PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS NUP CONVERTS, MUSLIM LEADERS, STUDENTS AND YOUTH GROUPS AT KOLOLO, REAFFIRMS FREE EDUCATION, WEALTH CREATION AND ANTI-CORRUPTION DRIVE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today met thousands of converts from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Muslim leaders, students from higher institutions of learning and youth groups at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. Addressing over 10,000 NUP converts, President Museveni welcomed them to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and said it has historically been a party of the poor, founded on empowering citizens to elect their leaders from the village level (LC1) up to the presidency. He said this conviction informed his decision in 1997 to introduce free primary and secondary education, noting that many parents could not afford school fees. However, the President expressed concern that free education has been sabotaged by some leaders and head teachers, urging Ugandans to elect leaders who can effectively enforce government policies. He emphasized that free education must be implemented fully so that all children benefit. He urged the youth to strongly reject illegal charges in government schools, saying free education was introduced in 1997 but has not been properly implemented due to failure by school administrators. He also raised concerns over poor maintenance of murram roads despite annual government funding, calling for accountability and proper reporting where funds are insufficient. On wealth creation, President Museveni reiterated that government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and other initiatives were designed to lift households out of poverty. He called on every Ugandan to join their parish SACCOs and ensure parish committees help all members benefit. The President warned against the sabotage and theft of PDM funds, urging citizens to report those involved. Turning to health services, President Museveni said the government supplies medicines to public hospitals, but the persistent shortage is largely due to poor supervision and theft. He stressed that leaders must be held accountable to ensure drugs reach patients. President Museveni also addressed the issue of jobs, explaining that employment is largely generated through commercial agriculture, factories, services and ICT. He cited an example of Mr. Johnson Basangwa of Kamuli, who started poultry farming on a 50-by-100 plot and now employs over 300 people, demonstrating that wealth creation is possible even with limited land. Muslim leaders, including Sheikhs, pledged to support President Museveni in the upcoming elections. Sheikh Sulaiman Ssemakula, from Greater Mpigi thanked President Museveni for supporting Muslims and promoting unity, noting that the NRM respects all faiths without discrimination. The President assured Muslims that his role is to ensure all Ugandans, regardless of religion, access free education, healthcare, and opportunities for wealth creation. President Museveni also hailed the over 8,000 students from institutions across the country under Sauti ya Vijana, for complementing party structures. On corruption, the President urged the youth to decisively reject the vice, saying it undermines service delivery and development. Presidential Advisor, Ms. Hope Mazirwe thanked President Museveni for supporting students and establishing free education, further pledging continued student support to the NRM government. Mr. Jacob Eyeru, head of Sauti ya Vijana, said the initiative was created to engage over 3.1 million students who were in school during campaigns yet are eligible voters. He noted that the group is sensitizing students about NRM wealth creation programs and has established a WhatsApp platform to engage them during holidays on the party manifesto. In a separate engagement, President Museveni met the Unstoppable Group, led by Mr. Nelson Tugume, who assured him that the group has been traversing the country mobilizing support for the NRM. President Museveni reiterated that Uganda has made significant progress over the last 40 years, with about 70 percent of homesteads now in the money economy, and stressed that the government’s focus is to bring all households into the money economy through existing programs. He emphasized that free education in government schools and the fight against corruption remain non-negotiable priorities. The various groups reaffirmed their commitment to support President Museveni and the NRM in the forthcoming elections.

