President Museveni has described Uganda’s successful bid to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Kenya and Tanzania as a turning point that accelerated the development of sports infrastructure in the country.
“When we took on the responsibility of hosting AFCON 2027 with Kenya and Tanzania, we realised we could not afford to be embarrassed,” Museveni said. “We said we must do what it takes so that when visitors come, we have everything ready.”
Museveni made the remarks during the official commissioning of Hoima City Stadium, a major milestone in Uganda’s preparations for AFCON 2027.
He added that the stadium exemplified what he termed the “NRM method of work” — identifying priorities and mobilising resources to deliver results within set timelines.
“This AFCON has stimulated us to do something here. If you want to understand prioritisation, come to Hoima and look at this stadium,” he said.
Constructed by Turkish firm Summa International Construction Company Inc., the $129 million (approximately Shs463 billion) multi-sports complex was completed in a record 12 months, four months ahead of schedule. The Government of Uganda signed the construction contract in June 2024 as part of preparations for AFCON 2027 under the “Pamoja Bid” with Kenya and Tanzania.
“I want to thank the Turkish company for the good work. I have seen the stadium, and I have also seen some of the roads they have constructed. They are very good workers, and we are going to do more with them,” Museveni said, praising Summa for exceptional workmanship and efficiency.
To symbolically launch the stadium, the President stepped onto the pitch and juggled a football three times at the centre circle amid ululations and applause from thousands of fans.
Built on a 34-acre site, the stadium complex includes a 20,000-seater outdoor stadium suitable for football, rugby, and athletics, as well as a 2,000-seater indoor arena for sports such as basketball, netball, and volleyball.
The facility also features training areas, athlete amenities, administrative blocks, media zones, parking, and modern security installations.
Addressing public concerns regarding financing, Museveni clarified: “Initially, the Summa company was supposed to pre-finance the project, but we found that their money came with a lot of interest. So, we said no — let us fund the project ourselves.”
He further noted, “Uganda has the money, but we cannot do everything at once. Development requires prioritisation.”
The facility meets international and FIFA-compliant standards, making it suitable for hosting continental and international competitions beyond AFCON 2027.
Museveni linked Uganda’s capacity to invest in major infrastructure projects to decades of economic restructuring under the NRM government.
First Lady Janet Museveni described the commissioning of Hoima City Stadium as a historic moment for Uganda and a “marvellous Christmas gift” to the nation.
“This is a great day of rejoicing for our only homeland, Uganda, and a day of joy for the Bunyoro region,” she said.
“Knowing where we have come from as a country, Hoima City Stadium is a testament to what we can accomplish together when peace and stability prevail. We simply become unstoppable.”
She also praised the contractor for completing the project ahead of schedule.
“SUMMA completed the works in just 12 months, four months ahead of schedule. This sets a new benchmark for government project execution in this country. This is something that should be emulated across all government projects — delivering on time, within budget, and with excellence.”
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