For a long time, I had wanted to see it with my own eyes.
The newly built Hoima Stadium had been spoken about in glowing terms — whispers of a five-star, state-of-the-art masterpiece rising quietly in Western Uganda.
Today, thanks to Uganda’s ambitious bid to host the 2031 African Games, I finally got the opportunity.
And I can testify: the rumors are absolutely true.
A Stadium Built to Global Standard
Constructed by Turkish firm SUMMA, the Hoima Stadium is nothing short of magnificent.
As the African Union inspection team continued their evaluation of Uganda’s readiness — having visited Mandela National Stadium the previous day — today’s stop was Hoima.
This was more than just a routine inspection. It was a statement.
From the moment you step into the facility, you notice organization, structure, and intention.
Over 200 permanent employees are already stationed there, ensuring maintenance and operational excellence.
That alone speaks volumes about sustainability — something many African facilities struggle with after construction.
The presidential suite is elegant and commanding. The VIP and VVIP sections are thoughtfully designed.
The commentators’ room, TV room, and most impressively for me, the media centre and media tribune, are built with international broadcasting standards in mind.
As someone who works behind the lens and around media spaces, I could not help but imagine the energy of a packed continental event being transmitted from that very room.
Infrastructure That Impresses
We were shown three independent power backup systems — redundancy at its best. The sound system is magnificent. The changing rooms are modern, spacious, and athlete-friendly.
There is even a sauna and an ice bath tub — recovery facilities that elite athletes expect at top competitions.
We were wowed.
The Indoor Arena: A Hidden Gem
Then came the indoor arena.
Boy, oh boy.
The African Union inspectors were visibly impressed. You could hear the admiration in their reactions. Some even suggested that Uganda should consider hosting more events in that arena even before 2031.
It is world-class — capable of handling basketball, volleyball, boxing, and other indoor disciplines at continental level.
Hotels & Infrastructure: Government Already Ahead
One major concern for multi-sport events is accommodation. But according to Patrick Ogwel, the General Secretary, government is already ahead of the curve.
He assured inspectors that by the time of the Games, at least seven up-to-standard hotels will be ready in the Hoima area.
The road network and connecting infrastructure are already in good shape, with maintenance ongoing where necessary.
The planning appears intentional, not reactive.
More Than Just Sports
Dr. Ogwel emphasized that the 2031 African Games would not only be a sporting spectacle but an opportunity to showcase Uganda to the world.
From our national parks to historical sites, from our vibrant nightlife to our beautiful climate — this is about sports tourism. It is about positioning Uganda as a destination.
What This Means for Uganda
The visit by the African Union team was more than inspection — it was validation.
Uganda is no longer just participating in continental sport. It is positioning itself as a host nation, a destination, a hub.
Hoima Stadium is proof that when vision meets execution, transformation happens.
And for the first time, standing there in that magnificent arena, you could truly see it:
2031 is not just a bid.
It is a possibility.
