Inside Lango MPs’ Akii-Bua tour: roads, airfield and hotel funds dominate

11 August 2026, 2:06 pm

By Frank Oyugi and Felix Omara

Lira City — Members of the Lango Parliamentary Group (LPG) spent the weekend inspecting infrastructure across Lira City, raising concerns over missing road funds, unfulfilled aviation commitments and financing gaps facing the local hospitality sector ahead of the AFCON 2027 tournament.

The delegation, led by LPG Chairperson and Oyam South MP Patrick Okumu (Patrick Ogwang Obura), alongside MPs Patrick Ongom (Erute North), Collins Angwec (Kioga County), Fred Jalameso (Ajuri County), Leo Elem (Moroto County) and Peter Obong Acuda (Maruzi County), conducted a comprehensive inspection of the $130 million Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium project.

While acknowledging progress in the physical construction of the stadium, the lawmakers warned that the facility cannot operate in isolation without a functional supporting infrastructure network.

Unaccounted road funds and key transport links

Central to the MPs’ concerns are missing or delayed funds intended for the 18-kilometre road network surrounding Akii-Bua Stadium. Critical access routes, including the Labour Line–Slow Board to Boro Boro stretch and the Adekokwok route, were slated for full asphalt paving and solar street lighting.

Lawmakers said funds allocated for these vital connections appear to be unaccounted for, raising concerns about stadium accessibility and security.

The caucus also expanded its regional transport demands, calling on the central Government to urgently establish and operationalise Anai Airfield to handle VVIP and team travel.

The legislators also called for the immediate tarmacking of the Lira–Aboke–Bobi road, emphasising that efficient regional transport corridors will be essential for the logistical success of the tournament when Africa’s premier football competition kicks off.

Local hoteliers seek access to UGX 101 billion UDB facility

The stadium tour was followed by a consultative meeting at Gracious Palace Hotel, where LPG lawmakers met leaders from Lira City’s hospitality sector to assess the readiness of local accommodation facilities.

Speaking on behalf of local hotel proprietors, Dr Patrick Olet urged the lawmakers to champion their concerns in Parliament to ensure that regional businesses benefit directly from government interventions.

Specifically, hoteliers are seeking streamlined access to the UGX 101 billion Uganda Development Bank (UDB) financing facility. Dr Olet said affordable, low-interest capital is critical to helping local operators upgrade their facilities to international five-star standards, create employment opportunities for young people and position Lira as a long-term sports and tourism hub beyond 2027.