Over 1,000 individuals, including political and religious leaders from the Tooro Sub-region, have submitted a petition to President Museveni regarding the delayed construction of Buhinga Stadium.
In 2018, during a groundbreaking ceremony in Fort Portal, President Museveni announced the government’s intention to build 18 stadiums across the country, with one planned for Buhinga. However, other infrastructure projects such as roads, electricity, schools, hospitals, ICT, and railways took precedence.
Nevertheless, he committed to constructing one stadium in each of the designated zones, with an estimated cost of approximately Shs6 billion. Construction of Buhinga Stadium in Fort Portal ceased in May 2020 after the perimeter wall was completed.
In October 2020, the government redirected its efforts to constructing the Buhinga annex stadium, which would have a seating capacity of 40,000, in Rwengaju Sub-county, Kabarole District, following a grant from the Chinese government. The Ministry of Sports and Education contracted Infrastructure Cost and Management Consultancy Limited in the same year to conduct a feasibility study at the construction site in Kyembogo, Rwengaju Sub-county, at a cost of Shs560 million. The feasibility study was followed by the development of designs presented to district officials.
Since 2020, there has been minimal progress on the construction of either Buhinga Stadium in Fort Portal City or Buhinga Annex Stadium.
In light of Uganda’s bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations, Tooro leaders have petitioned President Museveni to initiate the construction of the Buhinga annex stadium, believing that its completion before 2027 would enhance their chances of hosting the games. They referenced a parliamentary resolution from the previous year supporting the construction of two national stadiums, with Buhinga Stadium being one of them.
The petition was received by the Office of the President, the Ministry of Education, and the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) on October 11.
The petitioners expressed concerns about unexpected changes in the construction plans, with a focus on Akii Bua Stadium in Lira and another stadium in Hoima district. During a parliamentary session on October 3, the Minister of Education and Sports, Ms. Janet Museveni, reiterated the government’s commitment to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the facilities, but it remained unclear whether Buhinga Stadium would be prioritized for AFCON.
Fort Portal City Central Division MP, Mr. Alex Ruhunda, emphasized the importance of honoring the presidential pledge and the people’s long-standing desire for Buhinga Stadium.
The petitioners called on the government to build the stadium, highlighting the potential tourism benefits and economic opportunities associated with hosting AFCON 2027 in the Tooro Sub-region.
