Gov’t struggles to secure funding for Akii-Bua access roads

1 October 2026, 10:04 pm

By Winnie Auma

Kole North Member of Parliament, Dr Samuel Opio Acuti, has questioned the government’s delay in funding the tarmacking of roads leading to Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira City ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Opio says works on the roads should already be underway, given that Uganda is preparing to host the continental football tournament.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on 1/10/2027 , Dr Samuel Opio Acuti expressed concern over the delay in tarmacking the 18-kilometre Akii-Bua Stadium access roads, as well as the Corner Ayer–Corner Aboke–Bobi road.

He said the government needs to fast-track the process, arguing that road construction should by now be progressing in preparation for the continental tournament.

Responding to the matter, the Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja, says the government plans to use Akii-Bua Stadium as one of the venues for AFCON 2027.

Nabbanja says the government has already released funds for the renovation of hotels that will accommodate players and other visitors during the tournament.

However, she says funding for the construction of the roads has not yet been secured and called on local leaders to continue engaging the government as efforts to secure funding continue.

In Lira City, the Mayor, Sam Atul, says he is optimistic about the government’s support as preparations for AFCON 2027 continue. Atul has suggested that the government could consider contracting SAMCO, the company currently constructing Akii-Bua Stadium, to also undertake road works around the stadium.

Government contracted SAMCO in December 2024 to construct Akii-Bua Stadium.The stadium project is expected to be completed by January 2027, as Uganda and its co-hosts prepare to host AFCON later that year.