President Museveni praises Hoima stadium progress, promises more infrastructure

20 March 2025, 10:50 am

By Sarah Ejang

Speaking during an inspection visit to Hoima city today, the President, accompanied by Maama Janet Museveni, the First Lady and Minister of Sports and Education, emphasised that while Uganda has a rich sporting history, investment in sports facilities has long been hindered by economic challenges. He noted that aside from Namboole and Nakivubo, the country had not made significant progress in stadium development but assured Ugandans that the situation was changing.

He reiterated that with Uganda co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), there is an urgent need to strengthen infrastructure, not only for sports but also for tourism and hospitality.

He pledged government support to stimulate the private sector, particularly in hotel expansion in Hoima city, to accommodate the influx of visitors expected during the tournament.

Additionally, he announced plans to upgrade Akii-Bua Stadium and transform Gulu Airport into an international facility, further boosting regional connectivity.

The President also praised SUMMA for its efficiency, stating that the progress made in a short time was a testament to the contractor’s capability.

The Vice President, H.E. Jessica Alupo, highlighted the role of sports in enhancing Uganda’s international reputation, stressing that investments in modern stadiums would provide local athletes with better training facilities and increase the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.

The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, affirmed Uganda’s readiness to co-host AFCON 2027, describing the Hoima Stadium project as a game-changer for the region. She emphasised that beyond football, the stadium would become a hub for youth development programmes, helping to nurture talent and create employment.

She noted that the construction had already generated job and business opportunities in Hoima, benefiting the local economy. She also lauded SUMMA’s professionalism and commitment to delivering quality work on time.

On her part, Maama Janet expressed her gratitude to President Museveni for inspecting the construction of Hoima City Stadium, which will be one of the venues for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in 2027 (AFCON-2027), scheduled for July/August 2027.

“I am truly pleased to see the tremendous progress made by SUMMA within the seven months since construction began in September 2024.

I would also like to thank Hon. Peter Ogwang and his team, as well as the local leadership, who have been closely monitoring the project and providing feedback to me on where further government support is needed,” she said.

“I established an Inter-Ministerial forum that brings together various MDAs to coordinate our response to the challenges of hosting a successful CHAN-2024 and AFCON-2027, as there are several areas to address outside the Education and Sports Sector.”

Maama Janet added that, based on the progress shown by SUMMA, she believes the completed facility will greatly contribute to the development of sports in the country.

“Your Excellency, on behalf of the government of Uganda, I would like to extend our appreciation to the late Dr. James Rujumba, who donated ten acres of land, as well as the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) for the additional ten acres given for the establishment of this stadium complex.

The government purchased twenty-two acres, and with the 20 acres donated, this forms the 42 acres of land upon which the Hoima City Stadium complex is being built,” she noted.

“I would also like to thank SUMMA for providing employment opportunities for many Ugandans. I understand that 80 percent of the nearly 900 people working on this site are Ugandans.”

Mr. Murat Altun, the project manager for SUMMA, assured stakeholders that the company remains committed to delivering a world-class stadium within the agreed timeframe. He acknowledged the unwavering support of President Museveni and the First Lady, noting that their leadership has been instrumental in ensuring the project’s success.

Hoima City Mayor, Mr. Brian Kaboyo, thanked the President and First Lady for prioritising infrastructure development in the Bunyoro sub-region. He pointed to major projects such as Kabalega International Airport, improved road networks, and now the Hoima City Stadium as transformative developments.

With the project progressing steadily, the government remains confident that Hoima City Stadium will be completed on schedule. As Uganda prepares to host AFCON 2027, the facility is expected to set a new benchmark for sports infrastructure in the country, further solidifying Uganda’s position as a key player in regional and international sports.