Following a series of high-level industrial engagements, the Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) team, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, shifted focus from energy to infrastructure with a visit to the magnificent Hoima City Stadium. Standing as a symbol of Uganda’s #AFCON2027 aspirations, the stadium is a testament to what rapid engineering excellence can achieve in the heart of Western Uganda.
A Marvel of Rapid Engineering: The delegation was welcomed by Eng. Moses Ogeny,
who provided a fascinating background on the stadium’s development. In a remarkable feat of construction, the facility took only 13 months from its ground breaking to its official inauguration on December 24, 2025. Constructed by the Turkish firm SUMMA, the 20,000-capacity stadium is built to international standards, featuring a parking capacity for 200 vehicles and state-of-the-art facilities designed to host world-class sporting events.
A Legacy of Community Generosity: Beyond the steel and concrete, the stadium sits on a foundation of profound community spirit. Eng. Ogeny highlighted that the 41-acre site was generously donated by Dr. Rugamba and his family. This act of philanthropy has paved the way for a transformative piece of infrastructure that serves the entire Albertine region.
On Your Marks!: The visit was not just a formal briefing; the MUST team took to the tracks for a firsthand experience of the facility. Embracing the spirit of sportsmanship and fitness, members of management and faculty tested the world-class running tracks and toured the following areas: a high-performance gym and a Multi-Purpose Indoor Arena for various sports.
They also visited the stadium’s specialized zones, including the Team Dressing Room Suites, the Technical Area (team benches), and the Venue Operations Centre (VOC) the high-tech control room for security and match management. Additionally, the team inspected the premium VVIP/VIP Tier, private Hospitality Skyboxes, and the fully equipped Media Tribune and Press Conference Theatre.
Science, Technology, and Sports: For MUST, this visit underscores the importance of infrastructure in regional development. As a university dedicated to the application of science and technology, observing the precision and speed of the SUMMA construction provides a real-world case study for the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology (FAST). This visit serves as a reminder that the growth of the Albertine region is multi-dimensional fueled by oil, but anchored by world-class infrastructure and community health.
“At MUST, we believe that a sharp mind truly resides in a healthy body. This stadium is more than just an engineering marvel; it is a sanctuary for wellness and a training ground for the very discipline required in both sports and science. It is my dream to see a facility of this caliber at MUST, driven by my passion to see our university community embrace fitness as a fundamental pillar of academic and professional excellence.” Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, Vice Chancellor.
Succeed we MUST
