President Yoweri Museveni has officially opened the multi-billion Hoima City Stadium, describing it as a key national facility and urging residents to keep it clean through proper waste disposal.
The stadium was unveiled on Wednesday, December 23, 2025, during a colourful ceremony held in Hoima City.
Museveni said the facility will play a major role in Uganda’s preparations to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Kenya and Tanzania. He explained that Hoima was chosen after CAF advised that host stadiums must be near an international airport.
“We wanted to build John Aki-Bua Stadium, but CAF said the stadium had to be near an international airport. That is how we came here,” Museveni said.
The President revealed that the government funded the project using its own resources, crediting Uganda’s steady economic growth. He pointed to improvements in food production, irrigation, manufacturing, tourism and entertainment as signs of a stronger economy.
Museveni praised Turkish contractor Summa for delivering the stadium on time and within budget, and thanked the Rujumba family for donating land. He also highlighted growth in local manufacturing, citing Ugandan-made buses now attracting buyers as far as South Africa.
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, described the stadium as a “Christmas gift” to the nation, saying it reflects teamwork and commitment. She urged other contractors to emulate the discipline shown during its construction.
In his closing remarks, Museveni cautioned the public against careless waste disposal, warning that poor sanitation could ruin the facility.
“Let us not dispose of waste irresponsibly,” he said.
Hoima City Stadium is expected to boost sports, tourism and business in Bunyoro and beyond as Uganda gears up for major continental and international competitions.
