Summary:
During an inspection visit to the stadium in Hoima City on Wednesday, the President, accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Sports and Education Maama Janet Museveni, emphasized Uganda’s rich sporting history.
HOIMA: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised the impressive progress of the Hoima City Stadium’s construction, reaffirming the government’s commitment to advancing sports infrastructure in Uganda.
During an inspection visit to the stadium in Hoima City on Wednesday, the President, accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Sports and Education Maama Janet Museveni, emphasized Uganda’s rich sporting history.
However, he acknowledged that investment in sports facilities had long been constrained by economic challenges. He pointed out that besides Namboole and Nakivubo, Uganda had made little progress in stadium development, but reassured the nation that this was changing.
He stressed 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. The President vowed government support in stimulating the private sector, particularly in expanding hotels in Hoima City to accommodate the influx of visitors during the tournament.
Additionally, he revealed plans to upgrade Akii-Bua Stadium and transform Gulu Airport into an international facility, which would improve regional connectivity.
The President also commended the contractor, SUMMA, for its efficiency, noting that the progress made in just seven months was a testament to the company’s capability.
Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo highlighted the critical role sports play in enhancing Uganda’s international reputation. She emphasized that investments in modern stadiums would provide better training facilities for local athletes, raising the country’s competitiveness globally.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja reaffirmed Uganda’s readiness to co-host AFCON 2027. She described the Hoima Stadium project as a game-changer for the region, noting that the stadium would serve as a hub for youth development programs and create employment opportunities.
She further acknowledged that the construction had already provided job and business opportunities, benefiting Hoima’s local economy. She also praised SUMMA’s professionalism in delivering quality work on schedule.
Maama Janet expressed her gratitude to President Museveni for personally inspecting the progress of Hoima City Stadium, which will host part of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027. She expressed her satisfaction with the progress made by SUMMA, who had completed the construction in just seven months since it began in September 2024.
“I would like to thank Hon. Peter Ogwang and his team, as well as the local leadership, who have been actively monitoring the project and providing feedback on areas where government support is needed,” she said.
She also highlighted the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial forum to coordinate the country’s preparations for hosting both the 2024 CHAN and the 2027 AFCON, noting the need to address various issues beyond the Education and Sports sector.
Maama Janet acknowledged the contributions of the late Dr. James Rujumba, who donated ten acres of land for the stadium, and the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), which donated an additional ten acres. She also thanked SUMMA for creating significant employment opportunities, noting that 80 percent of the nearly 900 people working on the site are Ugandans.
Project Manager Mr. Murat Altun of SUMMA assured stakeholders that the company is committed to delivering a world-class stadium on schedule. He praised the support of President Museveni and Maama Janet, recognizing their leadership in driving the project forward.
Hoima City Mayor, Mr. Brian Kaboyo, expressed his gratitude to the President and First Lady for prioritizing infrastructure development in the Bunyoro sub-region. He pointed to projects like Kabalega International Airport, improved road networks, and the Hoima City Stadium as transformative developments.
With the project progressing steadily, the government remains confident that Hoima City Stadium will be completed on time. As Uganda prepares to host AFCON 2027, the stadium is set to become a benchmark for sports infrastructure in the country, further enhancing Uganda’s standing in both regional and international sports.
The Source Reports.
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