On Wednesday President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibihaburwa launched the construction of the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City, with an allocated budget of Sh490 million. The project, which was handed over to the Egyptian company SAMCO National Construction Company in December 2024, is expected to take 20 months to complete. The 20,000-seater stadium is being built in honor of Uganda's first Olympic gold medalist, John Akii-Bua.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Museveni explained the delay in starting the project, attributing it to a focus on national priorities like peace and citizen welfare. He also clarified that the Hoima stadium, which was not initially planned, became a priority following the proposal to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Museveni dismissed any political motivations behind the timing of the launch, particularly with the upcoming General Election, emphasizing that the stadium's development was part of a broader commitment to national progress.
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni, echoed the President’s sentiment, stressing that the development of sports infrastructure has been a priority for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), though resources had to be allocated to other urgent areas in the past.
Lira City Mayor Sam Atul urged the President to consider building an international airport in Lira, noting that this, alongside the new stadium, would boost development across the Lango region. Lira City Woman MP and Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Aceng Ocero, also highlighted the stadium's potential to nurture sporting talent throughout Lango and beyond.
Upon completion, the Akii-Bua Stadium will feature an athletic track, training facilities with two changing rooms, a 2,000-seat multi-sport indoor stadium, a 25-meter semi-Olympic swimming pool, outdoor courts for various sports, and a parking area for 1,000 vehicles. Additional amenities will include five sports pitches, a fully equipped clubhouse, and a 60-room hostel.
By Elite Daily News
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