Hoima’s New Horizon: Stadium Construction Begins

By David Frederick Kawooya.

Uganda is taking a significant step towards hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as construction of the Hoima Stadium commences. The new stadium marks a new era for Hoima, promising to transform the city’s sports landscape and boost its economic development. The AFCON 2027 is eagerly anticipated, and the construction of the stadium is a crucial part of Uganda’s preparations to host this prestigious continental tournament.

The Hoima Stadium project is part of Uganda’s broader strategy to develop its sports infrastructure, enhancing its reputation as a capable organizer of major sporting events. The stadium will serve as a multi-purpose sports facility, designed to hold 20,000 spectators. Construction began after a contract was signed between the Government of Uganda and Turkish company M/S SUMMA on June 7, 2024. The project is expected to be completed by December 2025, providing ample time to test the facility before the 2027 AFCON.

This strategic investment will not only elevate Hoima’s prestige but also strengthen Uganda’s position on the international stage. The stadium will become a hub for sports and cultural activities, hosting local, national, and international events. Hoima will benefit from increased tourism, job creation, and economic growth, as the stadium attracts visitors and investors to the region.

The start of construction is a long-awaited moment for the Hoima community. City Deputy Mayor Silvia Nalumaga expressed her enthusiasm, stating that the community has been eagerly anticipating this development. The project promises to generate jobs during the construction phase and later when the stadium becomes operational, contributing to the city’s economic growth. Local businesses will grow, and new opportunities will emerge, transforming Hoima into a vibrant and dynamic city.

The Government of Uganda has provided the necessary funding for the project through the Ministry of Education and Sports. A budget allocation of 152 billion Uganda shillings (approximately $41 million) has been made for the 2024/2025 financial year, representing nearly 30% of the total project cost estimated at 500 billion shillings ($135 million). This significant investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to developing Uganda’s sports infrastructure and promoting economic growth.

Pius Wakabi Rujumba, Member of Parliament for Bugahya district, emphasized that this investment will contribute to the development of sports infrastructure and positively impact the local economy. He also urged the contractor, M/S SUMMA, to involve local people, especially unemployed youth from the Bunyoro region, in the project. This will ensure that the benefits of the stadium are shared equitably among the local community.

As Hoima embarks on this new horizon, the construction of the stadium marks a significant step towards Uganda’s goal of hosting a successful AFCON 2027. With its potential to transform the city’s sports landscape and boost economic development, the Hoima Stadium project is a testament to the nation’s commitment to progress and growth. The stadium will become a symbol of Uganda’s capabilities and a source of national pride, showcasing the country’s ability to host major international events.