President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni, who also serves as the Minister of Education and Sports, have officially launched the construction of the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City. The state-of-the-art $129 million facility, undertaken by Egyptian firms SAMCO National Construction Company and Khater Sports, is expected to be completed within 20 months.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, President Museveni addressed concerns regarding delays in construction, attributing them to competing national priorities. He also dismissed claims that the project was politically motivated, warning against election campaigns based on misinformation.
“No Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, no votes for NRM? We are tired of lies. Elections should be based on truth, not deception,” Museveni stated.
Why the Stadium’s Construction Was Delayed
The President emphasized that the government did not neglect sports infrastructure but had to prioritize essential services such as peace, infrastructure, education, and healthcare before investing in stadiums.
“The delay in Akii-Bua Stadium’s construction was not due to neglect. We had to focus on survival first—peace, food, education, and health,” Museveni explained.
He urged Ugandans to be wary of politicians who claim they can do everything at once, labeling them as dishonest.
Uganda’s Commitment to AFCON 2027
Museveni reiterated Uganda’s commitment to co-hosting AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania, stressing that the government would fast-track stadium construction to meet international standards.
“We agreed with Kenya and Tanzania to host AFCON. To meet the requirements, we will construct the three stadiums needed—Namboole, Nakivubo, and Akii-Bua,” he said.
However, he noted that Confederation of African Football (CAF) required a stadium near an international airport, which led to the inclusion of Hoima Stadium due to its proximity to Kabalega International Airport.
Additionally, Museveni assured the public that the government plans to construct regional stadiums in a phased approach.
First Lady Hails the Milestone
First Lady Janet Museveni described the event as a new chapter for Ugandan sports, thanking President Museveni for his continuous support.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for always prioritizing sports despite your busy schedule. Your commitment has encouraged young athletes who look up to you as a coach and cheerleader,” she said.
She acknowledged the delays in construction but expressed confidence in God’s perfect timing for the long-awaited project.
Janet Museveni also provided an update on ongoing and future sports infrastructure projects, including:
- Hoima City Stadium construction
- Mandela National Stadium renovation
- Buhinga, Kakyeka, and Lugogo Sports Complex development
She assured that these investments would bridge Uganda’s sports infrastructure gap, benefiting communities beyond AFCON 2027.
Local Leaders and Stakeholders Celebrate the Project
Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng thanked the President and First Lady for prioritizing sports in Lango sub-region, highlighting the presence of strong local football clubs in the area.
The event was attended by several government officials, including:
- Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Betty Amongi
- Minister of State for Northern Uganda, Dr. Kenneth Omona
- Former Egyptian Diplomat in Kampala, Ambassador Mohamed El-Hamzani
- SAMCO Project Manager, Mohamed Nazih
With construction now underway, Uganda moves closer to fulfilling its promise of world-class sports infrastructure, positioning itself as a key player in African and global sporting events.
