Uganda Unveil Self-Funded $129 Million Hoima Stadium Ahead of AFCON 2027

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially commissioned the new Hoima City Stadium on Wednesday, a landmark achievement in Uganda's preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Kenya and Tanzania.

The inauguration ceremony in the Bunyoro sub-region drew thousands of sports enthusiasts, local residents, and dignitaries from across the nation and beyond.

The President was joined by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, who was instrumental in overseeing the project's execution.

Constructed by the Turkish firm Summa International Construction Company Inc., the Hoima City Stadium is a state-of-the-art, $129 million (approx. Shs463 billion) multi-sports complex.

The project was completed in a remarkable 12 months, finishing four months ahead of schedule. The government had signed the construction contract in June 2024 as part of the "Pamoja Bid" to host AFCON 2027.

Addressing the large crowd, President Museveni lauded Summa for their exceptional efficiency and quality of work, highlighting the project as a testament to what Uganda can accomplish through effective planning and prioritisation.

"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," President Museveni stated before officially declaring the stadium open to thunderous applause.

In a symbolic gesture, the President walked onto the pitch and juggled a football at the centre circle, delighting the thousands of fans who had filled the stands.

Situated on a 34-acre plot on the outskirts of Hoima City, the complex features a 20,000-seater outdoor stadium designed for football, rugby, and athletics. It also includes a 2,000-seater indoor arena for sports like basketball, netball, and volleyball.

President Museveni extended special thanks to the family of the late Dr Rujumba for their patriotic contribution of 10 acres of land for the project.

"I want to start by thanking the family of the late Rujumba for the land to construct the stadium. Thank you, the Rujumba family, for your patriotism," he said.

The President also addressed public speculation about the stadium's funding, clarifying that the Government of Uganda fully financed the project after rejecting a pre-financing deal with high-interest rates.

"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 explained.

He emphasised that Uganda's ability to fund such large-scale projects stems from a strong economic foundation, dismissing uninformed commentary.

"The truth is that we have constructed this stadium with our own money in the shortest time possible because we have the money," President Museveni asserted. "Uganda has the money, but we cannot do everything at once. Development requires prioritisation."

The facility is built to FIFA and international standards, positioning it to host major continental and global events beyond AFCON 2027. The complex is equipped with training areas, athlete facilities, administrative offices, media zones, and modern security systems.

President Museveni attributed the nation's capacity for major infrastructure investments to decades of economic restructuring under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government. He pointed to agriculture as the bedrock of the economy, noting Uganda's self-sufficiency in food production.

He concluded by describing the successful AFCON 2027 bid as a pivotal moment that has accelerated the development of sports infrastructure across the country.

President Yoweri Museveni has declared that Uganda cannot afford to be "embarrassed" as it prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Kenya and Tanzania, highlighting the tournament as a major stimulus for national infrastructure projects.

Speaking at the Hoima City Stadium, President Museveni presented the new facility as a prime example of the "NRM method of work," which he described as identifying key priorities and effectively mobilising resources to meet deadlines.

"This AFCON has stimulated us to do something here," he remarked. "If you want to understand prioritisation, come to Hoima and look at this stadium."

The event was attended by a host of high-profile figures, including Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. They were joined by cabinet ministers, members of parliament, cultural leaders, and thousands of football fans from across the nation.