President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady, Janet Kataha Museveni inspecting the stadium during its official commissioning
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday commissioned the 20,000-seater Hoima City Stadium in the Bunyoro sub-region, declaring it a clear signal of Uganda’s readiness to host major regional, continental, and international sports events.
The USD 130 million facility is one of Uganda’s flagship sports infrastructure projects ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the country will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, President Museveni said government investment in sports infrastructure is deliberate and anchored 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 was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataha Museveni. He pointed to completed and ongoing projects as evidence of Uganda’s preparedness, including 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,” the President added.
Thousands of people from across the Bunyoro sub-region and other parts of the country converged at the stadium for the commissioning. By 9:00 a.m., large crowds had gathered at various entrances, awaiting clearance by security and event officials. Access to the stadium was free, with tickets issued from Hoima City offices.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was a friendly football match between Kitara FC and KCCA FC, watched by the President as chief guest.
Earlier this week, Turkish construction firm M/S SUMMA officially handed over the stadium to the National Council of Sports (NCS). Government contracted the firm in June last year to construct the multi-purpose facility as part of 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 said income from Uganda’s natural resources must translate into visible development.
“That is why we insist that money from oil must support strategic sectors like infrastructure and sports,” he said.
Hoima City Stadium sits on 34 acres of land and meets FIFA and CAF standards. The project scope includes 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 839 parking spaces.
The facility also features VVIP and VIP suites, a presidential suite, eight elevators, 59 sanitary units including 13 for persons with disabilities, four dressing rooms, a 50-seater press conference hall, and 10 concession and retail units.
Construction works began on September 1, 2024, under the supervision of the Ministry of Works and Transport. The project employed 1,067 workers, 732 of them Ugandans.
The President said the decision to locate the stadium in Hoima was part of a broader strategy to promote balanced national development.
“Kampala cannot take everything. Development must reach other regions,” Museveni said.
Residents from different parts of the region welcomed the commissioning. Gard Tusiime from Kiryanga Sub-county, Kagadi District, said he left home early to witness what he described as a historic moment.
Christopher Byenkya of Kigorobya Town Council called the stadium a milestone for both Bunyoro and the country, while Edward Okello, a Kitara FC supporter from Buseruka Sub-county, said he was excited to watch his team play in the new facility.
Rose Kabalimu, a resident of Hoima City, said the stadium would boost local businesses. President Museveni also dismissed critics who downplay Uganda’s development progress, saying the National Resistance Movement’s prioritisation approach has delivered tangible results.
Hoima City Stadium is now viewed as a strategic national asset, expected to attract continental competitions, stimulate tourism, and create long-term economic opportunities for Hoima City and the wider Bunyoro sub-region.
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