The construction of Hoima Sports Stadium, one of the stadiums earmarked by Uganda for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), has officially commenced.
The stadium, located in Mparo Division, Hoima City, Western Uganda, is part of the infrastructure development plan as Uganda prepares to co-host the tournament with neighboring Kenya and Tanzania.
On Thursday, State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, visited the construction site to oversee the start of the project.
He chaired an inter-agency meeting with representatives from the City heads, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Education and Sports, Security, and the contractor, MS Summa, a Turkish firm.
During the meeting, various issues were addressed to ensure the timely completion of the stadium, which will have a seating capacity of 20,000.
Minister Ogwang (middle) with Summa Contractors at construction site of Hoima Sports Stadium
Minister Ogwang expressed confidence in Turkish firm MS Summa’s ability to deliver the project within the set timeframe, with a completion date targeted for December 31, 2025.
“The contractor has officially and formally begun with the clearing of the land to start the construction of the stadium,” Ogwang announced.
“The President together with the First Lady will lay the foundation stone once the work is in progress.”
He emphasized that the project is on a tight schedule, with 18 months allocated for its completion. “We have already spent one and a half months already on mobilization. The next phase involves securing the land and ensuring the contractor can work without interference. We will deploy police to safeguard the site, and local leaders have been urged to collaborate with the contractor.”
The Hoima City stadium project, which is estimated to cost $130 million, includes not only the stadium but also an indoor arena, a swimming pool, and training pitches with a running track.
Minister Ogwang also highlighted the employment opportunities the project will create, noting that “the contractor has promised that 80% of the workforce will be local Ugandans, with 20% expatriates handling specialized tasks.”
Minister Ogwang was flanked by National Council of Sports Chairman Ambrose Tashobya as Uganda marked a significant step in preparations to host the 2027 AFCON.