2026-01-11

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI UNDERSCORES IMPORTANCE OF AFRICAN MARKETS TO UGANDA’S PROSPERITY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today met National Resistance Movement (NRM) local leaders in Kampala, using the engagement to reflect on Uganda’s economic transformation, the importance of African markets, and the principles that have sustained national unity and peace. The meeting held at the National ICT Hub in Nakawa, followed an earlier engagement with NRM leaders in Busoga, underscoring what the President described as the interconnectedness of Uganda’s regions and their shared economic interests. Addressing the leaders led by Aminah Nanziri Lukanga, the NRM Woman MP flag bearer for Kampala City, President Museveni pointed to Uganda’s shift from dependency to production, citing concrete examples from agriculture and industry. “Uganda used to smuggle sugar from outside. Today, we produce about 700,000 tonnes, yet our internal consumption is only 300,000 tonnes,” President Museveni said, noting that without regional markets, such industries would stagnate. He said milk production had reached about 5.3 billion litres annually, while domestic consumption stood at less than one billion litres, leaving a surplus of over four billion litres. Similar trends, he added, are evident in cement, timber and other sectors. According to the President, these realities explain why Uganda’s prosperity cannot be separated from Africa’s wider market. “That is when we realised that we need Africa. Pan-Africanism is not emotional; it is about prosperity,” he said. President Museveni linked this outlook to the founding philosophy of the National Resistance Movement, which rejected politics based on identity in favour of shared interests. “For wealth creation, identity is secondary. What matters is what you produce and who can buy it,” he said, using his own farming experience to illustrate how national and regional markets sustain livelihoods beyond ethnic or religious lines. He said this thinking enabled the NRM to build a national party capable of uniting Ugandans and sustaining peace. “When we say NRM has kept peace, it is because we rejected politics of identity and focused on interests,” he said. The President also reflected on the NRM’s 40-year journey, describing peace as the first “brick” upon which other achievements were built. Without stability, he said, progress in infrastructure, education, health and wealth creation would not have been possible. Drawing from traditional Banyankore wisdom, President Museveni explained the concept of okwombeka;- to build not merely as constructing houses, but as building sustainable livelihoods. “Okwombeka is building a life: creating wealth, raising a family and solving problems at the household level,” he said, urging leaders to look beyond physical infrastructure and focus on economic activity within homes. He commended government programmes such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM), describing them as deliberate efforts to move wealth creation directly to families. “That is why we introduced Entandikwa, Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation and PDM—to ensure households work and create wealth,” President Museveni said. Reflecting on Uganda’s political history, President Museveni warned against repeating mistakes rooted in identity-based politics, which he said failed to address people’s real needs. “Whether you are from this tribe or that religion, your needs are the same; education, health, jobs and income,” he said, stressing that misdiagnosis of national problems had previously led the country into crisis. The President concluded by reiterating that Uganda’s future lies in unity, productive work, regional cooperation and values which he said remain central to the NRM’s vision. “I am very happy to be with you,” President Museveni told the leaders, expressing confidence that the principles that guided the movement’s past would continue to secure Uganda’s stability and prosperity. In her remarks, Ms. Lukanga welcomed President Museveni and thanked him for the guidance and clarity he provided on Uganda’s economic prospects. “We thank the President for his leadership and for reminding us that our focus must remain on creating wealth for Ugandans and strengthening unity across regions,” Ms. Lukanga said. She urged local leaders to take the President’s message to heart, especially the emphasis on patriotic service and accountability. “As leaders of Kampala, we commit to supporting initiatives that drive household income, strengthen markets and uphold the values of patriotism and unity,” she said. “We must continue to work closely with communities, listen to their concerns and ensure that the programs designed to uplift families are implemented effectively.” The meeting was attended by NRM Local Council I and II leaders, councillors, and other stakeholders.

