As the construction of the multi-purpose Hoima stadium begins, Bugahya legislator Pius Wakabi has issued a public warning against scammers exploiting job seekers. With the Turkish firm MS Summa initiating site clearing, recruitment of casual laborers, land surveys, and soil testing in Hoima City, the project has attracted con artists promising fake job opportunities.
The Hoima stadium project, located four kilometers off Hoima City on the Hoima-Masindi highway in Kyarwiru village, Mparo, kicked off following a contract signed on June 7 with Education and Sports Minister Janet Museveni. The construction is part of the preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
MP Wakabi, whose family donated the initial 20 acres for the stadium, revealed that Parliament has already allocated 30 percent of the proposed Shs132 billion budget. Despite skepticism about the project’s commencement, Wakabi confirmed that site activities like bush clearing, soil testing, and recruitment are underway and will be completed within two weeks.
However, Wakabi cautioned locals to be vigilant against fraudsters. Recently, scammers from Kampala have been charging individuals Shs50,000, falsely claiming to offer training for stadium security jobs. This scam has reportedly defrauded residents of Shs50 million.
Albertine Region Police spokesperson Julius Hakiza confirmed the scam, stating that investigations are ongoing. The official launch of the 20,000-seater Hoima stadium by President Museveni will be announced soon. Wakabi emphasized that the stadium will spur development in Bunyoro, particularly in the hotel and hospitality sectors, and that legitimate job opportunities will be available.
