The government of Uganda has signed a contract with Turkish construction company M/S Summa to construct a 20,000 seater multi-purpose national Stadium in Hoima city, ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
According to the minister for Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, the contactor, M/S Summa, undertook to complete the construction project of the Hoima stadium within 18 months. Hoima stadium is among those that Uganda plans to host matches during the continental tournament (AFCON), which it will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania. The stadium is required to be ready by December 2025.
While speaking at the contract signing ceremony at State House in Kampala on Friday 7th June 2024, Mrs Museveni urged the contactor not to let Ugandans down because hosting AFCON is a golden opportunity whose benefits go beyond football to a country. She also reassured Ugandans of government’s commitment to developing other stadiums including Aki bus, Buhinga, Kakyeka among others.
She thanked President Yoweri Museveni for the “wise counsel” in the choice of the Turkish constructor who she said had been recommended as one who has changed the face of sports infrastructure in Rwanda, Senegal and in other countries across the world.
Information from the firm’s website indicates that MS Summa has successfully executed several construction projects since it’s establishment in 1989 including; building Burji Bulayla complex in Libya, Blaise Diagne International airport in Senegal, Dakar Arena and Senegal Stadium in Senegal, Kigali Arena in Rwanda plus other airports, hotels and malls.
Dr. Patrick Ogwel, the Secretary General of National Council of Sports, signed on behalf of government while Selim Bola signed on behalf of M/S Summa. The contact signing ceremony was witnessed by officials from the ministry of Education including state minister for sports Hon Peter Ogwang, officials from Lands ministry and Works ministry.
Mrs Museveni said government is taking deliberate action to invest in sports infrastructure not only to develop and professionalize Uganda’s abundant talent in different disciplines, but also to generate revenue. According to Janet, the Ministry of Works and Transport will be the supervising consultants on this project. They will be supported by the Africa Cup of Nations Sub-Committee on Infrastructure that I recently appointed.
The effort towards the construction of Hoima stadium saw contributions from several stakeholders including the Federation of Uganda Football Association (10 acres of land), the family of the late Dr. James Rujumba (10 acres of land), and an additional 14 acres secured with funding from the Government of Uganda.
Hon. Janet Museveni described the donation of land by the Rujumba family in Hoima City for public good as the epitome of patriotism. “As we prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, I call upon you all to emulate the example set by the late Rujumba’s family to sacrifice and put the service of our country above your own interests. I want to emphasize the need to ensure value for money in this project because we are all accountable to the taxpayers of Uganda.” Hon. Janet Museveni said.
