Construction of the $129 million (Shs490.2 billion) Hoima City Stadium is now 60% complete, with the project progressing ahead of schedule and expected to be handed over to the government before its initial deadline of December 2025.
Project manager Murat Altun confirmed the milestone on Tuesday evening during a site visit by local leaders, including LC1 chairpersons and division councillors, led by Hoima City East Resident City Commissioner Moses Muyambi.
The visit was organised by the RCC’s office to help local leaders understand the opportunities the project presents for the community.
Altun revealed that construction began in September 2024 and has advanced steadily, thanks to the efforts of more than 1,000 workers engaged on site around the clock.
“We are working day and night to ensure the stadium is ready for handover to the Ministry of Sports by December this year,” he said.
“The main stadium is already at 70% completion and should be done by July.”
He added that roofing is underway, and once completed, the focus will shift to the playing surfaces and game harriers. The facility is designed to host football, rugby, and athletics events.
The Hoima City Stadium, built by Turkish construction firm Summa, sits on 34 acres and features a 20,000-seater outdoor stadium and a 2,000-seater indoor arena.
It is part of Uganda’s infrastructure preparation to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
Local leaders expressed optimism about the transformative potential of the project.
Geoffrey Tumwesige, the area councillor for Kyentale Ward in East Division, thanked the government for the investment and urged youths to tap into the economic opportunities it will generate, especially in agriculture.
“We shall have many visitors coming into Bunyoro who will need food. I urge young people to plant crops like cabbages and tomatoes that they can supply,” he advised.
Hoima East Division Mayor Bosco Muhanuzi described the project as a gateway to unlocking the region’s development potential, while RCC Muyambi encouraged residents to prepare for the economic boost the influx of visitors will bring.
“Now is the time to invest in hospitality, tourism, hotels, and agricultural produce,” Muyambi said, urging residents to utilise government funding initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga to launch small businesses.
He also emphasised the stadium’s long-term role in nurturing sports talent across Uganda.
“This facility will help us grow future football stars to represent the country,” he added.
With construction well ahead of the original 18-month timeline, officials remain confident that the facility will not only meet international standards for Afcon 2027 but also leave a lasting legacy in the Bunyoro sub-region.