Uganda’s Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, has stirred heated debate after boldly claiming that the newly unveiled Hoima City Stadium surpasses some of the world’s most iconic football venues, including Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Speaking during a ministerial tour of key infrastructure projects in Bunyoro on Sunday, June 21, 2026, Barugahara praised the facility’s modern design and standards, even comparing it to England’s prestigious Wembley Stadium and that even some of Barclays Premier league clubs could come and train from the facility but he called the government to start initiative that support the sport in Bunyoro region.
“Hoima Stadium is better than Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It’s close to Wembley,” the minister remarked.
The 20,000-seater Hoima City Stadium is a multi-purpose sports facility located in western Uganda. It was recently commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni and is part of Uganda’s preparations to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
While government officials have hailed the stadium as a landmark achievement for Uganda’s sports infrastructure, the minister’s comparison to elite Premier League venues has triggered mixed reactions online.
Supporters praised the development as a symbol of national progress and pride, while critics argued that although the stadium is impressive for regional standards, it does not match the scale, capacity, or global status of Europe’s top-tier football arenas.
The remarks have since fueled widespread discussion, highlighting both growing national confidence in Uganda’s infrastructure and the ongoing debate over how it compares on the global stage.
