Uganda has added another major facility to its growing sports infrastructure portfolio following the official commissioning of Hoima City Stadium, a multi-purpose complex built at a cost of US$129 million (approximately Shs 500 billion).
The 22,000-capacity stadium, located in Hoima City, was officially opened on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, marking a significant milestone in the country’s preparations to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
Construction of the stadium began in September 2024 and was initially planned to take 18 months. However, Turkish construction firm M/S Summa, the project’s main contractor, completed the works in a remarkable 13 months, handing over the facility ahead of schedule to the National Council of Sports (NCS).
The project was implemented under an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) model, meaning the contractor was responsible for the design, construction, and full delivery of the stadium on a turnkey basis, with oversight from the Ministry of Works and Transport.
A Modern, Multi-Sport Complex
Hoima City Stadium sits on 16.8 hectares (168,000 square metres) and is designed as a fully integrated sports hub rather than just a football venue.
Key components of the complex include:
A 20,000-seater main stadium
A 2,000-seat indoor mini arena
A semi-Olympic swimming pool measuring 25m x 12.5m
A standard football pitch (68m x 106m) with an outdoor training ground
A full athletics running track
Two basketball courts and two volleyball courts
The facility also features 839 parking spaces, with 720 open lots and 119 covered, ensuring ease of access during major events.
Comfort, Access and Media Facilities
To cater for dignitaries, fans, and media, the stadium includes:
One presidential suite
12 VIP sky boxes and lounges
Eight elevators, including dedicated access for VVIPs, VIPs, persons with disabilities, and service use
59 standard sanitary units and 13 units designed for persons with disabilities
Four team dressing rooms
A 50-seat press conference room
10 concession units covering 710 square metres
Five retail outlets within the complex
Historic Opening Match
The stadium’s commissioning was crowned by an official opening football match between Kitara FC and KCCA FC. Kitara edged the contest 1-0, with Isaac Amutuhaire scoring in the 24th minute — a goal that secured his place in history as the first-ever scorer at Hoima City Stadium.
Strong Local Workforce Presence
At the height of construction, the project employed 1,067 workers, reflecting a strong local content component. Of these:
732 (69%) were Ugandans
266 (25%) were Turkish nationals
69 (6%) came from other countries
From Concept to Completion: Key Milestones
The journey to the completion of Hoima City Stadium spans several years:
April 2019: The family of the late Dr. James Rujumba donated 10 acres of land to FUFA for a legacy stadium project.
October 2020: FUFA signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding with the Rujumba family.
May 2024: The land size expanded to 42 acres following additional government acquisition.
June 7, 2024: Government signed a construction contract with M/S Summa at State House, Nakasero.
September 1, 2024: Construction works officially commenced.
December 2025: Stadium completed, handed over to NCS, and commissioned by the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
A Strategic National Asset
Beyond domestic competitions, Hoima City Stadium is expected to play a key role during AFCON 2027, while also serving as a long-term hub for football, athletics, indoor sports, and community recreation in the Bunyoro sub-region.
The facility joins other recently completed national sports projects, underscoring government’s continued investment in modern sports infrastructure across the country.
