By John Barnes Ssentamu
President Museveni has officially commissioned the Hoima City Stadium, describing it as a major milestone for Uganda and a true Christmas gift to the people of Bunyoro and the entire country.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the President thanked the Rujumba family for donating the initial 10 acres of land for the project and commended government officials, particularly the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, for guiding its successful implementation. He said the facility was born out of the wider development momentum created by Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
“Because of oil, we have built more roads and an international airport. Even as we were still developing these, sports opportunities came in,” Museveni said, noting that many Ugandans often wondered where the money came from.
He explained that Uganda’s ability to finance such major projects is rooted in consistent economic growth and strategic planning. He highlighted agriculture as the backbone of the economy, pointing out that Uganda no longer relies on food imports, and noted continued expansion in manufacturing, services, tourism, and hospitality.
Museveni said the opportunity to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was a turning point that pushed government to act with urgency, ensuring Uganda was ready and competitive. He also praised Turkish contractor Summa for delivering quality work.
“I have seen the stadium and some of the roads they have done. They are really good workers, and we are going to do more with them,” he said.
Declaring the stadium officially open, the President announced, “It is now my pleasure to commission Hoima City Stadium.”
First Lady Janet Museveni described the day as one of joy and thanksgiving, emphasising that peace and stability make such national progress possible. She reminded the people of Bunyoro to be good stewards of national assets including the oil wells, the new stadium, and the planned public university.
She noted that such developments should strengthen unity and shared responsibility, and confirmed that Hoima City Stadium forms part of a broader national sports infrastructure programme that government is rolling out ahead of AFCON 2027. Additional facilities will be developed in Hoima Boma Grounds, Masindi Stadium and Sir Tito Winyi Secondary School.
Further investments include the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira, backed by training facilities at Gulu University, Lira University and Pece Stadium, while Kyambogo University, Makerere University and Kadiba will support Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. All these projects are fully funded by government.
The commissioning was attended by several high-profile Ugandan leaders alongside Summa Chairman Selim Bora and the Turkish Ambassador to Uganda, Mehmet Fatih Ak.
The day featured sporting activities including athletics, basketball, rugby and football. The highlight was a match in which Kitara FC defeated KCCA FC 1–0 courtesy of an Isaac Amutuhaire strike, followed by entertainment and a fireworks display.
Key Facts About Hoima City Stadium
- Employer: National Council of Sports (NCS)
- Contractor: M/S Summa
- Supervisor: Ministry of Works
- Contract Type: EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction – Design and Build Turnkey)
- Project Duration: 18 months
- Defects Liability Period: 12 months
- Commencement Date: 01 September 2024
- Official Completion: 28 February 2026
- Total Site Area: 16.8 hectares (168,000 sqm)
- Seating Capacity: 20,000
- Parking: 839 spaces (720 open, 119 closed)
- Suites: 1 Presidential Suite, 12 Skyboxes and VIP lounges
- Elevators: 8 (VVIP, VIP, PWD and service lifts)
- Washrooms: 59 sanitary units + 13 accessible units
- Dressing Rooms: 4
- Press Conference Room: 50-seat capacity
- Concession Units: 10
- Retail Units: 5
- Staff During Construction: 1,067 workers – 732 Ugandans, 266 Turkish nationals and 69 other international staff
- Cost: USD 129 million (approx. UGX 500 billion)
Facilities Include:
- 20,000-seater main stadium
- 2,000-seater indoor arena
- Semi-Olympic swimming pool (25m x 12.5m)
- 68m x 106m football pitch
- Running track
- Two basketball courts and two volleyball courts
Timeline of Hoima City Stadium
- April 2019: Dr James Rujumba (RIP) family donates 10 acres of land to FUFA.
- October 26–27, 2020: FUFA signs MoU with the Rujumba family to establish a legacy stadium project.
- May 2024: Land title – now expanded to 34.9 acres – handed over to National Council of Sports.
- 7 June 2024: Government signs construction contract with M/S Summa at State House Nakasero.
- 1 September 2024: Construction officially begins.
- December 2025: Stadium completed, handed over to NCS and commissioned by President Museveni.
