The Government of Uganda has taken a significant step towards elevating the country’s sports infrastructure with the signing of a contract with SAMCO National Construction Company, an Egyptian firm, to build the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City.
The stadium project, valued at $129 million, is scheduled for completion within 20 months and will feature a 20,000-seat main stadium with an athletic track, training facilities, and a 2,000-seat multi-sport indoor stadium.
According to State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, the planned Akii Bua Stadium is a state-of-the-art facility that will not only boost sports development in the region but also provide a platform for various sports events.
The stadium’s design includes a 25-meter semi-Olympic swimming pool, outdoor courts for basketball, netball, volleyball, and badminton, as well as a 1,000-vehicle parking facility.
Hon. Ogwang acknowledged that President Museveni’s 2010 pledge to build the stadium took time to materialize but represents one of the NRM Government’s most significant achievements.
“To the people of Lango, I know you have been very impatient about this, but today the stadium is a reality, and we want full votes for NRM,” Ogwang said.
The contract signing ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni, and representatives from the National Council of Sports, FUFA, and the Ministry of Education and Sports.
The Akii Bua Olympic Stadium is part of Uganda’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
With the construction of the stadium set to begin soon, Hon. Ogwang urged the contractors to work promptly and adhere to the project timeline.
The stadium’s completion is expected to have a significant impact on the sports sector in Uganda, providing a world-class facility for athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.
