The Inter-ministerial committee for the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) preparations on Saturday inspected the site of the proposed stadium to be built in Hoima City. 

The delegation which was led by the National Council of Sports general secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel, inspected the land that was donated by the family of the late Dr Rujumba totalling 10 acres in Mparo Cell, Hoima City. 

Rujumba Mutagaywa, the Rujumba family heir, and Pius Wakabi, a member of the family and MP for Bugahya County, noted that their ancestor left a will indicating that he wanted a community project on his land. 

“This is going to change Hoima people because it is going to come with more infrastructure like roads and other small pitches so our people need to get prepared enough and pray that we get it," Wakabi said.

The proposed land for Hoima stadium in Mparo Cell, Hoima City. Photo by Ambrose Niwagaba Katoto. (Photo by Ambrose Niwagaba Katoto)

FUFA executive committee member Rogers Byamukama noted that FUFA acquired 10 more acres of land from the Rujumba family to make it a 20-acre lot. 

Ogwel said Hoima has all it takes to host AFCON because it has the second-largest international airport in the country found in Kabaale sub-county, and the best hotels among others. 

He added that they are already convinced with what they have seen and will compile a report which they will present to higher authorities. 

"Ours is to compile it on paper and submit to the President to make a decision by Wednesday, November 8, 2023, but what I can tell you confidently, you don't have any reason to worry,” he said. 

“I know the interest of the government in ensuring this region is supported because of the oil in this region, and this will be a legacy to the government on top of other contributions to this region for its development," Ogwel added. 

The CEO of Hoima-based Kitara FC, Joshua Atugonza, and Stephen Itaza, the Buhaguzi East MP, noted that unlike in some other countries, they will utilise the facility even after AFCON. 

Uganda is set to co-host AFCON with Kenya and Tanzania in 2027.