Museveni Praises Fast Progress of Hoima City Stadium, Reaffirms AFCON 2027
Bahati shalom
Friday, March 21, 2025
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised the quick progress being made at Hoima City Stadium, highlighting the government’s strong commitment to developing sports infrastructure, especially ahead of Uganda co-hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.
While visiting the construction site in Hoima City, the President was joined by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni. He noted that although Uganda has a rich sports history, the country has faced financial challenges that limited investment in sports facilities. Apart from the older stadiums like Namboole and Nakivubo, not much had been done. But with AFCON 2027 coming, this is changing fast.
Museveni explained that the choice of Hoima for the stadium was influenced by its airport, which is currently under construction. This will make it easier for teams and fans to access the venue.
“I would like to congratulate the people of Hoima on these significant infrastructure improvements that will boost the local economy,” he posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
He called on the private sector to support the government by building more hotels and other services to help host the many visitors expected during the tournament. The President also announced plans to upgrade Akii-Bua Stadium and turn Gulu Airport into an international one, which will improve travel connections within the country.
He thanked the construction company, SUMMA, for working quickly and efficiently. “The progress achieved in a short time is a testament to the contractor’s capability,” he said.
Vice President Jessica Alupo said that modern stadiums will help Uganda’s athletes train better and allow the country to shine internationally. She said this kind of development is important not just for sports, but also for building Uganda’s image globally.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja confirmed that Uganda is fully ready to co-host AFCON 2027. She described Hoima Stadium as a game-changer for the region. According to her, the stadium will also support youth development programs and provide jobs. She added that many people in Hoima are already benefiting from new business and employment opportunities linked to the construction.
Maama Janet Museveni expressed happiness about the rapid progress since construction began in September 2024. “I am happy indeed to see the tremendous progress made by SUMMA within this period of seven months since construction started in September 2024.”
She thanked Hon. Peter Ogwang, his team, and local leaders for closely monitoring the project and giving her regular updates.
“I always want to thank Hon. Peter Ogwang and his team as well as the local leadership who have been keeping an eye on the progress of the project and always bringing feedback to me where further support by the government is required,” she said.
She also explained that she created an inter-ministerial group to make sure different government departments work together to help Uganda host both CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 successfully.
Maama Janet appreciated the land donations that made the stadium possible. “Your Excellency, on behalf of the government of Uganda, allow me to extend appreciation to the late Dr. James Rujumba who donated ten acres of land as well as the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) for the additional ten 10 acres given for the establishment of this stadium complex.
The twenty-two acres that the government bought together with the 20 acres received in donation form the 42 acres of land upon which the Hoima City Stadium complex is being established,” she noted.
She also praised SUMMA for giving jobs to locals.
“I also want to thank SUMMA for providing employment opportunities to the many Ugandans because I understand that 80 percent of the nearly 900 people working on this site are Ugandans.”
SUMMA’s project manager, Mr. Murat Altun, said the company is dedicated to delivering a world-class stadium on time. He thanked the President and First Lady for their support, saying their leadership has been key in moving the project forward.
Hoima City Mayor Brian Kaboyo also thanked the President and First Lady for focusing on infrastructure in the Bunyoro region. He pointed out other major developments like Kabalega International Airport and improved roads, alongside the stadium project, as key improvements for the region.
As Uganda prepares for AFCON 2027, Hoima City Stadium is expected to become one of the best sports facilities in the country—creating jobs, boosting tourism, and supporting local athletes.
