Hoima City — First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, has hailed the commissioning of the Hoima City Stadium as a historic milestone for Uganda, describing the world-class facility as a “marvellous Christmas gift” to the nation.
“This is a great day of rejoicing for our only homeland, Uganda, and a day of joy for the people of Bunyoro,” Maama Janet said, as she addressed thousands of guests at the commissioning ceremony.
Reflecting on Uganda’s journey, she said the stadium stood as powerful evidence of what the country can achieve when peace and stability are safeguarded.
“Knowing where we have come from as a country, Hoima City Stadium is a testament to what we can accomplish together when peace and stability prevail. We simply become unstoppable,” she said.
The First Lady credited President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s leadership for the successful delivery of the project, noting that his guidance ensured both the timely procurement of the contractor and the release of funds.
“All that we see here was because of your tireless effort and guidance, Mr President,” she said.
Maama Janet revealed that when the government signed the construction contract with Turkish firm Summa International Construction Company Inc on June 7, 2024, the stadium was expected to be completed by December 31, 2025 — a 16-month timeline.
“SUMMA completed the works in just 12 months, four months ahead of schedule. This sets a new benchmark for government project execution in this country,” she noted.
She praised the contractor for its patience and professionalism, adding that the company had been ready to hand over the facility even earlier.
“This is something that should be emulated across all government projects — delivering on time, within budget, and with excellence,” she said.
Boost for Bunyoro
Calling on residents of Bunyoro to embrace the facility, Maama Janet urged the community to take pride in the stadium and use it responsibly, describing it as both a national asset and a catalyst for regional transformation.
“Though this is a national asset, it will bring immediate benefits to the Bunyoro community because you host it here,” she said.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing a public university for Bunyoro, alongside ongoing investments in oil infrastructure and transport networks.
“Be good stewards of these national assets — the oil wells, this stadium and the upcoming public university. Let them unite us as a people with a shared homeland,” she urged.
Expanding Sports Infrastructure Nationwide
Maama Janet disclosed that Hoima City Stadium is part of a broader national programme to construct at least ten sports facilities within 18 months, by June 2027, to support AFCON 2027 hosting and long-term sports development.
She said additional training and competition venues will be developed at Hoima Boma Grounds, Masindi Stadium, and Sir Tito Winyi Senior Secondary School.
She added that Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City is progressing well and will be complemented by training facilities at Gulu University, Lira University, and Pece Stadium. Other projects include sports facilities at Kyambogo University, Makerere University, and FUFA Kadiba Stadium, which will support Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
“All these facilities are being fully funded by the Government of Uganda. This demonstrates that our economic fundamentals are strong,” she said.
The First Lady emphasised that such ambitious infrastructure development is only possible under conditions of sustained peace and security.
“Younger generations who have known only peace must not take it for granted. These developments are possible only in a stable and secure nation,” she cautioned.
