President Museveni lauds Türkiye's role in infrastructure development in Uganda

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has hailed the East African nation's strong ties with Türkiye and commended Turkish companies for their contributions to Uganda's infrastructure development.

Speaking at the commissioning of Uganda's largest sports complex in western Uganda, constructed by Turkish company SUMMA, President Museveni described the project as a strategic investment in youth development, sports tourism, and national pride.

The state-of-the-art facility is one of the most advanced sports complexes in East Africa and is set to host both domestic and international games, including matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Uganda will co-host alongside Kenya and Tanzania.

Turkish Ambassador to Uganda, Fatih Ak, highlighted the robust and growing partnership between the two countries.

'Excellent relations'

"Türkiye and Uganda enjoy excellent political and economic relations, grounded in mutual respect and shared aspirations. Under the strong and visionary leadership of President Museveni and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, our cooperation has grown into a strategic partnership. Hoima City Stadium stands today as a visible and lasting symbol of that friendship," he said.

Ambassador Ak also emphasised the role of Turkish companies in Uganda's infrastructure development.

"I am proud to say that this landmark project was built by SUMMA, a leading Turkish construction company whose professionalism, efficiency, and commitment to quality are recognised worldwide. I commend all Turkish companies operating in Uganda for their dedication and for being strong partners in Uganda's development journey," he added.

Other Turkish firms contributing to Uganda's infrastructure include Yapı Merkezi, which is constructing the Standard Gauge Railway, and Polat Yol Yapi Sanayi, currently upgrading the 92-kilometre Muyembe–Nakapiripirit road.

Bridge of friendship

Highlighting Uganda's football achievements, Ambassador Ak mentioned Majid Musisi, who set a record transfer fee of $1 million when he joined Turkish team Bursaspor in 1994.

"Majid Musisi proudly represented Uganda and left a lasting impression in Türkiye. His famous 'crocodile walk' goal celebration remains unforgettable. Today, we pay tribute to him as a football icon and as a bridge of friendship between Uganda and Türkiye," he said.

According to Selim Bora, SUMMA's chairperson, the stadium will host football and indoor games, while also serving as a hub for sports tourism and corporate events.

Uganda's Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, told TRT Afrika that the government has earmarked funds for additional sports facilities across the country to boost the sector.

Job creation

"President Museveni approved $130 million for the construction of Hoima City Stadium. Similar projects are in the pipeline," he said.

The construction of the stadium created over 1,060 jobs, 69% of which were filled by Ugandans, according to Bernard Patrick Ogwel, the General Secretary of Uganda's National Council of Sports. The complex spans 16.8 hectares and includes parking for more than 800 vehicles.