2026-01-10

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ASSURES BUVUMA LANDOWNERS OF COMPENSATION FOR OIL PALM PROJECT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flagbearer for the 2026 general elections, has assured the people of Buvuma District that the government will fully compensate landowners who surrendered their land for oil palm growing. The President who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni made the assurance today while addressing a campaign rally in Buvuma District. He said that the money is available and the matter is now being handled decisively. He explained that the long-delayed compensation would be resolved after careful verification to ensure that only rightful landowners are paid. “On compensating the oil palm landowners, we are going to discuss who should be compensated and who should not. The money is there, but we must study the matter very carefully,” President Museveni said. He disclosed that his legal team has already prepared a detailed report to guide the process. “My lawyer has a report for me. I am going to study it, and we shall work on it immediately,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd. Shs24bn Set Aside: Earlier, the NRM Vice Chairperson for the Central Region, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, acknowledged that compensation for land acquired under the oil palm project has been a long-standing concern among residents. Hon. Kasolo revealed that the government committed Shs24bn to compensate affected landowners, noting that Shs14bn has already been released. “The money that has been released should go to the rightful landowners. Every person who surrendered land for oil palm growing will be paid fairly. No one will be left out,” Hon. Kasolo said. He added that the government plans to establish an oil palm processing plant in Buvuma as part of the value-addition strategy to ensure sustainable incomes for farmers. President Museveni reminded residents that peace has enabled development across the country, including in island districts like Buvuma. “Everybody can see that we now have peace. We have development, roads, electricity, telephones, water, and internet,” he said. Turning to the fishing sector, the President blamed the degradation of Lake Victoria on human activity rather than enforcement agencies, urging fishermen to take responsibility for protecting the resource. “It is the fisheries that spoiled the lake. Don’t use the army as an excuse. The problem came from overcrowding and people entering breeding areas,” he said. President Museveni recounted how Uganda once had a thriving fish export industry, warning that indiscipline nearly destroyed it before government intervention revived the sector. He also pledged that the government will set up a fish processing factory in the district. The President acknowledged that Buvuma remains the only district in Uganda not connected to the national electricity grid but assured residents that the government is addressing the challenge. “We are working on it in two ways. One is using solar energy to generate electricity, and the other is extending power cables from Mayuge. I don’t know why it was delayed, but I have directed those responsible to report to me,” he said. On infrastructure, President Museveni said roads in Buvuma, though limited by geography, deserve upgrading. He also announced plans to upgrade Buvuma Health Centre IV into a district hospital, saying access to quality healthcare is critical for island communities. President Museveni welcomed the growth of education facilities in the district, describing it as a sign of progress. “There are now 20 government primary schools and 64 private primary schools. That shows development,” he said. He added that Buvuma has two government secondary schools and five private secondary schools, reiterating the government's plan to have at least one government secondary school per sub-county. Comparing island livelihoods to those of Karamoja, the President emphasized the need for boarding schools to support families whose children are affected by fishing schedules. “We need boarding schools. You take your child to school and go fishing without worrying,” he said, noting that First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Maama Janet had taken note of the concern. On water access, President Museveni said the government has made progress but noted that more work is needed. Out of 213 villages, 112 now have access to safe water, representing 53 percent coverage, with several piped water systems completed, rehabilitated boreholes, and new solar-powered schemes underway. He also pointed to population growth as an indicator of stability and development. “When Buvuma became a district, there were about 50,000 people. Now there are over 110,000. That shows progress,” he said. As the NRM intensifies its nationwide campaigns, President Museveni called on the people of Buvuma to continue supporting the party, assuring them that outstanding issues , particularly compensation will be conclusively addressed. The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Buvuma District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections. On her part, the First Lady urged Ugandans to remember the progress achieved under NRM over the past 40 years and to protect these gains by voting for the party and President Museveni in the upcoming elections. She emphasized that citizens must acknowledge the role of God and the NRM in Uganda’s development. “We have gathered here today to remember where the Lord has brought us from over the last 40 years. He has used the NRM to serve the entire country,” she said. “As it was said to the Israelites, do not forget where the Lord has brought you from. Likewise, we as Ugandans must remember that God has used the NRM all these years, and He will continue to protect the gains we have achieved.” Maama Janet urged the residents to support NRM candidates in the elections, linking their vote to the protection of national progress and future development. “Everyone must remember that you have a responsibility to vote for the incoming government. Don’t assume victory just because we are a big crowd here. On voting day, make your vote count so that our achievements become reality and let us maintain peace,” she said. Hon. Kasolo said, “Maama Janet, thank you for standing with the President and for coming to Buvuma. The people here are happy to welcome you.” He also commended the President for the development interventions extended to the island district, particularly the oil palm project, which he said is already yielding results. Hon. Kasolo noted that the first harvest of oil palm fruits was realised in October last year, marking a major milestone for farmers who embraced commercial agriculture under the project. “This is a clear sign that the President’s vision is working. The oil palm trees are now producing, and our people are beginning to see the benefits,” he said. The NRM chairperson for Buvuma District, Mr. Fred Wandera, commended the government for key infrastructure and livelihood interventions on the islands, while calling for urgent action on electricity, roads and social services to improve residents’ welfare. Mr. Wandera thanked President Museveni for the modernised ferry services, saying they have significantly eased transport between the islands and the mainland, improving trade and access to essential services. “The new ferry has transformed movement on the lake. Our people can now transport goods and travel with more ease and dignity,” Mr. Wandera said, noting that transport had long been one of Buvuma’s biggest challenges. Mr. Wandera highlighted the impact of the Parish Development Model (PDM), describing it as a critical intervention for households transitioning into the money economy. Buvuma District, which has nine sub-counties and town councils, 38 parishes and 213 villages, has a population of 110,832, according to the 2024 census. He reported that the district has so far received Shs13.56bn under PDM, with Shs11.59 bn (86.2%) already disbursed to 11,756 beneficiary households. “This programme is helping families invest in productive activities, but we still have many households to reach,” Mr. Wandera said. Under the Emyooga programme, Mr. Wandera said Buvuma has 16 SACCOs with 8,018 members, which have collectively received Shs500 million to boost income-generating activities. On health services, Wandera said all sub-counties have at least a Health Centre III, with Buvuma HCIV serving as the highest-level public health facility in the district. Mr. Wandera said the government is implementing four large solar-powered water supply schemes in several villages, alongside new boreholes, borehole rehabilitation and additional piped water systems. Under Water for production, he highlighted completed solar-powered irrigation schemes in Lwalwanda, Bowoya and Buvuma Town Council, which are supporting crop production and generating millions of shillings annually for farmers. “These projects show what is possible when government interventions reach island communities,” Mr. Wandera said. “What we now need is electricity and improved road infrastructure to fully unlock Buvuma’s potential.” The rally was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.

