Locals dream big as Hoima stadium races towards completion
Samuel Muhumuza from Mporo cell in Hoima city said the mood in Kampala, especially on matchdays, has inspired locals.
The Hoima stadium project, worth $129 million, is being spearheaded by Turkish construction firm SUMMA and is moving rapidly towards completion.
By Wilson Asiimwe
Journalists @New Vision
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While Namboole Stadium roars with the excitement of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the people of Hoima are eagerly counting down the years until their own city becomes a football hotspot for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Samuel Muhumuza from Mporo cell in Hoima city said the mood in Kampala, especially on matchdays, has inspired locals.
“What is currently happening in Kampala will be seen here in Hoima when we host, and already people are preparing,” Muhumuza said.
The Hoima stadium project, worth $129 million, is being spearheaded by Turkish construction firm SUMMA and is moving rapidly towards completion.
With over 1,000 workers on rotating shifts, the stadium’s 20,000-seat main arena is already over 88% complete, project manager Murat Altun confirmed to New Vision.
Roofing, seating, plumbing, drainage, underground works, electrical systems, and advertising boards are in the final stages.
Now clad in white roofing and panels in Uganda’s national colours, the facility has become an unmissable landmark in Hoima.
The development includes a 2,000-capacity indoor arena that is being roofed, a semi-Olympic swimming pool, an auxiliary football pitch, a running track, and outdoor courts for basketball and netball.
“As leaders, we are happy with the progress of the construction works; it is on schedule, a lot has been done within the shortest time,” Hoima city mayor Brian Kaboyo said on Thursday, August 14.
For Hoima city residents like Claire Kabasomi, the project is a catalyst for both sports and economic growth.
“We expect the stadium to increase tourism and also create job opportunities for our people, and already some people within Bunyoro have benefited; they are working,” she said.
She noted that hotels are upgrading, investors are arriving, and property owners near the stadium are seeing returns.
“The vibe in Hoima city is very high because of the stadium, and we expect a lot of people because many people will be coming in for these sports activities,” she said.
Johnson Asiimwe noted that locals must be ready to make the most of the boom.
“We expect tourists to increase and that has started already, if you can see the number of people stopping by the roadside to take selfies at the stadium, that shows that when it is open, it will be massive,” he said.
The facility occupies 34.9 acres in Mparo Division.