Kampala, (UG):- Government of Uganda Friday announced striking an agreement with an Egyptian firm, SAMCO, to build the much-anticipated Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City.
The stadium, named after Uganda’s legendary Olympic gold medalist John Akii-Bua, will have a seating capacity of 20,000 and is designed to serve as a state-of-the-art sports venue.
The contract was signed at State House, Nakasero, witnessed by prominent figures, including the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, and officials from SAMCO and the National Council of Sports.
DailyExpress understands that the stadium project will cost $129 million and is scheduled for completion within 20 months as Uganda prepares to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, which the country will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
“We signed the contract for the construction of Akii Bua Olympic Stadium at State House, Nakasero,” said Hon. Peter Ogwang, Uganda’s State Minister of Sports, who confirmed the deal. “The contractor, SAMCO, is expected to complete works in 20 months.”
The Akii Bua Olympic Stadium is expected to play a vital role in promoting sports in Uganda, with the 2027 AFCON serving as the primary event to showcase its capabilities.
The stadium will host football matches, track and field events, and other sporting competitions, benefiting athletes, fans, and the broader Ugandan economy. It will also serve as a venue for training and development, helping to nurture future sports talents in the country.
In addition to the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium, the Ugandan government is also making significant strides with the construction of the Hoima Stadium, which will be built by the Turkish firm SUMMA.
The government has committed to releasing approximately $200 million (UGX 730 billion) in January 2025 to fund both stadium projects.
This substantial financial investment is part of Uganda’s broader efforts to develop world-class sports infrastructure as it prepares to host the 2027 AFCON and other international sporting events.
Both SAMCO and SUMMA have the capacity to pre-finance their respective projects, ensuring that the construction process proceeds without delays.
This pre-financing arrangement is expected to facilitate a smoother and more efficient timeline, minimizing the risk of financial bottlenecks.
Minister Ogwang acknowledged that while President Museveni’s 2010 pledge to build the stadium for the people of Lango took time to materialize, it 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.
He expressed gratitude to Lira City and District’s local leadership for their support and urged the contractors to begin work promptly while adhering to the project timeline.
The Minister formally requested that the First Lady and His Excellency the President formally commission the construction works.
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