Education Minister Hon Janet Museveni Calls Hoima City Stadium ‘a Christmas Gift to Uganda’

Hoima City – First Lady and Education Minister, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, has described the commissioning of Hoima City Stadium as a historic moment for Uganda and 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 Bunyoro region,” she said. “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 credited President Museveni’s leadership for the project’s success, noting that his guidance ensured 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,” Maama Janet said.

The First Lady also revealed that when the government signed the contract with Summa on June 7, 2024, the expectation was that the project would be completed by December 31, 2025 — a 16-month construction period. “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 said.

She praised the contractor for patience and professionalism, noting that the company had been ready to hand over the facility earlier. “This is something that should be emulated across all government projects — delivering on time, within budget, and with excellence,” she said.

Benefits for Bunyoro Region:

Maama Janet urged residents of Bunyoro to take pride in the facility and utilise it responsibly, describing it as both a national asset and a catalyst for regional development. “Though this is a national asset, it will bring immediate benefits to the Bunyoro community because you host it here,” she said.

She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing a public university for the Bunyoro region, alongside ongoing investments in oil infrastructure and transport.

“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.

Expansion of Sports Infrastructure Nationwide:

Maama Janet disclosed that Hoima City Stadium is part of a broader plan to construct at least ten sports facilities within 18 months, by June 2027, to support AFCON hosting and long-term sports development.

She said additional training and competition grounds will be developed at Hoima Boma Grounds, Masindi Stadium, and Sir Tito Winyi Senior Secondary School.

Meanwhile, Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City is progressing well and will be supported by training fields at Gulu University, Lira University, and Pece Stadium. Other facilities under development include Kyambogo University, Makerere University, and FUFA Kadiba Stadium to 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 large-scale infrastructure development would not be possible without 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 said.

Maama Janet thanked the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) for initiating the AFCON 2027 bid, describing it as “positive pressure” that accelerated government action.

She assured Ugandans that the government would take concrete steps to ensure the stadium is well-maintained and operates as a revenue-generating facility. “The National Council of Sports will ensure this facility is professionally managed so that it maintains itself,” she said.

She also encouraged young people across the country to use the stadium as a platform for talent development. “We shall rejoice when we see more medals being won by our young people because of facilities like Hoima City Stadium,” she said.

Maama Janet wished Ugandans a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year, urging them to support the NRM in the upcoming elections. “Come out and vote massively for the NRM flagbearers — from President Yoweri Museveni to all party candidates,” she said.

Historic Opening Match:

The stadium’s commissioning was capped with an opening football match in which Kitara FC, the home team from Hoima District, defeated KCCA FC 1–0, sending fans into celebration.

Among the dignitaries present were the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, cultural leaders, and thousands of football enthusiasts from across the country.