In a significant move to bolster its sports infrastructure ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Government of Uganda has inked a contract with Egypt's SAMCO National Construction Company to build the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City. The $129 million project is slated for completion within 20 months. The signing ceremony, held on December 6, 2024, at State House Nakasero, was presided over by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni. During the event, Mrs. Museveni handed over an 18.455-hectare land title designated for the stadium's construction to Ambrose Tashobya, Chairperson of the National Council of Sports.State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, highlighted the stadium's advanced features, including:- A 20,000-seat main stadium equipped with an athletic track.
- Training facilities with multiple changing rooms.
- A 2,000-seat multi-sport indoor arena.
- A 25-meter semi-Olympic swimming pool.
- Outdoor courts for basketball, netball, volleyball, and badminton.
- Parking space accommodating up to 1,000 vehicles.
The complex will also feature comprehensive infrastructure, including roads, utilities, ICT systems, a sewage treatment plant, landscaping, perimeter fencing, and security systems. Additional amenities encompass a fully furnished clubhouse for stadium operations, a 60-room hostel, five sports pitches, and a borehole to reduce water maintenance costs. Hon. Ogwang acknowledged the prolonged anticipation since President Museveni's 2010 pledge to construct the stadium for the Lango community. He emphasized that the realization of this project stands as a testament to the government's commitment to developing sports infrastructure in the region. The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister of Health and Woman MP for Lira City; Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development and MP for Oyam South; Deputy Attorney General Hon. Kafuuzi Jackson; Education Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda; and John Bosco Suuza, Director of Legal Advisory Services from the Attorney General’s Office. Representatives from the National Council of Sports, FUFA, the Ministry of Education and Sports, PPDA, and Ahmed Abdelgalil Abdelhadi, SAMCO National Construction's Country Manager, were also present. The Akii Bua Olympic Stadium is named in honor of John Akii-Bua, Uganda's first Olympic gold medalist, who won the 400 meters hurdles at the 1972 Munich Olympics, setting a world record. The facility is expected to play a pivotal role in hosting events during the 2027 AFCON tournament, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.Join the Daily West Nile WhatsApp group now to never miss an update from us.Download Host Media Now from the Play Store to watch HostTV, listen to Host Radio Live, and stay informed—all in one convenient app!
