Thousands of people from across the Bunyoro sub-region and other parts of Uganda have gathered at the newly constructed Hoima City Stadium ahead of its grand opening today.

By 9:00 a.m., large crowds had already assembled at the stadium entrances, awaiting security and event clearance. Access is free, with tickets being issued at Hoima City offices.

A key highlight of the opening ceremony is a friendly football match between Kitara FC and KCCA FC, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expected to officiate as the chief guest.

Earlier this week, Turkish construction firm M/S SUMMA officially handed over the 20,000-seater multi-purpose stadium to the National Council of Sports (NCS).

The government contracted SUMMA in June last year to construct the facility in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.

Located in Kyarwiru Cell, Hoima East Division, the stadium cost 129 million US dollars and was fully financed through Uganda’s Petroleum Fund, supported by revenues from the country’s oil and gas resources.

Officials say the investment ensures that proceeds from natural resources directly benefit citizens through long-term infrastructure development.

The decision to build the stadium in Hoima, rather than the capital, aligns with the government’s strategy to promote balanced national development.

Planners expect the facility to stimulate regional growth, create jobs, improve infrastructure, and attract investment beyond Kampala.

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