The Government of Uganda has officially commissioned the 20,000-seater Hoima City Stadium, marking a major milestone in the country’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 (AFCON).
The stadium was formally inaugurated on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during a colourful ceremony held in Hoima City, located in Uganda’s Western Region. The event drew thousands of spectators, government officials, and football stakeholders from across the country.
Uganda is co-hosting AFCON 2027 alongside Tanzania and Kenya, with the three East African nations expected to collectively provide about nine stadiums for the tournament.
Constructed by a Turkish firm at a cost of approximately US$130 million, the modern facility was officially handed over to the Ugandan government during the ceremony. President Museveni praised the contractors for completing the project and emphasized the importance of sports infrastructure in national development and youth empowerment.
Accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni, who also serves as Uganda’s Minister of Education and Sports, the President delighted the crowd when he stepped onto the playing pitch. In a light-hearted moment that drew cheers and laughter, Museveni briefly dribbled the ball, took a shot, and jogged across the turf, symbolically declaring the stadium open for action.
The commissioning of Hoima City Stadium strengthens Uganda’s readiness to host one of Africa’s biggest football events and is expected to boost sports tourism, local business, and the profile of Hoima City as a growing urban centre.
With AFCON 2027 drawing closer, authorities say attention will now turn to completing supporting infrastructure and ensuring that all host venues meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.