2026-01-03

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS VICTORIA SUGAR LIMITED FACTORY IN LUWERO

His Excellency, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda and National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Candidate for the 2026 general elections, today commissioned the Victoria Sugar Limited Factory in Luwero District. The President was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataha Museveni. While addressing leaders, workers, and residents, President Museveni commended the management and staff of Victoria Sugar Limited for their contribution to Uganda’s industrial growth and wealth creation agenda. He reiterated the government's commitment to addressing workers’ welfare, including the issue of the minimum wage, as part of broader efforts to reduce poverty and spur economic growth. “I am aware of the issue of the minimum wage, and I am going to fix it. Tosobola kukama nte nga tosoose kulongoosa kiraalo — you cannot milk a cow before cleaning the kraal,” the President said. The President further emphasized that the government will continue working to reduce the cost of electricity, transport, and water in order to enhance industrial competitiveness and improve livelihoods. He also urged Ugandans to support the NRM and its flag bearers in the forthcoming general elections for sustained service delivery and socio-economic transformation. Speaking on behalf of the company, Mr. Jiyani Alpesh, Managing Director of Victoria Sugar Limited Luwero, welcomed the President and expressed appreciation for the stable and enabling investment environment fostered under his leadership. Mr. Alpesh noted that the Victoria Group operates across multiple subsectors, including sugar manufacturing, clean energy co-generation, distillery operations, plastics manufacturing, tarpaulins, tyre manufacturing, tiles production, steel products, cable manufacturing, recycled batteries, and household utensils. He revealed that the group directly employs over 8,000 Ugandans and indirectly supports more than 9,000 livelihoods through outgrowers, suppliers, and customers. The group’s plantations cover 17,000 acres in Luwero and surrounding areas, with an additional 10 square miles acquired in Kiryandongo for future expansion. Mr. Alpesh further highlighted the company’s contribution to Uganda’s energy security, noting that Victoria Sugar generates 15 MW of clean energy, with 10 MW supplied to the national grid, and is in the process of installing an additional 3 MW of biogas power. He disclosed that the group has invested over USD 150 million to date and contributed UGX 225 billion in direct and indirect taxes between 2018 and 2024, significantly supporting national development and public service delivery.

