President Museveni to launch Akii Bua stadium construction in Lira

17 June 2024, 7:12 pm

President Yoweri Museveni is expected to inaugurate the construction of Akii Bua stadium in Lira City this July, honouring Uganda’s first Olympic gold medalist, John Akii Bua. The 20,000 seat stadium, to be built by Samco contractors and Khater sport, is scheduled for completion in 18 months, in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

By Simon Peter Odongo
Lira

President Yoweri Museveni is set to inaugurate the construction of Akii Bua stadium in Lira City in July. This project, first announced in 2008, fulfills his pledge to honour the late John Akii Bua, Uganda’s first Olympic gold medalist from the 1972 Munich games.

During a meeting at the stadium site on Friday, June 14, 2024, Ambrose Tashobya, Chairperson of the National Council of Sports, confirmed that project contractors Samco contractors and Khater sport from Egypt are ready to commence construction. The 20,000 seat stadium is expected to be completed in 18 months, in time to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Lira Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole expressed gratitude to the government for fulfilling this long standing demand from the people of Lango.

Lira City Mayor Sam Atul pledged full support for the project.

Lira District Chairperson RCM Okello Orik noted that the stadium’s construction comes at a crucial time, implying that further delays could have negatively impacted NRM’s political support in the region.

The government has allocated 100 billion shillings to commence the Akii Bua stadium project in the upcoming financial year, as a significant step towards prioritising sports infrastructure development. Additionally, 152 billion shillings have been earmarked for the Hoima stadium project, which is part of Uganda’s joint bid with Kenya and Tanzania to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.