium’s location was part of a broader strategy to promote balanced national development.
“Kampala cannot take everything. Development must reach other regions,” he said.
Residents welcomed the project with enthusiasm. Gard Tusiime from Kagadi District described the commissioning as a historic moment, while Christopher Byenkya from Kigorobya Town Council called the stadium a milestone for Bunyoro and the country. Kitara FC supporter Edward Okello from Buseruka Sub-county expressed excitement about watching his team play at the new facility.
Rose Kabalimu, a Hoima City resident, said the stadium is expected to boost local businesses and economic activity.
President Museveni also dismissed critics who downplay Uganda’s development progress, saying the National Resistance Movement’s prioritization approach has delivered tangible results.
Hoima City Stadium is now regarded as a strategic national asset, expected to attract continental competitions, boost tourism, and create long-term economic opportunities for Hoima City and the wider Bunyoro sub-region.