2025-12-30

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TO INJECT SHS1 BILLION IN EACH MECHANICS SACCO IN KAMPALA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged that the government will inject Shs 1 billion in each of the five mechanics SACCO in the five divisions of Kampala City. The President also noted that the Metropolitan Area Districts such Wakiso, and Mukono will as well benefit from the project with each district receiving Shs1 billion. “We can even say Shs1 billion per division. If you say Shs5 billion for Kampala, then Wakiso Shs1 billion and Mukono Shs1 billion, that's not too much money,” he said. The President, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, made the pledge today while meeting a group of mechanics and garage operators in Kampala City and Metropolitan Area at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. During the engagement, the mechanics presented their sector priorities including insurance coverage, structured representation, and access to tools and capital. According to the President, the money will be borrowed by individual mechanics to buy tools to help them ease their operations. “You will be able to borrow money like Shs700,000, Shs2 million or Shs4 million to buy tools. You borrow, you use and pay back with a simple interest of 6 percent per annum,” he stated. President Museveni also revealed that he took the decision to increase the funds after realising that the recent Shs100 million the government gave them is not enough. He further urged the mechanics in the five divisions of Kampala to form one SACCO for easy management of the funds. “Even during this period before elections, we are going to first add you Shs200 million. Then after elections, we shall see what we can do more in the next budget,” he said, further informing the mechanics that he is meeting them as the current President of Uganda, not as a Presidential candidate. President Museveni also confirmed government plans to purchase land and establish garages for mechanics to operate with fully equipped common user facilities such as modern equipment, breakdown services and wheel loaders. He emphasised that when the government donates the equipment, they should not be owned by individuals, and that they should be used to benefit all the intended groups. “All that you are requesting is possible. We are going to purchase land for you. The most important issue you raised is that when we buy these equipment, they will remain in the government's name,” he said. “Properties which we donate, like the land, should remain in the name of the government. Now the question is when we set up the garage and equipment, who will be responsible for these machines?” he inquired. President Museveni also questioned the use of funds he directed to garage and mechanics’ associations in Kampala and Masaka some years back. “I sent funding to mechanics and garage associations 10 years ago. Now I have come to demand for accountability,” he said. “We are here and we are still alive, we shall soon know who mismanaged those equipment,” he said before ordering for a probe into the utilisation of the funds disbursed to mechanics in Kampala and Masaka. Furthermore, he dismissed claims that the government neglected garage operators and mechanics, citing several earlier support initiatives to the sector. President Museveni also hinted on the planned health insurance scheme under review and promised to initiate a separate fund to support women working in motor garages as well as funds to help sex workers quit that occupation and embrace decent job opportunities. The Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda assured the President that most of the mechanics in Kampala are supporting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government. She also underscored their role in the socio-economic transformation of Uganda and assured them of more government support. “We should work together to steer more development in Uganda,” she said. On her part, the Commissioner of the National Secretariat for the Patriotism Corps and Private Secretary to H.E the President in charge of Youth Affairs, Ms. Hellen Seku hailed President Museveni for empowering mechanics in Kampala and for accepting to meet them to discuss challenges and progress in their work. “I thank you for the Shs100 million you invested in each mechanics SACCO across the five divisions of Kampala which has overwhelmingly empowered them economically. Today marks yet another step towards transforming this group to greater heights,” she said. The Special Presidential Assistant, Kisakyamukama Yiga commended President Museveni for supporting the mechanics to fight poverty and improve their livelihoods. “Mzee, you gave Shs500 million to the Mechanics & Garage Operators SACCOs in Kampala. However, we also thought you would support us by purchasing a 100-by-100 plot of land in the name of the Presidential Initiative for Garage Owners and Mechanics Association,” he appealed. The Kampala Central Division Mayor and NRM Chairperson for Kampala, Mr. Salim Uhuru informed the President that due to the good leadership of the National Resistance Movement government, places like Kiseka Market which were known for chaos are now peaceful. “There is no more chaos or burning of tires in Kiseka Market. The place is now peaceful, the mechanics are organised, and many of them proudly support the NRM and your leadership, Mr President,” he said. Several Division mechanic representatives from Kampala, Wakiso and Mpigi who included Nayika Musa, Charles Obbo, Kabogoza Toffa, Zzimbe Hudson, among others submitted their support requests to President Museveni during the engagement.

2025-12-28

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS HOIMA CITY STADIUM, HAILS AFCON 2027 AS CATALYST FOR UGANDA’S SPORTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE BOOM

