By Charles Achoda
The State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang says that the construction of the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City is ahead of schedule, with the Government targeting handover before the contractual deadline of 2nd January 2027.
Speaking during an inspection of the facility and the university training pitch on Monday Ogwang noted that the contractor, SAMCO National Construction Company, has made significant progress despite minor delays on the training ground.
“The contract we signed is that the stadium could be handed over on 2nd of January, but the contractor is ahead of schedule,” Ogwang said.
According to the latest inspection, overall progress stands at about 75%, with the project now entering finishing works.
The 20,000-seater complex includes a main stadium with an athletics track, a 2,000-seater indoor multi-sport arena, a 25-metre semi-Olympic swimming pool, a fully furnished clubhouse, a 60-room hostel, tennis courts, basketball, netball and volleyball courts, and five training pitches.
“The arena is on course, the swimming pool is on course, the clubhouse is on course, the hostel and the guest wing are on course, the tennis courts are on course,” Ogwang noted.
He admitted the university training pitch is slightly behind schedule but the government is working closely with CAF to ensure all facilities meet standards.
“We are working closely with CAF. They have visited this training pitch and the main stadium. We are working towards ensuring that these facilities are ready for AFCON 2027,” he said.
Uganda will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Kenya and Tanzania, and Akii-Bua has been designated as a backup training and hosting venue.
When asked about the poor access roads, Ogwang acknowledged concerns raised by Lango leaders despite being outside his docket.
He urged private investors to invest in 4 and 5-star hotels to meet CAF requirements.
National Council of Sports General Secretary Dr. Bernard Ogwel confirmed that all monies have been released to facilitate the construction works of these training facilities.
He commended the government for the tireless efforts in promoting sports in the country.
Minister Ogwang was accompanied by his fellow cabinet minister Sam Engol – the minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees along with other local leaders.