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today officially commissioned the Hoima City Stadium, marking a major milestone in Uganda’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Kenya and Tanzania. The commissioning ceremony, held in Hoima City, Bunyoro sub-region, was attended by thousands of residents, sports fans, government officials, and dignitaries from across the country and abroad. The President was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, who oversaw the project’s implementation. Constructed by Turkish firm Summa International Construction Company Inc, the Hoima City Stadium is a $129 million (approximately Shs463 billion) multi-sports complex that was completed in a record 12 months, four months ahead of schedule. The Government of Uganda signed the construction contract with Summa in June 2024 as part of preparations for AFCON 2027, which Uganda will co-host under the “Pamoja Bid” with Kenya and Tanzania. Addressing the gathering, President Museveni praised Summa for what he described as exceptional workmanship and efficiency, noting that the project stood as evidence of what Uganda can achieve with proper planning, discipline, and prioritisation. “I want to thank the Turkish company for the good work. I have seen the stadium, and I have also seen some of the roads they have constructed. They are very good workers, and we are going to do more with them,” President Museveni said. “It is now my pleasure to officially commission the Hoima City Stadium,” he added, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. To symbolically launch the stadium, the President stepped onto the pitch and juggled a football three times at the centre circle, amid ululations and applause from thousands of football fans who had packed the stands. Built on a 34-acre piece of land on the outskirts of Hoima City, the stadium complex comprises a 20,000-seater outdoor stadium designed to host football, rugby, and athletics, as well as a 2,000-seater indoor arena for indoor sports such as basketball, netball, volleyball, and other disciplines. President Museveni commended the family of the late Dr. Rujumba, who donated 10 acres of land towards the project. “I want to start by thanking the family of the late Rujumba for the land to construct the stadium. Thank you, the Rujumba family, for your patriotism,” the President said. President Museveni also clarified public concerns regarding the financing of the stadium, stressing that the project was fully funded by the Government of Uganda, following a strategic decision to avoid high-interest pre-financing arrangements. “Initially, the Summa company was supposed to pre-finance the project, but we found that their money came with a lot of interest. So, we said no — let us fund the project ourselves,” the President explained. He used the occasion to address public debate around government spending on sports infrastructure, arguing that Uganda’s ability to undertake such projects was anchored in the country’s strong economic fundamentals. “I have been seeing people in the media talking about this and that — things they are not sure about. The truth is that we have constructed this stadium with our own money in the shortest time possible because we have the money,” President Museveni said. “Uganda has the money, but we cannot do everything at once. Development requires prioritisation.” The facility meets international and FIFA-compliant standards, making it suitable for hosting continental and international competitions beyond AFCON 2027. In addition to the main stadium, the complex includes training areas, athlete facilities, administrative blocks, media zones, parking areas, and modern security and safety installations. President Museveni linked Uganda’s capacity to invest in major infrastructure projects to decades of economic restructuring under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government. He highlighted agriculture as the foundation of Uganda’s economy, noting that the country is among the few globally that does not rely on food imports. “Agriculture is very strong. We don’t import food. Bananas, maize, milk, beef — all these are produced here. That is the base of our economy,” he said. From agriculture, President Museveni said, Uganda had expanded into manufacturing — including vehicle assembly — and services such as tourism, hospitality, music, dance and drama (MDD), and now sports. “We had not concentrated so much on sports before because we were busy with security, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. But now sports are also part of the economy,” he explained. President Museveni described Uganda’s successful bid to co-host AFCON 2027 as a turning point that compelled the country to fast-track sports infrastructure development. “When we took on the responsibility of hosting AFCON 2027 with Kenya and Tanzania, we realised we could not afford to be embarrassed,” he said. “We said we must do what it takes so that when visitors come, we have everything ready.” He added that Hoima City Stadium exemplified what he termed the “NRM method of work” — identifying priorities and mobilising resources to deliver results within set timelines. “This AFCON has stimulated us to do something here. If you want to understand prioritisation, come to Hoima and look at this stadium,” President Museveni said. A Christmas gift to Uganda: On her part, Maama Janet 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. State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang described Hoima City Stadium as one of the best-executed government projects in recent years. He traced the project’s origins to early 2023, when President Museveni introduced Summa to the Ministry of Education and Sports to plan phased sports infrastructure development, initially focusing on Lugogo Sports Complex. “However, when CAF announced in September 2023 that Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania had won the AFCON hosting rights, priorities shifted, and Hoima City Stadium became the starting point,” Hon. Ogwang said. He noted that public feedback on the project had been overwhelmingly positive, attributing this to transparency and regular public access to the construction site. Turkish-Ugandan Partnership: Turkish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Mehmet Fatih described the stadium as a symbol of ambition, partnership, and shared belief in the future. “This stadium is more than steel and concrete. It reflects the strength of Turkish-Ugandan relations and the professionalism of Turkish construction companies,” he said. He revealed that thousands of Ugandans were employed during construction, working alongside Turkish engineers in a process that ensured skills and technology transfer. Summa Construction Chairman, Mr. Selim Bora said the stadium’s completion in 12 months was achieved through disciplined planning and extraordinary commitment, despite over 150 days of heavy rainfall during construction. “More than 2,500 people worked on this project, 80 percent of them Ugandans. This is not just infrastructure — it is capacity building and human capital development,” Mr. Bora 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 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.

2025-12-24